Kids Who Care: First-generation college student surprised with full scholarship
By David Tilmans
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NORTH MANCHESTER, Indiana (WFFT) — Kalli Davis has visited Manchester University plenty of times throughout her childhood, but up until recently she did not think that she would be able to attend the school.
“It’s kind of always been on my radar. 6th grade, I actually did a project on why I wanted to come here. But I never thought I would, because people would always tell me how expensive it is,” Davis says.
Still, the Wabash High School senior has been verbally committed to play softball for Manchester since her sophomore year. She officially signed for the Spartans this past December, and her signing day also brought the surprise of a lifetime.
University administrators were on hand to present Kalli with Manchester’s Honors Scholarship Award, a four-year full scholarship recognizing Davis’s academic excellence and leadership. She is one of just two high school seniors to earn this scholarship.
“I walked in with my parents and my principal and I saw them there and I just felt so emotional,” Davis recalls. “This is such a wonderful opportunity and I am just so grateful to have it.”
Davis is preparing for her fourth season of varsity softball at Wabash and has been invited to national showcases. However, her talents and accomplishments extend far beyond the diamond.
Kalli currently serves as President of Wabash High School’s Key Club, where she has a role organizing service projects and opportunities for students to volunteer within the community. She highlights recent fundraising efforts by the school for UNICEF, and also invites folks out to a blood drive at Wabash High School on Wednesday, January 28th.
Additionally, Davis is part of the school’s academic team, book club, and band programs. She has attended leadership seminars such as the HOBY State Leadership Seminar. Kalli is also a part of the Apaches’ band programs.
Upon graduating high school, Kalli is also set to earn her associate degree thanks to dual credit courses and summer classes. She plans to major in applied mathematics at Manchester with dreams of becoming a teacher in secondary education. She has had chances to foster her love for education through internships with other Wabash City Schools.
“Right now with my high school, I do an internship with fifth grade. I work with Ms. [Heather] McKee, I think it’s really awesome what she does,” Davis explains. “She’s one of my other inspirations, along with Mr. [Austin] Terheide, who have made me want to go into teaching.”
Davis also gives thanks to her parents and Manchester University Softball Coach Sara Emerich for helping her along her journey.
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