Adams High School IB student named Purdue Stamps Scholar

Adams High School IB student named Purdue Stamps Scholar
Posted on 04/21/2021
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The Strasbourg, France native plans to study neurobiology and physiology at Purdue

Adams High School senior and International Baccalaureate (IB) Bilingual Diploma candidate Erik Sillaste was recently named a Stamps Scholar at Purdue University, where he will be enrolled in the Honors College next semester. Sillaste, whose mother is from South Bend but resides with his family in Strasbourg, France, moved to the city two years ago to pursue his IB Diploma at Adams. Sillaste will be earning the high school’s first-ever bilingual IB Diploma, having taken school-supported self-taught French Literature, an independent study course.

“Erik is so truly deserving of this honor,” said International Baccalaureate Coordinator Beckie Hernández. “During his 18 months with us here, Sillaste has embodied the spirit of Adams High School; his character, creativity, and service have been an inspiration to his educators and fellow scholars.”

In addition to his rigorous coursework, Sillaste is a founding member of Student Advocates for IB Diversity (SAIBD). His extended essay in biology is entitled, "The Viability Of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium longum 35624 Probiotics Through In Vitro Human Gastric Conditions."

The Stamps Scholars Program covers a student’s full cost of attendance (tuition, room, and meals) and connects students with a national network of dedicated peers. With the support of benefactors E. Roe Stamps and his late wife Penny, the award also gives scholars access to an academic enrichment fund of up to $10,000 to finance activities such as academic conferences, study abroad experiences, or internships. Scholars study or volunteer outside the United States, conduct research or participate in a leadership program or academic conference.

Sillaste intends to study neurobiology and physiology while attending Purdue University.

Contact: Monica Leyes, Assistant Director of Communications, [email protected], 574-850-4760.