2011 Scholarship Recipients

Melanie McDonough
Downingtown, Pa.

Home Rink: Power Play Rinks

High School: Downingtown West

GPA: 3.97 on 4.0 point system

College: Villanova University

Major: Accounting/Finance

ISI Levels: FS 6, Figures 1, Gold-Certified Judge

ISI National Competitions: Worlds (2006, 2009-10)

High School Activities: Lacrosse, Concert Choir, Musical Theater, National Honor Society, Tutor, Relay/Run for Life, Lax for the Cure, Ice Show Director/Choreographer, Volunteer Instructor (Skating, Lacrosse)

Honors & Awards: Distinguished Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Lacrosse Champion, Skating Club of Wilmington Scholars Award, Janet Loper Trophy for Light & Dramatic Entertainment, ISIA Education Foundation Benefit on Ice Soloist (2010)

Melanie Says: “Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with athletics and community service has made me a well-rounded person. Figure skating became the avenue for me to combine athleticism, musicality and dramatic interpretation. The strength and agility it demands cannot be surpassed. This sport is not about what an individual can do, but about what the ice allows him or her to do. Nothing can compare to the freedom one experiences while figure skating.”

Melissa Felps
St. Peters, Mo.

Home Rink: St. Peters Rec-Plex

High School: Francis Howell Central

GPA: 4.08 on 4.0 point system

College: St. Louis University

Major/Minor: Biology/Spanish

ISI Levels: FS Gold, Pair 4, Dance 5, Couples 4

ISI National Competitions: Worlds (2003-07), Winter Classic (2004, 2007), Synchronized Championships (2003-2011)

High School Activities: Dance Team; Track & Field; Golf; National Honor Society; Student Council; Senior Mentor Program; St. Peters Rec-Plex Skate Guard, Ice Monitor, Competition Volunteer; Synchronized Skating Team Captain

Honors & Awards: Areté (academic excellence, service, sportsmanship, citizenship); National Honor Society; Honor Roll; Pillars of P.R.I.D.E., Athletic Letters

Melissa Says: “From an early age, I learned the important role that the older skaters played in younger skaters’ lives. Being an ‘older skater’ brought the desire to be a positive role model for the next generation. I realize that I’m a ‘Rec-Plex skater’ at all times and I work to be an example in everything I do — behavior, online interaction, participation, appearance, sportsmanship, etc.”