Bishop Noll Institute senior Sergio Meza received a surprise Tuesday afternoon when his brother made a special announcement over the school PA system.
“My little brother, Sergio, has received the Lilly Scholarship!” Ulises, Bishop Noll Class of 2023, informed the school.
The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides four years of full tuition, required fees and a yearly book stipend to any public or private Indiana college or university. On hand for the presentation was Jodi Kateiva from the Legacy Foundation, which administers the Lilly Scholarship program in Lake County. Each high school in the county can nominate one senior for consideration.
Meza is one of six Lake County current seniors to receive the scholarship and is Bishop Noll’s 14th Lilly Scholar since the statewide program began in 1998.
“I feel very honored to win the Lilly Scholarship,” Meza said. “I am also deeply thankful for my family, friends and teachers. This award is not just mine; it is a reflection of the support I've received from everyone who has helped me along my journey. I am excited about the opportunities the Lilly Scholarship will provide me. It will allow me to continue pursuing my passion of serving the communities of ‘Da Region,’ especially East Chicago.”
Meza is a varsity captain or co-captain for his cross country, track and field and tennis teams. He has been a member of the Speech Team for four years and plans to major in public policy. He plans to attend Indiana University in Bloomington or the University of Notre Dame.
“Sergio breathes Bishop Noll in his drive and determination. Already fighting to help his local community, he is a Warrior inside and outside of the classroom,” academic advisor Kevin Smith said. “He is currently volunteering and attending nature conservation meetings in East Chicago and plans to be an environmental lawyer.”
Bishop Noll principal Lorenza Jara Pastrick commended Meza.
“He always stands up for what he believes is right. As a representative of Bishop Noll, I believe, he models what the Lord calls us to be as missionary disciples. Sergio does what’s right and is comfortable and confident enough to share this with others,” she said.
Kateiva confirmed to BNI that Meza was outstanding in his interview with the scholarship selection committee.
The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally, and in local communities throughout the state.