The last month for Scottsburg High School senior Eliza Mount has been a whirlwind of accomplishments to culminate her senior year — Thursday morning, she was named to Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s STEM Team, and Thursday evening, she was awarded a scholarship from the American Public Works Association; two weeks ago, she nominated for the IndyStar Sports Academic Achievement Award and later that week, she received several local scholarships to attend Purdue University in the fall; and last month, she was named one of the top 40 Indiana high school seniors in the state, being named an Indiana Association of School Principals’ Indiana Academic All-Star.
Thursday morning, Mount stood in Holcomb’s office at the Indiana Statehouse with three other top high school seniors in the state, who excel in science, technology, engineering, and math. Donning a varsity letter jacket with an “E” on the front, Mount was named to Holcomb’s STEM Team as the engineering member of the team. She also received a $1,000 check from Indiana’s College Choice 529 Direct Savings Plan.
“I was the only one south of Indianapolis. The others were from bigger schools, and it was really neat to be up there with them,” Mount said.
Mount completed an internship at Amatrol Inc. based in Jeffersonville as a manufacturing engineer intern. As part of the SHS’ engineering and advanced manufacturing programs, Mount earned certifications from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, including Certified Production Technician, Manufacturing Processes and Production, Quality Practice and Measurement, and Safety. She completed three Project Lead the Way engineering courses SHS offers: Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Civil Engineering and Architecture. She also took Advanced Manufacturing at SHS, which upon successful completion of the course, gives students college credit through Ivy Tech Community College along with high school credit. She took Advanced Placement courses at SHS in Physics and Calculus.
“I am thankful for the education and experience I had at Scottsburg. I had awesome teachers and staff and a great administration supporting me,” Mount said. “This shows [Scottsburg] could compete with larger schools, not just in sports but in academics.”
“A firm foundation in STEM offers Indiana high school students tremendous career opportunities,” Holcomb said in a press release. “I am proud to celebrate those who demonstrate excellence in science, technology, engineering, and math and look forward to showcasing the talents and achievements of our students.”
Next fall, Mount will attend Purdue University, majoring in Civil Engineering. Her goal is to become a Walt Disney Imagineer, the creative force behind the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. They bring the arts and science together — all of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math — to turn fantasy into reality with the various rollercoasters, rides, exhibits, logistics, real estate, and attractions. They use the power of Disney’s storytelling design new forms of entertainment and innovation.
“It is a big part of my childhood. I’ve been on 20 different trips [to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts]. It never becomes boring. It is really impressive,” Mount said.
Thursday evening, Mount received a scholarship for $1,000 per academic year from the American Public Works Association. She found out about the scholarship through the SHS guidance department’s scholarship listing. During the dinner, she was advised on the importance of communication in her future field of study.
“Math and science can only take you so far,” Mount said. “Being able to communicate and speak will get you so much farther.”
While at Purdue, Mount plans to put her communication, speaking, and community service skills to work by joining Habitat for Humanity, Engineers Without Borders, and Society of Women Engineers. This summer, Mount will job shadow at the Louisville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“Community service is something I’ve always — since fifth grade — done. It has become a part of my life. I don’t want that part of my life to go away. I want to continue serving,” said Mount, who also a member of the Scott County Youth Grantmaking Council. “My junior year, I had 100 hours of community service.”
Not only does Mount spend time in her community serving others, but she also spends her time on and off the field, in and out of the pool, or on and off the course. Mount earned 12 varsity letters across five sports — cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, and tennis — during her high school career. She picked up swimming for the first time last year. All of her efforts in the classroom and in her sports career earned her the C. Eugene Cato Memorial Scholarship, which is provided through the Indiana High School Athletic Association and worth $2,500. She was further recognized as a nominee for the IndyStar Sports Academic Achievement Award.
“It was cool to be recognized for playing sports,” Mount said. “I was never focused on playing sports.”
As one of the top 40 high school seniors in the state, Mount was named an Indiana Association of School Principals’ Indiana Academic All-Star and received a scholarship from Purdue University for $1,000 as a result. Each high school in the state nominates one senior, and then, the All-Stars are selected based on standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and leadership and community service and involvement.
Enroll today to see how Scott 2 can be “Your Path to a Brighter Future.” We’ve helped thousands of students find their path. We will help your students find theirs.