Local woman Sarah Doty has been named a 2012 recipient of the “Realizing the Dream” award, a one-time scholarship bestowed each year by the Independent Colleges of Indiana through the Lilly Endowment.

The award honors first-generation college sophomores who have graduated from an Indiana high school, have a superior GPA, and have demonstrated leadership abilities on their college campus.

Doty was awarded a $2,000 grant toward tuition, and on Nov. 10 had the opportunity to attend an honors banquet in Indianapolis with the 30 other nominees from across the state.

In addition, she had the chance to honor a teacher who helped inspire her to attend college. She chose Marilyn Krohn Newman, teacher at Winamac Community Middle School and her role model for almost ten years. Newman will receive a professional development grant for $1,000 as part of the award.

“Marilyn taught me to love the life I live and to live the life I love,” explained Doty. “She has influenced me to become an educator so that one day I can impact students’ lives the way she has impacted mine.”

Doty graduated from Winamac Community High School in 2011 and is now pursuing a double-major in Special Education and Elementary Education at Grace College. She will graduate in December 2014. Her parents, Deb and DeWayne, live in Winamac, Ind.

“We are very humbled and honored to see our daughter receive this award,” explained her parents. “Sarah always has a great attitude in whatever she does, which is due in part to the many different people who have influenced her over the years, from coaches and teachers to brothers and grandparents. Each one has helped mold her into the girl with the hard working – can do attitude.  Seeing her get this award reminds me that those traits are still desirable and deserved to be noticed.”