16 Mar Cole Porter Scholarship Application Now Open for Miami County Seniors
The Miami County Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the application period is now open for the prestigious Cole Porter Scholarship. Applications are due by April 15 at 5 p.m., and auditions for finalists will be held on April 22 at North Miami Elementary School.
In honor of renowned composer and musician Cole Porter, the Porter family has continued his legacy by offering the Cole Porter Scholarship to graduating seniors from Miami County. Established in 1967 to commemorate both Cole Porter and his mother, Kate Cole Porter, the scholarship is generously funded by Cole Porter’s cousins.
This prestigious scholarship is awarded annually to students who plan to pursue a major in the fine arts, including all aspects of music, visual arts, performing arts, or teaching in any of these fields. Applicants must demonstrate not only a passion for their chosen discipline but also a well-rounded character, engaging in extracurricular activities and embodying the qualities that make them worthy representatives of Cole Porter’s name. Additionally, the selection committee seeks candidates who will contribute significantly to the fields of music, art, drama, or commercial art, either through their performances or their teaching.
Two scholarships are awarded each year: one for $15,000 and the other for $10,000. Each scholarship is divided into four annual payments and can be used for tuition, room and board, fees, and other academic expenses. The scholarship funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s university, provided the student meets yearly eligibility requirements.
Last year’s $15,000 scholarship recipient was Emily Lewis of Peru High School, who is attending Ball State University to pursue a degree in Fine Arts/Medical Drawing. The $10,000 scholarship was awarded to Rosa Wilson of Maconaquah High School, who is attending Purdue University Fort Wayne to study Music Education.
An alternate is also selected each year in case a recipient is unable to continue studies in a fine arts field. The 2025 alternate was Max Caraco of North Miami School, who is attending Indiana University Kokomo to pursue a degree in Art Education.
The application is available online and must be submitted by April 15 at 5 p.m. Finalists will participate in auditions on April 22 at North Miami Elementary School.
For more information about eligibility or the application process, please contact Connie Cutler at cpscholarship2022@gmail.com or the Northern Indiana Community Foundation at 574.223.2227.
Left to right: Caraco, Cole Porter Family Member Polly Dobbs, Wilson, and Lewis.