Mariah Becker Memorial Scholarship

Active in School and the Community
Mariah Ann Becker was born September 21, 1982 in Davenport, Iowa. She attended Grant Elementary School, J.B. Young Intermediate School and was a proud member of Central High School’s graduating class of 2001. While at Central, Mariah participated in many activities. She was a member of the Talented and Gifted Program (TAG). Through TAG she was a delegate to the Governor's Conference where she was voted Outstanding Delegate. Mariah was team captain of her Mock Trial team, which advanced to state competition two consecutive years. She was voted Outstanding Attorney all three years she participated in Mock Trial. As a member of Odyssey of the Mind, her team became the first Davenport team to win at the state level and advance to the international competition. Mariah also participated in the Quad Cities Science and Engineering Fair and was a national finalist in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Mariah participated in her school’s band, choir, orchestra, marching band and show choir. She was member of National Honor Society, Key Club and was a senior class officer.

Mariah was the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards. She was named a National Merit Commended Scholar, ShopKo Scholar, Who's Who of American High School Students, Who's Who of American College Students, Target All-Around Scholar, Jane and Clem Warner Scholar, State of Iowa Scholar, and National Council on Youth Leadership Scholar. She was especially proud of two of the awards that she received, the 2001 Davenport Rotary Scholarship and the 2001 Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award, because they were based on service to others. For the Uncommon Student Award, Mariah developed a website to promote youth volunteerism in the community.

Giving Back
Besides developing the website to promote volunteerism, Mariah also gave generously of her time to others. She participated in the Youth Works Mission at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, tutored Bosnian refugee children, volunteered at the Family Resources Rape/Sexual Assault Program, and volunteered for many activities through her church, St. Paul Lutheran.

Mariah attended the University of Iowa where she was majoring in Chemistry with plans to attend medical school. She was named to the Dean's List at the completion of her freshman year. She was also named to the National Dean's List and was inducted into the Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society.

In Memory of Mariah
Mariah passed away on November 5, 2002 at the young age of 20. She had fought a long and courageous battle with cancer all while attending school and volunteering her time to the community. The Mariah Becker Memorial Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation, and is awarded to a graduating senior from Davenport Central High School. The student must have a 3.0 grade point average, or higher, on a 4.0 scale. The recipient should also demonstrate Mariah’s enthusiasm for life through school involvement and extracurricular activities with a special emphasis on service to others through school, church, or community.

While in junior high, Mariah came across a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Mariah made this quote her life-long motto. She didn't believe you had to be the best at what you did, she simply believed that whatever you undertook you did it with enthusiasm and gave it your all. As you can see from the many activities she participated in and the way she gave of herself to others, she truly lived her life with enthusiasm.

Mariah's Favorite Quote
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm" by Ralph Waldo Emerson