Naper Settlement has announced Natalie Anderson as the 2016 winner of the Copenhagen Schoolhouse Scholarship. This annual scholarship awards a Naper Settlement teen volunteer $500 to be used for college expenses during their freshman year of college, immediately following high school graduation. The Copenhagen Schoolhouse Scholarship, made possible by the Hushek family, hopes to give back to the young adults who have made their volunteer commitments to the museum a priority.
“It was a very difficult decision this year. All the applicants wrote excellent essays that outlined their goals and how Naper Settlement has affected their lives,” said Cindy Lackore, Naper Settlement’s Lead Educator and part of the committee focused on coordinated the application process. “Natalie’s essay spoke of experiential and diverse learning. During her time as a Junior Volunteer, History Connector and Building Interpreter, Natalie shared learning experiences that were engaging and memorable to visitors of all ages.”
Anderson began her volunteer service as a Junior on the Green in 2009, a Junior in Time in 2012, a History
Connector in 2015 and then a Building Interpreter in 2015 & 2016. The applicants were to submit an application form and an essay detailing future goals and how volunteering at Naper Settlement, along with their choice of educational institutions, will help them reach their goals. In Anderson’s essay, she explains how she wanted to immerse herself into different cultures through her study of anthropology in the same way she immersed herself into history at Naper Settlement.
“Naper Settlement allowed me to explore specific parts of the 19th century as I learned the duties of the Log House and Paw Paw Post Office,” wrote Anderson. “Through my Naper Settlement experience, I learned that I am fascinated by immersive and diverse learning, and I know that I will carry this passion with me to my chosen university.”
Anderson feels it’s important for high school students to volunteer to incorporate themselves into the community and put their time into helping others. She specifically joined Naper Settlement’s team because of the interactive roles the volunteers play. “Naper Settlement’s volunteers have a more unique experience than those in other museums, because we get to engage in history by dressing up and doing demonstrations in authentic 19th century buildings,” said Anderson. “My time volunteering has been very rewarding.”
Anderson currently attends Wheaton Warrenville South High School and hopes to attend either the University of Chicago, Northwestern University or Brown University in the fall.
The Copenhagen Schoolhouse Scholarship was generously made possible by a former Museum Education staff member, Eve Hushek. The scholarship guidelines were put into place by the Husheks, and their goal was to help a teen volunteer with his or her future endeavors as they enter college and continue their education.
About Naper Settlement and the Naperville Heritage Society
Naper Settlement is a nationally accredited, award-winning outdoor museum set on 12 magnificent acres in the heart of Naperville, where history comes to play and community comes to connect. The Naperville Heritage Society is the administrator of Naper Settlement. With a commitment to the community and a focus to the future, the mission of the Naperville Heritage Society is to collect, document, preserve and support the history of Naperville, Illinois, past and present. For more information, visit napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.
