This year, the National MS Society Scholarship Program awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to students across the country. The Minnesota Chapter alone granted 52 scholarships — totaling more than $100,000 — to help college-bound students touched by MS in the local area pursue post-secondary education.
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Jordan Becker |
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Travis Biesiada |
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Kiva Forsmark |
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Nichelle Grage |
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Sierra Kamatchus |
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Emma Lorenzen Minneapolis Since 10th grade, Emma’s family has been living in Uganda, where she graduated from the International School of Uganda. Emma, whose mother has MS, is described by her principal as “one of the brightest stars,” for her outstanding academics and a commitment to community service. Emma plans to study chemistry in college to pursue her interest in researching medicinal plants. |
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Nyssa Maki Rochester Nyssa will begin working toward her goal to become a genetics researcher this fall when she attends the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. In high school, Nyssa participated in dance, orchestra, Latin, girl scouts and honor society. Her father lived with MS for 13 years before passing away in 2003. “I have overcome so many obstacles that it almost seems impossible for anyone to break my stride to success.” |
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William Matchett River Falls, Wis., 2009 Pentair Foundation Endowed Scholarship William captained the cross country team, was inducted into the National Honor Society, served five terms as class president and has contributed to many community services projects and organizations. William was 10 when his mother was diagnosed with MS. “Her courage in the face of fear has been an inspirational example for me in my life,” he said. William 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. |
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Katelyn Mueller Glenwood City, Wis. Katelyn worked part-time at a nursing home and was active in volleyball, basketball, track and several clubs at Glenwood City High School. She plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout or Iowa Wesleyan to pursue a degree in health and fitness. Katelyn’s mother has MS and lives in a nursing home. Katelyn says she cherishes time when her mother is able to come home on weekends to be with family. |
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Megan Neibauer Woodbury A graduate of Stillwater Area High School, Megan is inspired by her mother’s positive attitude in spite of MS. “My mom is cheerful. My mom won’t let MS defeat her,” she said. Megan was active in pep band and also volunteered at church camp and vacation bible school. Megan will attend Harding University in Arkansas this fall to become a nurse, specializing in either pediatrics or labor and delivery. |
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Joshua Olson Woodbury Josh plans to study pre-medicine at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. His high school activities included baseball and volunteering at St. Joseph’s hospital. Josh’s mom has been living with MS for more than five years. “My family understands the battle our mother goes through every day, and we admire her for the courage it takes to fight MS.” |
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Melissa Saner Slayton, 2009 Cub Cares Foundation Scholarship Melissa was active in softball, choir, band and National Honor Society during her years at Murray County Central High School. She prepared for college expenses by working part-time as the high cost of her mom’s MS medications made it difficult for her family to save. “I’m proud to love and care so much about such a strong woman,” she said. Melissa plans to study architectural or civil engineering at Lake Area Technical Institute and later South Dakota State University. |
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Birgitte Simpson Minneapolis Birgitte led the Cooper Orchestra and Chamber Strings, in addition to being an assistant swim coach for Special Olympics and recruiting her friends for Walk MS. She says her mom’s journey with MS has taught her to “persevere no matter what.” Birgitte plans to study music at the University of Southern California or Indiana University so she can someday fulfill her dream of playing viola for a professional orchestra. |
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Alec St. Hilaire Circle Pines Alec graduated from Centennial Senior High and will attend Century College to complete a law enforcement degree. He remembers a time before his mother was diagnosed with MS, when the family could go on bike rides and snowmobile trips together. Alec worked 15 to 25 hours a week throughout high school to help his family survive financially. “It hurts me to see her hurting but only time will heal the fact that she has this disease.” |
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Leah Van Beusekom Brooklyn Park Leah, who was active in fast pitch softball, was diagnosed with MS during her senior year at Champlin Park High School. But 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,” she said. Leah plans to study business or architecture at a four-year university and continue on to post-graduate school. |
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Andrew Wolter Elysian, 2009 Christopher & Banks Endowed Scholarship Andrew was active in football and wrestling team, science club and choir. His mother lives with MS and his father has with a heart condition called idiopathic cardiomyopathy. “It seems that sometimes we spend most of our family time at the doctor’s office,” he said. His family’s experience dealing with health issues has inspired Andrew to make advancements in the medical technology field. He plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at Carleton College. |