Last modified: Thursday, July 29, 2004
Wichita's Simon named Wells Scholar at IU
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Arri Simon of Wichita, Kan., has been selected as a Wells Scholar at Indiana University, one of 20 entering freshmen so honored. Simon plans to major in music composition, communication and culture, and Spanish at IU.
The Wells Scholarship, named in honor of the late university chancellor and former IU President Herman B Wells, ranks among the most competitive and prestigious awards offered by any American university. Wells Scholars receive full tuition, fees and a living stipend for four years of undergraduate study on the IU Bloomington campus.
A National Achievement Finalist, Simon is the first Wells Scholar from Wichita High School East, where he graduated with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. He placed third on the state level of the National Spanish Exam and was honored with the Kansas State High School Activities Association Citizenship Award.
An accomplished clarinetist and pianist, Simon earned superior ratings in the Kansas All-State Music Festival and was selected for the Kansas Music Educators Association All-State Honor Orchestra, the Wichita Youth Symphony, the Wichita Wind Ensemble and the District VI Regional Honor Ensemble.
At his high school, he served as secretary and as vice president in Tri M Music Honors Association and as band drum major. He received the John Philip Sousa Excellence in Band Award. A talented actor and vocalist, he performed leads in school plays and musicals and sang in the madrigal ensemble.
Simon has been active in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas and in his church youth group and its service programs, including a project that helped restore deteriorated living conditions on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Window Rock, Ariz. He was a four-year officer in his church youth council and served on the parish relations committee.
The Wells Scholars program offers special seminars, an optional year of study abroad and support for a summer research project or internship. It also emphasizes close interaction with faculty, academic and career advising, opportunities for community service and contact with distinguished visitors. Wells Scholars are members of the Honors College at IU, where they have the opportunity to apply for grants in support of research, teaching internships, professional experience, creative activity, conference travel and honors thesis work. They are selected for having demonstrated character, leadership and distinction, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Hometown information:
Arri Simon is the son of Robert Simon and Denise Jackson-Simon, 1736 Womer Drive, Wichita, Kan.
