March 29, 1999

VALPARAISO, Ind.- Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has awarded Heather Murphy-Horne, a Wheeler High School graduate, a NIPSCO Workforce Enhancement Scholarship.

The scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition and books for two years, is awarded to high achieving vocational graduates of the Porter County Vocational Education Technology Honor Society.

Murphy-Horne is currently attending Ivy Tech in Valparaiso where she is pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist.

"While recovering from an automobile accident, I had an opportunity to see therapists work with injured children, and saw the difference they made in a child’s recovery," Murphy-Horne said. "I knew then I wanted to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist. I just didn’t think I would be able to afford college. Receiving this award from NIPSCO has made that possible."

Jon Groth, Area Vocational Director, said the award is a great opportunity for Murphy-Horne. "Without the scholarship, it would have been very difficult for Heather to attend college," Groth said.

Robert Schaefer, NIPSCO Public Affairs Manager for Porter County, presented the award.

"NIPSCO is extremely proud to be part of this award," Schaefer said. "It was very difficult to pick one recipient from all those applying. Heather is a bright girl who has a positive goal in mind. I am confident this award will help her achieve that dream."

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WHEELER HIGH SCHOOL GRAD RECEIVES NIPSCO SCHOLARSHIP

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Murphy-Horne is the second recipient of the scholarship award presented by NIPSCO. Dana Moore, a Chesterton High School graduate, won the award in October 1998 and is currently attending Purdue University, North Central.

Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), a subsidiary of NIPSCO Industries, Inc. (NI), is a regulated utility that provides natural gas to nearly 700,000 customers and electricity to 416,000 customers across the northern third of Indiana. NIPSCO is the largest natural gas distribution company, and the second largest electric distribution company, in the state of Indiana. Information about NIPSCO Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries is available via the Internet at www.nipsco.com.

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