The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is excited to share the winners of the 2025 Monster Meeting Scholarship! This award honors three amazing students who show strong leadership, perseverance and commitment to their community. It also highlights the importance of mental health support and encourages schools to find more ways to help students facing these challenges. This year’s recipients have demonstrated not only academic and extracurricular excellence but also a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.
1st Place: Katie DeaKyne
Katie DeaKyne is a driven young woman with a passion for advocacy and change. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to earn her bachelor's degree in Social Work with a minor in Gender Studies. After completing an accelerated master’s program, Katie aspires to pursue a law degree focusing on women’s rights and policy change. With a heart for social justice, she is excited to use her education to advocate for those in need. The Monster Meeting Scholarship will ease her financial burden, allowing her to focus on her academic and professional aspirations.
1st Runner-Up: Danni Smith
Danni Smith, a senior at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, is an active leader in multiple cultural organizations, including the Black Student Union, Asian Student Union, and Mi Familia. She is also a National Honor Society member, a passionate advocate for the arts, and deeply engaged in youth empowerment programs such as Girls Inc. and Delta GEMS. Danni believes in fostering understanding across different communities, stating, “I think it’s important to be open-minded and understanding—not just about my own community, but also about other underserved groups.”
“I think it’s important to be open-minded and understanding—not just about my own community, but also about other underserved groups.”
2nd Runner-Up: Chase Shurn
Chase Shurn, a senior at Pike High School, is a talented athlete and musician, excelling in track & field, football, and symphonic band. Outside of school, he enjoys attending church and spending time with friends. Chase has committed to attending Wabash College, where he plans to major in Psychology. Reflecting on his choice, he shared, “I find the study of the human brain—how it reacts and processes decisions—fascinating. As an athlete, mental health plays a huge role in both well-being and performance.”
“I find the study of the human brain—how it reacts and processes decisions—fascinating. As an athlete, mental health plays a huge role in both well-being and performance.”
Monic Hill, Center Executive for OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA, expressed her admiration for this year’s scholarship winners, stating, “These students embody the very essence of what the Monster Meeting represents—leadership, resilience and a passion for making a difference. Their commitment to academic excellence and community engagement is inspiring, and we are honored to support them on their journey to success.”
The Monster Meeting Scholarship continues to provide young leaders with the resources to pursue higher education and create lasting change. Congratulations to Katie, Danni and Chase on this well-deserved recognition!
High school students are invited to attend our inaugural teen-led event on mental health awareness, April 26, 2025 at the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA, 2 - 6 p.m. Seats are limited! For more information and to register, please visit our website here.
For more information about the Monster Meeting Scholarship or how to get involved, please contact our website at https://indymca.org/monster-meeting/
