NMSS Scholarship
Enrollment for the 2012 Scholarship Program is open between October 1, 2011 and January 13, 2012, and scholars will receive notice in May 2012. Applications are accepted online only. Visit nationalmssociety.org/scholarship for more information.
MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education. This is why the National MS Society's scholarship program exists — to help highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to college.
The Society established its scholarship program in 2003 and the program continues to grow both in terms of support and scholarships awarded. In its first year of operation the program awarded 36 scholarships for a total of $68,000; in 2011 over $1 million was awarded to 639 scholars.
The MS Society’s scholarship program helps highly qualified students achieve their dreams of going to college. Our Chapter continues to partner with organizations and individuals who help provide access to educational opportunities that can change lives. If you would like to support this program, please contact Amy Goldstein at Amy.Goldstein@nmss.org.
2011 Mid America Scholarship Recipients
The Chapter is please to award seven local scholarships. This year’s winners are: Adam Klausing, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Rebecca Ludwig, Overland Park, Kan.; Molly McGraw, Odessa, Mo.; Ellen Poskin, Overland Park, Kan.; Sergio Toledo, Kansas City, Kan.; Courtney Turnbull, Gladstone, Mo. and Cali Walsh, Gallatin, Mo. Each recipient receives $1,000 to further their education.
Graduating from: Lee Summit West High School
Plans to attend: University of Arkansas
Major: Engineering Management
Adam immediately saw the effects of MS when his mother had overworked certain muscle groups in her body. MS had also caused his mother to stay indoors during the summer due to the heat and humidity. He knew that in order to care for his mother, he would have to set aside his personal desires and step up his role within the household. “My mom continues to persevere through the difficulties of MS, and that gives me hope from day to day that if she can make it through all the difficulties in her life, then surely I can deal with my own smaller problems.”
Graduating from: Blue Valley Northwest
Plans to attend: Concordia University-Wisconsin
Major: Occupational Therapy
A typical horror story from someone with MS had become a reality for Rebecca. In 2007, she was paralyzed in three limbs. Four weeks later, half of her face went numb. She was soon diagnosed with MS. Rebecca found new light that sparked her interest in the human body and becoming an occupational therapist. “MS has given me an outlook on life that not many people have. It has helped me focus on what is important to me, and it gave me insight to what I was meant to do.”
Graduating from: Odessa High School
Plans to attend: University of Missouri-Columbia
Major: Journalism, emphasis in Radio & TV.
Molly’s mother had been diagnosed with MS ever since she was pregnant. Molly looks to her mother for inspiration when tackling grades, three sports and numerous organizations. Due to MS, Molly has provided living assistance for her mother. “From organizing parties to accompanying my second grade class on our field trip, she was determined to do all of the things the other mothers did. Even on her worst days, she didn’t mind loading up the car to drive my brother or me to the store to buy school supplies or shop for groceries.”
Graduating from: Blue Valley Northwest
Plans to attend: University of Missouri-Columbia
Major: Nursing
Ellen Poskin was born with the true makings of a nurse. Her father had been diagnosed with progressive MS in 1991. Even though MS had broken her family emotionally, physically and financially, Ellen continues care for her father while working 40-plus hours a week at two jobs. “Despite my dad’s inability to walk, he is the strongest person I know, and I can honestly say he is my hero. As my dad said to me often, in many ways MS has been a blessing in disguise...it has made us stronger.”
Graduating from: Oak Park High School
Plans to attend: University of Central Missouri
Major: Criminology.
Courtney’s mother was diagnosed with MS in 2002. Life hasn’t always been easy since Courtney never shared a strong relationship her mother, and MS only made things worse. In an effort to regain contact with her mother, she choose MS as a topic to research as a graduation requirement. “For the first time in five years, we have something to talk about. A reason that caused me to lose contact with my mom for so long is the reason I’m now getting her back in my life.”
Sergio Toledo
Graduating from: Sumner Academy
Plans to attend: University of Kansas
Major: Industrial Design
Sergio’s mother was diagnosed with MS in 2005. Participating in Walk MS has given Sergio and his family an opportunity to meet others with MS and to learn more. Even though his mother cannot work, she always expresses her passion for music and art. “Although I frequently see her struggling with this disease, I also see her love for us, her inner strength and her continued zeal for life. It‘s these things which have had and continue to have the most impact in my life.”
Graduating from: Gallatin High School
Plans to attend: North Central Missouri College
Major: Undecided
Cali’s mother was diagnosed with MS before she was born. Her experience of growing up fast has given her insight on how the world really is. Cali has worked odd jobs and handled her own bills since she was 15. “When you watch something slowly steal someone’s life away, you begin to learn the beauty of the time you have, and begin to learn that life is short and you must treasure every single moment.”
Eligibility for 2012
High school seniors or graduates that have MS or a parent with MS and who will be attending an accredited post secondary school for the first time next fall are eligible.
Applications and information can be downloaded at www.nationalmssociety.org/scholarship beginning in October 2011. Or call us at 1-800-344-4867 and press 1 to receive a copy by mail.