Jibben and Lythgoe Named Trustees' Scholars at Monmouth College
Full-tuition scholarship recognizes first-time Monmouth freshmen who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership.
MONMOUTH, Ill. (02/26/2020) — Students with goals of becoming a high school English and history teacher and a pediatric oncologist have been named Trustees' Scholars in Monmouth College's incoming freshman class.
Makayla Jibben of Green Valley, Ill., and Celeste Lythgoe of Lafayette, Colo., have been named Trustees' Scholars at the liberal arts college.
The Trustees' Scholarship recognizes first-time Monmouth freshmen from across the nation who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership in their schools and communities. Trustees' Scholars receive a full-tuition award renewable for up to four years. Awarded to up to two students annually, each Trustees' Scholar has the opportunity to participate in the Honors Program, research with faculty, experience special internships and lead community service projects.
Jibben, who plans to major in biology and pursue a career in pediatric oncology, said that the ability to forge a personal relationship with her Monmouth professors attracted her to the College.
"I attend a high school with only 300 students, so I have always been able to have a personal connection with my teachers and classmates," said Jibben, who attends Midwest Central High School and is the daughter of Jennifer and Curt Jibben. "I could tell that is what I'm going to get at Monmouth -- I will be able to have that personal connection, and I won't be a number to my professors."
In high school, Jibben has appeared in her school's fall musical, is a three-year member of the yearbook staff and is a senior editor this year, and has been president for three years of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
Jibben said she was also impressed with Monmouth's Summer Opportunity for Intellectual Activity, which allows select incoming freshmen to engage in faculty-directed research.
"It's very impressive, and it's an opportunity I wouldn't get at another college," she said.
For Lythgoe, Monmouth appealed to her because she can major in English and history while preparing to be a high school teacher.
"I love both English and history, so I hope to teach high school English and history," said Lythgoe, who is a senior at Peak To Peak Charter School and is the daughter of Amy Lythgoe.
Lythgoe, who has been involved with theatre in acting roles since the eighth grade, also hopes to get involved with Monmouth's theatre department.
"I loved my tour of the theatre program and meeting the program's professors," she said. "I was really impressed with its facilities."
Founded in 1853, Monmouth College is a nationally selective liberal arts college. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the birthplace of the women's fraternity movement, the college offers 38 majors, 42 minors and 17 pre-professional tracks.
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Makayla Jibben of Green Valley, Ill., who is a senior at Midwest Central High School and is the daughter of Jennifer and Curt Jibben, has been named one of two Trustees’ Scholars in Monmouth College’s incoming freshman class.
Celeste Lythgoe of Lafayette, Colo., who is a senior at Peak To Peak Charter School and is the daughter of Amy Lythgoe, has been named one of two Trustees’ Scholars in Monmouth College’s incoming freshman class.