The Crossroads Chapter of National Charity League (NCL) has announced that Jade Finley, a recent Guerin Catholic High School graduate, is its 2020 scholarship winner. Finley will be attending Marian University this fall to study nursing.
Finley was awarded the $500 NCL Crossroads scholarship for her consistent involvement in community service, leadership and cultural activities.
“There were many worthy scholarship candidates. It’s so exciting to see so many young adults who have already taken such an active role in making an impact in their community,” said Erica Urba, Chair of the NCL Crossroads Scholarship Committee. “Jade Finley, though, stood out among her peers. She exemplifies all NCL’s key pillars: Community service, leadership and cultural involvement. It’s an honor to recognize her and her hard work and accomplishments.”
Community service is at the heart of the NCL scholarship and in the heart of Finley. One of the most meaningful ways that Finley has impacted the community is through her Senior Girl Scout Gold Award Project. Finley, who was diagnosed with cancer at age nine and spent countless hours in the hospital and doctors’ offices over the past 10 years, created Project JADE: Just A Dose of Encouragement. To show her appreciation for the care she received and pay it forward, Finley raised $2,500, sewed 50 brightly-colored fleece pillowcases and filled them with personal care items and age-appropriate activities for patients at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
Finley also has proven leadership skills. Some of her roles include serving as GCHS student ambassador; a coach, referee and mentor for young volleyball players; and as a Bible school crew leader at Zionsville United Methodist Church.
Finally, the last focus of the scholarship criteria is cultural involvement. Coming from a family of musicians, Finley realized how much she also loved music during high school. She’s been part of multiple choral ensembles and a school musical, as well as performed solos, including the National Anthem at a large gathering.
About NCL
NCL is the nation’s most distinctive, well-respected mother-daughter membership organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. NCL Crossroads is the first NCL chapter in Indiana. NCL promotes civic awareness by considering the local community’s needs and selecting appropriate non-profit organizations to serve. Each chapter then supports its philanthropic partners through hands-on volunteer activities. NCL, Inc. is unique because of its multi-generational membership and its mission-focused program, “The NCL Experience,” which inspires and empowers women and their daughters to become confident, well-rounded and socially aware contributors in their communities. For more than 90 years, NCL, Inc. has been developing women leaders through volunteerism and supporting philanthropies in local communities throughout the nation. NCL, Inc. was established in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1925 and incorporated in 1958.