Gongaware Scholars: Class of 2009

Erik Andersen

Hometown: Crown Point, Indiana
Major: Insurance and Risk Management

Erik AndersenErik Andersen, the son of Don and Debbie Andersen, is a graduate of Crown Point High School. He was involved in a variety of activities during high school, including math team, swim team, theater, football, student council, French club, church choir, chorus, show choir and vocal ensemble, among others. He's also volunteered in his community for Relay for Life (American Cancer Society), American Red Cross Blood Drive, for the Armed Forces Care Package drive and as a special needs tutor.

In high school, Andersen received Straight A Honors and was a member of the National Honor Society (director), the National Society of High School Scholars, Who's Who in American Scholars, a nominee for the National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy, and Rotary and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

 

Todd Byram

Hometown:  Clinton, Indiana
Major:  Insurance and Risk Management

The son of Denny and Margi Byram, graduated from South Vermillion High School. During his high school career, he was involved in a variety of school activities, including Spanish club, weightlifting club, basketball, football and golf. He was named to the Distinguished Honor Roll, honored as Freshman Boy of the Year, a member of National Honor Society and received the Academic Excellence award. He also served as a Hoosier Boys State delegate and was honored as a member of Who's Who Among American High School Students. During high school.

Byram attended Leadership Conference, served as a Counseling Center office assistant, participated in the Rose Hulman Math Contest as well as the National Spanish Contest. His community involved included serving as a 4-H member all four years of high school, serving as a volunteer for the Little Italy Festival, the Humane Society and for the Neil McCoy Scholarship Benefit Concert. He also participated as a member of the AAU Basketball Team and as an attendee of the AAU Basketball National Tournament in Orlando, Fla.

 

Jonathan Lough

Hometown:  Fort Wayne, Indiana
Major:  Insurance and Risk Management

Jonathan LoughThe son of Tom and Sue Lough, Jonathan attended Carroll High School. During high school, he participated in Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2004 Homecoming Court and Students Against Drunk Driving. He also was a member of the tennis and varsity swim teams. He attended the 2003 Evan Bayh Leadership Summit, the 2004 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference, the Carroll High School Academy of Finance (summer internship at UBS Financial Services), worked on a Habitat for Humanity house, served on a mission trip to Butler, Penn., participated in a community service roofing project and was involved in Carroll High School Campus Life.

In addition to his summer internship with UBS, he worked for Northwest Allen County Natatorium and at the Autumn Ridge Pool, both as a lifeguard. His awards and honors have included: Future Business Leaders of America (2003 Indiana State Public Speaking Champion and 2003 FBLA National Competition Participant); Tennis Team (2004 Mental Attitude Award, 2004 Second Team All-Conference, 2004 First Team All-District and Honorable Mention All-State); Swimming Team (2004 Mental Attitude Award); and the 2004 Underclassmen Leadership Award.