Paige Bontrager of Shipshewana Recognized for Superior Academic Performance

HUNTINGTON, IN (11/02/2011)(readMedia)-- Huntington University sophomore Paige Bontrager has been recognized as an outstanding first-generation student by the Independent Colleges of Indiana.

Made possible by a grant to ICI from the Lilly Endowment, "Realizing the Dream" recognizes the triumphs of first-generation students in their first year of college.

Bontrager, a nursing student from Shipshewana, Ind., has demonstrated superior academic performance during her first year of studies and exhibited leadership in campus or community activities, according to ICI.

She will be honored, along with other students from 31 independent college campuses in Indiana and the mentors who most encouraged those students, during a banquet in Indianapolis on Nov. 5. She is being awarded a $2,000 grant to apply toward her education.

The program also celebrates the roles played by teachers and parents in shaping student aspirations for a college education. After being chosen by their college, the students then named the elementary or secondary teacher or counselor who most influenced them to attend college. These mentors will each receive a $1,000 professional development award. Bontrager recognized Jonathan Cook from Westview Junior-Senior High School in Topeka, Ind.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America's Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution to its "Best in the Midwest" list. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

For text of this and all Huntington University news releases, visit www.huntington.edu/news.