Jun 08, 2009
North Florida Chapter Of The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Annouces 2009 Scholarship Recipients
Eight Students in North Florida awarded scholarships to support educational goals
The North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has annouced this year's recipients of its annual Scholarship Program: Monica Morgan, Kyle Schleicher, Elizabeth Schneider, Levi Schreffler, Cynthia Sterling, Darryus Stewart, Candace Swetman, and Rebekka Wilkerson.
The program helps students affect by multiple sclerosis puruse a college or technical school education. It is open to high school seniors who live with MS or have a parent who does; or anybody living with MS who has not yet been to a post-secondary school.
In addition to the emotional toll, MS can have a substantial financial impact on a family. The director and indirect costs of MS, including lost wages - even for those with health insurance - are estimated at more than $30,000 annually, or $2.2 million over a lifetime. This makes funding a college education that much harder.
Elizabeth Schneider is planning on attending the University of North Florida this fall. She sets expectional goals for herself; she wants to major in business or law and plans on pursuring a career in politics after college. While staying motivated Elizabeth has been, and still is, being faces with challenges of dealing with her mother's MS. Elizabeth does not let this bring her spirit down though, she always looks for the positive aspect, "MS is certainly nothing any family should have to deal with; however, I believe it has made ours somewhat closer". Elizabeth has also earned excited grades all throughout high school, and while attending school she finds time to participate and volunteer with many clubs and organizations. Elizabeth also takes on additional responsibilities at home knowing that "MS impacts my life, but it definitely does not control my life".
Candace Swetman is decribed by her teacher as an "extremely dedicated student" and not only is she dedicated to school but also to her family. Candace took a challenging and difficult situation and turned it into her inspiration. Wanting to help people who suffer from the same problems and illnesses that her parents have, Candace plans on majoring in nursing, and then getting her Masters degree to become a Nurse Anesthetist. Candace took on many of the responsibilities at home over the years when her mother's MS came out of remission. Candace plans to continue to help her family the same way she always has, and she will be attending the University of North Florida this fall. Candace always remains inpired and told us that "despite all of this, each and every day holds more purpose because you learn to cherish every little thing, not knowing how tomorrow will be".
Photo Not Available - Rebekka Wilkerson is planning on attending the Univeristy of Tennessee or the Univerisity of Alabama this fall, where she plans on majoring in business. Rebekka has been descrided as dependable and an expectional student, she is also a dedicated softball player. Rebekka has been through many hardships over the past 10 years, this is when her mother was diagnosed with MS. Rebekka has taken on more responsibilities and makes sure that her mother has what she needs. "My relationship with my mom has changed a lot since she was diagnosed, we try to do different things to spend some time together" says Rebekka, she knows MS has changed things a lot but she does not let it impact that special relationship that she has and will always have with her mother.
Levi Schreffler is currently enrolled at Chipola College where he plans to earn his Bachelors degree and then apply to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Academy. Levi is described as a pleasure to be around and a good hearted deserving young man, which is seen though his dedication and compassion with his mother. Levi has taken on many roles in his household since his mother's MS has progressed over the years; he cooks, cleans, does the shopping, and always makes sure that his mother is taken care of. As this mother's disease progresses Levi says " As bad as my situation may sound, I would not trade it for anything. I love my mom and I try to look at my chores in such a way that I am honored to help".
Cynthia Sterling plans to attend the University of Florida or the University of Central Florida this coming year and plans to follow a career in medicine. Cynthia has always set out goals for herself and is passionate about what she wants to accomplish. She has had perfect attendance all foru years, and has been active in her high school marching band and in the church's orchestra, winning numerous accolades. Cynthia and her mother have always shared their passion for music, but as her mother's MS progressed she was unable to continue to play the piano. Cynthia used this as her inspiration, "My mother influenced me with her passion for music, and MS gave me the push to begin at all".
Darryus Stewart is a determined young man that plans to attend Gulf Coast Community this fall. Darryus is team captain and has been honored with MVP for his school's basketball team. Darryus has always been a hard worker and is inspired by his mother, who is diagnosed with MS. Darryus says "to do what she does is amazing, for anybody to go through that and still be able to help me and my family, is amazing, it makes me want to do so much more with my life". Darryus is dedicated to furthering his education and will be majoring in business management while aspiring to become a professional basketball player.
Kyle Schleicher plans to attend Florida Community College then go to Univeristy of North Florida. Kyle plans to pursue a career in teaching and wants to continue his education in World History and Computer Technology. Kyle is passionate about bowling; he bowls with United State Bowling Congress, he loves when his mother can go watch him "my mom is my biggest fan". Kyle's mother was diagnosed with MS eight years ago and Kyle has been there for her through it all. "The first and foremost thing I would have to say is, I love my mother like there is no tomorrow, she is my mentor and the one I look up to for direction in my life" Kyle told us. Kyle is an expectional young man that has been challenged with his mother having MS but he has taken these difficulties and turned them into his motivation.
Monica Morgan plans to attend the University of Wyoming and study liberal arts. Monica is a hard working dedicated student that has been through a lot over the last six years, since her mother was diagnosed with MS. Monica, being the oldest of her siblings, helps her parents take care of her young brothers and household chores. Monica ia an idividual that has a tremendous heart, "I want to help others, especially thise suffering from medical conditions that they are unable to handle on their own". School is not always easy for Moncia but her dedication and motivation is described as "an asset to our school" says the Superintendent of Moncia's high school. Monica's ambition has and continues to let her accomplish all of her goals.
Program Continues To Grow Across The Country
The Society established its scholarship program six years ago, and it immediately became a source of great encouragement for families concerned that MS might put college out of reach. This year, 509 awards totaling $1,021,600 were presented nationwide. Applications are evaluated on financial need, academic record, leadership and volunteer activities, a statement of educational and career goals, and letters of recommendation. Applicants are also asked to provide a personal statement describing the impact MS has had on their life. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $3,000 and typically cover one year.
"For these families and hundreds of thousands diagnosed with MS across the country, there are very few known sources of scholarship assistance specially targeted for these families", said Jennifer Lee, Chapter President. "MS shouldn't stand in the way of an education, and we are hopeful this program will give families some relief".
Information about scholarships for 2010-11 will be available on the National MS Society website beginning October 1, 2009 and applications will be due by mid-January 2010. For more information , call 1-800-344-4867 or visit www. nationalmssociety.org.
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