Marion High School Alumni Association congratulates this year’s winners of the Marion Giants Athletics Boosters Scholarship: Michael Kitts, Nicholas Kitts, Halle Larson, Jerica Overmyer, and Ella Topping, all members of Marion High School’s Class of 2024.

This scholarship is for student-athletes. Jerica Overmyer and Michael and Nicholas Kitts were awarded $500 each, and Halle Larson and Ella Topping were awarded $250 each.

Michael Kitts has been a standout football player, earning two varsity letters and All-NCC recognition. He also has earned a varsity letter for track and field, with another in progress. 

In addition to being a member of the MHS Class of 2024, he has been a student in Grant Regional Career Center’s architectural engineering program.

Michael is a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society, and Quiz Bowl. 

He plans to attend Purdue University West Lafayette for building information modeling, with a career goal of computer-aided design.

“Playing sports at Marion has taught me how to be disciplined and how to be responsible,” Michael said. “I have also learned how to be a leader and it has taught me a lot about working hard and how it pays off for you in the end.”

Nicholas Kitts has been a standout football player, earning two varsity letters and All-NCC recognition. He also has earned a varsity letter for track and field, with another in progress.

In addition to being a member of the MHS Class of 2024, he has been a student in Grant Regional Career Center’s architectural engineering program. He is also a student ambassador for GRCC.

Nicholas is a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society, and Quiz Bowl.

He plans to attend Purdue University West Lafayette for construction management, with a career goal of project management and entrepreneurship.

“Being on the football team taught me to never give up on my dreams,” Nicholas said. “It has also taught me to keep going when you don’t want to.”

Halle Larson has been a four-year varsity letter earner in three sports. In cross country, she earned most-improved and mental attitude awards. In swimming and diving, she earned coach’s and team spirit awards. In track and field, she earned leadership awards. In all three sports, she was named to the NCC All-Academic Team.

Halle is the president of National Honor Society, secretary of Art National Honor Society, senior class vice president, Student Senate vice president, and a member of Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society, M-Club, and the wind ensemble. She has also been active with her church and started a local chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

She plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University for business management, marketing, and communications. She also plans to join the ONU swim and dive team.

“Sports have taught me a lot about being flexible, adaptive, getting along with others and maybe most importantly how to be coachable, in all walks of life, not just sports,” Halle said.

Jerica Overmyer has been a standout cheerleader. She earned an MVP award and was named an All-American Cheerleader. She has also been a four-year member of the track and field team.

Jerica is senior class vice president and is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society, and National Technical Honor Society.

She plans to attend Valparaiso University, with a career goal of either interior design or child development.

“Through playing sports at Marion, I’ve learned the importance of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance,” Jerica said. “Being part of a team has taught me how to work collaboratively towards a common goal, relying on each other’s strengths and supporting one another through challenges. The discipline and commitment required in sports have instilled in me a strong work ethic that I know will serve me well in college and beyond. Additionally, the resilience I’ve developed through sports has taught me to never give up, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.”

Ella Topping has been a four-year member of the swim team, a two-year member of the track and field team, and manager of the cross country team.

She is a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta National Mathematics Honor Society. She has volunteered with Grant County Rescue Mission and Walkway of Lights, and she has assisted with middle school swim meets.

She plans to attend Indiana University Fort Wayne for nursing, with a career goal of pediatric nursing.

“Playing sports has taught me dedication, consistency, and how hard work can help you achieve anything,” Ella said. “It’s also taught me how to deal with setbacks and challenges. I have also learned how to work effectively with teammates and how to balance sports commitments with academics, social life, and other responsibilities.

Congratulations to these outstanding students!

Marion High School Alumni Association is grateful for our collaborative relationship with Marion Community Schools and the community, which enables us to help provide excellent opportunities for Marion students!

We are also grateful to those who served on the scholarship committee. We thank them for giving their time to this special task!

If you would like to give to the Marion Giants Athletic Boosters, you can do so online here.