Aug 05, 2009
More than $100,000 awarded to local scholars touched by MS
In 2009 the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter awarded college scholarships to 52 students touched by MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin — totaling more than $100,000. On a national level, the society granted more than $1 million to 510 scholars across the country this year. Meet two of this year’s scholars.
Leah Van Beusekom, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
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| Leah Van Beusekom |
Leah Van Beusekom woke up feeling excited the first day of section playoffs for fast pitch softball back in spring of 2008. She also woke up with a numb right foot. Like many athletes do, she shook it off and played in the tournament.
But when the numbness spread, the Champlin Park High School graduate saw a doctor and was eventually diagnosed with MS.
Today, Beusekom is trying to focus on the good things MS has brought to her life. The disease, she says, has made her appreciate the little things in life. “I no longer take things for granted because everything can change in the blink of an eye.”
Beusekom plans to study business or architecture at a four-year university and continue on to post-graduate school. College is a big transition, but Beusekom has experience dealing with new challenges.
“Just when you feel like nothing can take you down, something does and you have to step back and put things in perspective,” she said.
William Matchett, River Falls, Wis.
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| William Matchett |
For William Matchett, understanding the true impact of multiple sclerosis has been a process. He was 10 years old when his mother — a single parent of three and third-grade teacher — was diagnosed with the disease. Over time Matchett has come to better understand the invisible symptoms his mother experiences, like fatigue, leg pain and neuralgia.
“My mom keeps a busy schedule that would tire most people,” Matchett said. “Yet sometimes her exhaustion is so great that I can feel her pain.”
Matchett says he admires his mother for her ability to stay positive in spite of the unknown. “The disease is part of her, but does not define her. This courage in the face of fear has been an inspirational example for me in my life.”
Matchett graduated from River Falls High School where he captained the cross country
team, was inducted into the National Honors Society and served five terms as class president. He has also contributed his time to the Ecology Club, City of River Falls Youth Advisory Council, YMCA Youth in Government, Students Offering Support, Locks of Love and Relay for Life, among others.
This fall Matchett plans to attend a four-year university and pursue an advanced physics degree. His goal is to work for NASA or CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
Support the scholarship program
To learn about making a donation to the scholarship program, contact Shannon at
612-335-7928 or swolkerstorfer@MSsociety.org.
2010 applications
Scholarship applications for 2010 awards will be accepted between Oct. 15, 2009, and
Jan. 15, 2010. Stay tuned to the scholarship page for more details.
Congratulations
The Minnesota Chapter congratulates all 2009 scholars, including these seven students who earned prestigious named scholarships. Meet all 52 scholars here.
Pentair Foundation Endowed Scholarship
William Matchett
Christopher & Banks Endowed Scholarship
Andrew Wolter
Cub Cares Foundation Scholarship
Melissa Saner
Randall T. Schapiro Scholarship
Jordan Becker
Brittany Groess Scholarship
Brittany Groess
Brittany Groess Scholarship
Breana Kochmann
Brittany Groess Scholarship
Clarissa Longworth