Friends and family recently gathered to remember the life of Joi Lynne Warren and to present scholarships in her honor to deserving high school senior girls.
“Joi was so special to so many people and I vowed to not just hold her in my heart, but to carry on her legacy,” said Kellee Harney, a close friend of Warren’s and the president of the Joi Lynn Warren Scholarship Foundation.
Warren attended Lawrence Central High School and after graduation, she attended Purdue University where she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in human resources. Warren packed her bags and moved to Minnesota where she worked for General Mills as a human resource manager.
She was studious and ambitious, but Warren was said to also have a big, kind heart. In addition to her volunteer efforts in high school, Warren most notably volunteered for the Girls in Action Coalition based in Minneapolis.
Girls in Action is a weekly project for high school girls that aims to decrease and prevent violence among urban high school girls while reengaging them in academics and leadership.
“She’s always wanted to give back and help young girls,” added Harney. “Sometimes there are people who excel and are successful but don’t give back to their community. Joi has always given back.”
Suddenly, Warren died on Oct. 22, 2010, due to a pulmonary embolism. After her death, Harney and others who loved Warren decided to create a scholarship in her name for girls.
“I thought this was an amazing idea. I give Joi the credit for choosing such wonderful friends. They’re really like sisters,” said Joyce Murff, Warren’s mother.
Last year during their first scholarship luncheon, the Joi Lynn Warren Scholarship Foundation gave away $7,500 in scholarships to three young ladies. This year’s goal was to give away $10,000 in scholarships and Harney said the foundation actually exceeded their goal. One hundred percent of monies raised goes towards scholarships.
To select the winners, senior girls attending Central Indiana high schools were informed about the scholarship through their high school counselor. Requirements included a 3.0 grade point average or above; acceptance to a four-year college or university; and an essay.
Twenty-four young ladies applied and 16 were granted an interview. Harney said initially, the foundation planned on awarding one $10,000 or two $5,000 scholarships, but because this year’s lot of applicants was so impressive, they decided to alter the award and give one more girl a chance to receive a scholarship.
During the award ceremony, which was held recently at the University of Indianapolis, Brianna Hibbler received $5,000; Destany McGruder won $3,000; and Ashley Barner was awarded $2,500.
“This scholarship helped me out a lot. It feels good to be on the other side now and see someone else doing well and earning a scholarship,” said Chaelyn Allen who won a scholarship last year and now attends Purdue University.
Harney said that although she misses her friend and at times it’s painful, she realizes that there are amazing, smart and talented young women in Indiana who deserve a chance to win a scholarship aiding in their collegiate success.
For more information or to make a donation to the Joi L. Warren Scholarship Foundation, email jlwscholarshipfoundation@yahoo.com or send info to P.O. Box 29526, Indianapolis, IN 46229.
