Three incoming University freshmen have been named Alumni Laureate Scholars.

Receiving full tuition for up to four years and a $1,000 book award annually are Valerie Schenck of Middletown, Ohio; Katrina Caldwell of Hilliard, Ohio; and Natalie Olson of Plover, Wis.

One scholarship winner, Valerie Schenck, who intends to major in early childhood education at the University, is a graduate of Edgewood High School, in Trenton, Ohio.

She was inducted into the national and French honor societies, and was a four-year member of the soccer and track and field teams.

Schenk said she was nervous about getting the award because she knew how much was on the line, and how much easier her college life would be if she got it.

“I was very excited; I knew it’d help me out a lot,” she said.

Schenck said the University announced the admitted students who were eligible and about 150 students responded and applied. Out of 150, the top 15 applicants were interviewed, and three were finally selected.

“At the interview it was fun, because you just got to describe yourself and what you’d bring to campus, but also very nerve racking,” Schenck said.

Schenck said she chose the University because she wanted to go into early childhood education and BGSU is very well known for it.

“I think BGSU will be a great place for me to grow academically, socially, and I am very excited about it,” Schenck said.

After she graduates, she plans to become an elementary school teacher. She said she enjoys working with kids and would love to do that for a career.

She has worked with children in her church youth group, volunteered by teaching Sunday pre-school, and presided the 4-H community club. 4-H stands for “Head, Heart, Hands, Health,” and is a group that organizes educational activities and community service for youth.

“I’m very involved in my community. It’s a great way to meet friends and become confident in yourself,” Schenck said.

Schenck said she loves being around people and helping out. She stays very busy, has to plan a head, and can’t usually do things last minute.

“I really enjoy helping my community, I love seeing others happy, it makes me fell my life has meaning,” Schenck said.

Schenck lives on a small beef farm and worked for her father’s excavating business. During most summers, she drives a bulldozer and helps to sell steers.

Another scholar, also planning to major in early childhood education, is Katrina Caldwell. She graduated from Davidson High School. She is also the co-founder of “4 the Kids,” an organization that ships toys to underprivileged children outside the United States.

The third Alumni Laureate Scholar is Natalie Olson, a graduate of Stevens Point Area High School in Wisconsin. Olson plans to study psychology and Spanish at BGSU.

Initiated by the Alumni Board of Directors, the Alumni Laureate Scholarship supports outstanding, first-year students.

Scholarship criteria include at least 3.5 GPA, a minimum score of either 27 on the ACT or 1100 on the SAT, essay questions and recommendation letters. To have the scholarship renewed, students need to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and complete 30 hours of community service each year, said Montique Cotton, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs.