Indiana House awards scholarship to Fort Wayne intern

Monday, Feb. 16, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus (IHDC) announced intern Melisa Mendez of Fort Wayne as the 2026 Verizon Scholarship recipient at the Statehouse.

“Melisa has been an integral part of the IHDC team this session,” said State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), who represents Melisa's home district. "She’s proven herself to be a diligent worker, a consistent light in the office and a credit to Fort Wayne and Indiana as a whole.”

Melisa, a senior at Indiana University Bloomington, spent this legislative session assisting IHDC Ways and Means staff by interpreting and analyzing legislation, and creating comprehensive reports and summaries of proposed legislation and its fiscal impact.

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Caucus Chair, released the following statement regarding Melisa’s time at the Statehouse:

“Being a Ways and Means intern for the General Assembly is no easy task. The job requires exceptional attention to detail and an acumen for numbers and financial details that can’t be taught. Melisa has exhibited those qualities - and more - flawlessly. Her determination, can-do attitude and positive outlook have been incredible assets this year. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the help of Melisa and our other interns.”

Each year, one intern from each legislative caucus is awarded the $3,000 Version Scholarship for his or her work and overall character during the internship program. The scholarship will go toward graduate and undergraduate expenses such as tuition or books.

To recognize the hard work and dedication of all Statehouse interns, House Resolution 16 was presented and adopted on the House floor. To learn more, visit the Indiana House Democratic Caucus website at IndianaHouseDemocrats.org.