Congratulations to Alejandra and Samuel!
Each year, the Indiana Trail Running Association awards scholarships to students whose lives have been positively influenced by trails, parks, and the outdoors. Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients, Alejandra Sierazy and Samuel Klein.
Alejandra Sierazy
We are proud to award a scholarship to Alejandra Sierazy, a Butler University student majoring in Psychology and Sociology who maintains a 4.0 GPA. A Division I runner who grew up near the Indiana Dunes, Alejandra shared how trail running has shaped her appreciation for nature, mindfulness, and community. Her experiences exploring the dunes, competing in cross country, and spending countless hours outdoors inspired her goal of helping others through a future career as an art therapist.
In her application, Alejandra described a special dune overlooking Lake Michigan that has remained meaningful throughout every stage of her life. From childhood sunsets with her grandmother to sharing the spot with friends and family over the years, the location represents the lasting memories, personal growth, and connection to nature that make Indiana’s trails and parks so impactful.
Samuel Klein
We are also pleased to award a scholarship to Samuel Klein, a Warsaw Community High School graduate who plans to study Management. Samuel shared how trail running has helped him develop resilience, discipline, and mental clarity. The challenges of running on trails taught him to embrace discomfort, stay focused on long-term goals, and apply those lessons to both academics and everyday life.
Samuel highlighted a quiet overlook along the Winona Lake Trails as his favorite hidden gem. Nestled among the trees with views of the lake, the spot serves as a place to pause, reflect, and reset during a run. His appreciation for the outdoors and the perspective it provides exemplify the values that the ITRA Scholarship seeks to celebrate and support.
Congratulations!! 👏