White Family Leaders Scholarship provides opportunities for learning and growth

Since 1986, Big Shoulders Fund has supported students through scholarships that create greater access to high-quality education. Today, those opportunities extend across both Northwest Indiana and Chicago.

One of the leadership initiatives offered through Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana is the White Family Leaders Scholarship. Established in 2020 with generous support from Beth White and her late husband Bruce White, the scholarship recognizes 80 high school students within the Diocese of Gary who demonstrate leadership, character, and a commitment to serving others.

This year, senior Alexis Lockett and sophomore Aedan Hassett are among the White Family Leaders Scholarship recipients. Through the scholarship, both students have gained access to life-changing opportunities.

“Through this program, I’ve met professionals in diverse careers who have helped me envision my future,” said Lockett. “I’ve also had the honor of delivering a speech on leadership and forming meaningful relationships with peers who I might never have connected with otherwise.”

Hassett has participated in several workshops and a retreat, where he’s gained valuable personal and professional skills.

“The program has opened so many doors for me,” Hassett said. “One of my favorite experiences was the summer retreat at the YMCA, where I built real friendships and learned valuable skills about communication and trust. The college readiness workshops have also helped me think more seriously about my future and what steps I need to take to get there.”

Like Hassett, Lockett credits the scholarship with helping her grow as both a leader and an individual.

“This program has helped me grow bolder in my faith and more confident in my voice,” she said. “I’ve learned to embrace who I am and to lead with empathy by truly seeing and hearing others. It has strengthened my discipline, deepened my sense of purpose, and shown me that leadership begins with authenticity and service.”

Lockett, a cheerleader and member of the Andrean High School National Honor Society, has a strong interest in finance. Hassett, a student at Marquette Catholic High School, enjoys math, politics, and sports, and is working toward a college golf scholarship. 

“Golf has always been my plan A, but I know it’s important to have a plan B, too,” he said. “That’s why I’m also interested in studying law or architecture.”

While playing golf professionally is his ultimate dream, Hassett remains open to other career paths.

“My dream is to one day play on the PGA Tour,” said Hassett. “If that doesn’t happen, I’d love to become a lawyer or an architect.”

Lockett’s ambitions are grounded in both faith and service.

“My dream is to guide others to faith through my career, ministry, and daily life,” she said. “I hope to become a professional accountant or psychiatrist who helps others discover their value and purpose.”

Both students acknowledge the lasting impact this scholarship program has had on them.

“This program has taught me so much in a short time,” Hassett said.”

“You’ll gain lifelong friendships, mentors who truly care, and the courage to lead with heart,” Lockett added.”

To learn more about Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana and the White Family Leaders Scholarship, visit https://bigshouldersfund.org/NWI.