ELLINGTON, Conn. – Katherine DeForge, Ellington, has been named to receive the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter’s, 2012 Corn-Carter MS Family Scholarship.
DeForge, 18, who graduated from Ellington High School, will in the fall attend Assumption College in Worcester, Mass., She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. DeForge, who is ranked in the top 10 percent of her class, has received numerous academic awards, including the Presidential Book Award, 2011; Excellence in Physics, 2012; Excellence in AP Calculus, 2011; Excellence in English, 2011; and Outstanding Science Research Project, in 2010.
DeForge is a member of Rise Above, a student leadership group focused on helping students develop sound choices, especially as it relates to drugs and alcohol. She was also a member of the Young Educators Society and the French Club. DeForge is active in her community, volunteering at her church, St. Luke, and also at the Ellington Department of Youth Services where she tutors first and second graders and assists with children’s activities.
“Ever since I was little, I have aspired to become a teacher,” said DeForge, who last summer was hired by the Town of Ellington to tutor 5th and 6th grade students for the past three years. “I long to inspire young people in the same way my teachers inspired me when I was young. I am certain teaching is the right path for me.”
In 2006, DeForge’s mother, Janet, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease. Active in the cause, Katherine DeForge recruits classmates to participate in the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, Walk MS event, held each April in Manchester and at 11 other sites located throughout the state.
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Janet DeForge, have multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis generally affects women more than men and is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms can include numbness and tingling in the limbs, difficulties with speech and vision and, in some severe cases, complete paralysis. There is no cure for multiple sclerosis.
DeForge was recognized by the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, at its annual Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Memorial Scholarship Reception, which was held at the Country Club of Farmington, Thursday, June 7. She is one of 14 high school graduates receiving a 2012 scholarship from either the Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Jo-Ann Concilio Memorial Fund or the Corn-Carter MS Family Scholarship Fund.
The Corn-Carter MS Family Scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Jennifer Corn-Carter and her family. Jennifer Corn-Carter, of Darien, has lived with MS for more than 30 years. In 2010 the chapter presented her with the Georgina B. Davids Award in May in recognition of her 25 years of volunteerism and support.
Scholarship applications for the 2013 school year will be available online in October. For more information on MS or for additional information on 2013 MS scholarship criteria, please contact the Connecticut Chapter at 860-913-2550 or visitwww.ctfightsMS.org.
6/18/12