Marie Elena Lyon Receives Statewide Recognition for Commitment to College Access

Canterbury School proudly announces that Marie Elena Lyon, Assistant Director for College Counseling, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Indiana Association of College Admission Counseling Leticia Campodonico Award. The honor was presented on February 24 at the organization’s annual conference in Indianapolis.

The Leticia Campodonico Award recognizes an admission counseling professional in Indiana who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting underrepresented and underserved students in their transition to college. The award reflects Lyon’s longstanding dedication to expanding college access and opportunity — both for Canterbury families and for students at Young Scholars Academy within Fort Wayne Community Schools.

Since joining Canterbury’s college counseling team in 2008, Lyon has worked tirelessly to guide students and families through the college search and application process. In addition to her work on campus, she has partnered closely with Young Scholars Academy, helping public school students in Fort Wayne navigate pathways to higher education. Young Scholars Academy is an academic enrichment and college preparation program for students attending Fort Wayne's public schools.  Serving a student population that is largely first-generation to college, from historically underrepresented and/or immigrant background, and economically disadvantaged, Young Scholars Academy represents a unique partnership between Canterbury School, community benefactors, and the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Wayne, aimed at providing ambitious and otherwise underserved students with the academic and college counseling resources typically found in independent schools.

Director of College Counseling Brian Estrada had the honor of introducing Lyon and presenting the award during the conference ceremony.

The celebration was made even more meaningful by the presence of past Canterbury faculty members Bob Schantz, Janet MacKay-Galbraith, Dennis Eller, and Gale Eller. Also in attendance were Cookye Rutledge, founding director of Young Scholars Academy, and Lyon’s daughters, Felicity Nicholson ’10 and Adelaine Nicholson Belford ’13, both Canterbury graduates.

This recognition highlights Lyon’s unwavering advocacy, compassion, and leadership in advancing educational opportunity for all students.

Congratulations, Marie Elena, on this well-deserved honor.