Joan Byrum Pro-Life Scholarship

Right to Life of Indianapolis is dedicated to developing passionate pro-life leaders among the students of Marion County and the surrounding counties. Through our direct involvement with high school Teens for Life Clubs, we have seen the enthusiastic dedication of pro-life students.

In our effort to recognize and develop pro-life convictions and leadership among the students in the Indianapolis area, Right to Life of Indianapolis in 2007 began awarding an Annual $1000 Pro-Life Scholarship. In 2008 this scholarship was named in honor of Joan Byrum, President of Right to Life of Indianapolis from 1994-2008, in recognition of her belief in encouraging pro-life activities in youth.  The scholarship assists a student who has shown pro-life commitment and involvement during high school and dedication to the pro-life philosophy as they continue their education in college or a vocational program.

Applicants must be seniors graduating from high school (home school graduates are eligible) in the current school year and have applied to a college or a vocational school and then be accepted and enrolled by May 1, 2012. Students are eligible if they live in Marion County or any of it contiguous counties.  

Click Here for 2012 application and information.

The deadline for the 2012 Collegiate Scholarship is April 1, 2012.


Congratulations to our 2011 Joan Byrum Pro-Life Scholarship Winner:


Alexandra Dierckman, Carmel High School

 

Alexandra Dierckman learned in elementary school the importance of respecting life at all stages and became involved by volunteering and wearing pro-life shirts. During high school she went with the Antioch group of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church to the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

 

Throughout her years at Carmel High School, Alexandra has demonstrated outstanding commitment to pro-life.  Every year since 2007 she has participated in Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity at Carmel. Alexandra’s leadership and her passion have been instrumental in the expansion in student involvement and membership in Teens for Life at Carmel. As Vice-President her junior year she helped the club raise money for Life Centers and plan events like a speaker on pro-life apologetics. She handled all the planning and details as Carmel TFL hosted the RTLI Teens for Life Forum in April 2010 for many students from Indianapolis area public and private high schools.

   

This past year as president, Alexandra used Facebook to keep club members informed.  She helped her fellow students learn why being pro-life is so important through informative meetings with speakers, movies like “Blood Money” and well planned discussion. She scheduled times to stand in front of Planned Parenthood as part of 40 Days for Life and organized a canned food drive for O’Connor House. When the club decided they wanted shirts with CHS on them to be a stronger pro-life presence at the high school she designed and had them produced.

 

 A Carmel TFL sponsor writes that Alexandra “witnesses her pro-life views to others with passion and sincerity”.  As she graduates, Alexandra feels she has “utilized her passion for defending life to expand Teens for Life at CarmelHigh School”.

 

She will continue her education at IndianaUniversity and plans to continue her involvement in pro-life groups including “Students for Life” hoping to help “spark growth”. She will also be part of 40 Days for Life at the Planned Parenthood near campus in Bloomington.

  

If you are interested in financially supporting the RTLI Educational Trust Fund, please contact our office at 317-582-1526.

 
2010 Winner

2009 Winner

2008 Winner

2007 Winners