McLean County Times

Illinois State University has announced that gymnastics student-athlete Jaye Mack is among the 14 students selected as Robert G. Bone Scholars for the 2024-25 academic year. The Bone Scholarship, a prestigious university-wide honor, includes a monetary award and recognizes undergraduate students for their scholarly achievements and leadership in the community. Recipients will be introduced at a luncheon on October 6 and featured in a display at the Bone Student Center.

The scholarship is named after Robert G. Bone, who served as president of Illinois State University from 1956 to 1967. Selection for this award involves a competitive process where finalists submit portfolios with essays, academic products, and recommendations. This year's scholars have an average GPA of 3.92.

"Balancing both academics and athletics is challenging to say the least, but I couldn't have done it without my support system," Mack stated. "The Robert G. Bone Scholarship reflects both my hard work and the unwavering support from my family, professors, coaches, and friends."

Mack joins other recent Redbird athletes who have received this honor. A native of Lee's Summit, Missouri, she maintains a perfect GPA while majoring in interior design at ISU.

"We could not be more thrilled for Jaye to be named a Bone Scholar," said ISU head coach Bob Conkling. "Jaye has always worked extremely hard, both in the classroom and in the gym."

Mack recently competed at the NCAA Gymnastics Regional for her third consecutive year and became only the second individual in school history to qualify for the NCAA Championships as a freshman.

"Jaye has been a champion on the mats and in the classroom," said ISU Interim Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs. "Her hard work and dedication have been inspiring to her coaches, teammates, classmates, and professors."

As a three-time defending Midwest Independent Conference champion on floor exercise, Mack achieved scores of 9.9 or higher seven times during the 2024 season.

Mack is now one of 33 Redbird student-athletes to earn this scholarship since its inception.