Trinity Announces 2017 Founders’ Scholars

Trinity has awarded the prestigious 2017 Founders’ Scholarships to James Beyer of Pella, Iowa, and Leah Wideman of Chicago.

Beyer attends Pella Christian High School, where he is president of Theatre Troupe and Student Council. He attends Federated Fellowship Church, and he serves in the toddler nursery there.

He became aware of Trinity through friends who came to the College. “When I visited Trinity, my first reaction was admittedly focused on the beautiful scenery,” he said. “But when I looked closer into what life at Trinity could really be like, I realized that everything was focused on the student’s growth intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Faculty and students helped reinforce that idea with their passion for God and how He works through Trinity to help make a life-changing experience for every student.

Beyer plans to major in Biology.

Wideman grew up in the Morgan Park/Beverly neighborhood of Chicago and attends the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, where she is an officer in the local chapter of FFA and plays soccer. She attends Woodlands Community Church in Homewood, Ill.

As early as first grade, Wideman had teachers who were Trinity alumni. “Visiting the school far exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I had heard about how amazing it was, and I wanted to see it for myself. The students, faculty, and staff that I had the pleasure of interacting with were so genuine and caring. That definitely impacted my choice to attend.”

She plans to major in Elementary Education.

The Founders’ Scholarship

The Founders’ Scholarship is a renewable, full-tuition award available annually to two incoming freshmen. Applicants must:

• score a minimum of 30 on the ACT or 1390 on the SAT or an academic score of at least 68
• exhibit leadership in their church, school, or community
• display evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ