NMSS Scholarship
Enrollment for the 2014 Scholarship Program is open between October 1, 2013 and January 13, 2014, and scholars will receive notice in April 2013. Applications are accepted online only at: https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/mssociety. 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 2012 over $1 million was awarded to 646 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 Susan Engel at Susan.Engel@nmss.org.
2013 Mid America Scholarship Recipients
The Chapter is pleased to award seven local scholarships. This year’s winners are: Bridget Wages, Chelsea Klitzke, Jordan Evans, Kelli Niemeier, Sarah Jones, Sarah Wright, and Sydney Oglesby. Each recipient receives $1,000 to further their education.
Bridget Wages
Hometown: Peculiar, MO
Plans to attend: Emporia State University
Major: Pre physical-therapy
"I've never seen my mom run. I've never seen her jump. I've never seen her do anything that would classify her as, physically strong. However, I have never in my life, met anyone who can compare to the mental toughness she holds. It's difficult, watching girls go out shopping with their moms, go to the gym, walk up a flight of stairs. Those are all things that many people take for granted. I've learned that even those simple actions can be a challenge for my m om. It's a lot of pressure on a 17 year old girl. I take her to doctors appointments, juggle school, chores, work and soccer. In no way do I ever see these actions as a burden. I simply try to lighten the load on my parents everyday."
Chelsea Klitzke
Hometown: Ness City, KS
Plans to attend: Washburn University
Major: Nursing
"I remember the exact moment my life was changed forever. I was about six years old helping my mom shop at the local grocery store. All these people kept coming up to my mom hugging her and telling her how sorry they were. I brushed it off like it was nothing; the only concern I had was what type of ice cream I was going to pick out when I arrived to that section. After about ten people talked to my mom I decided I better find out what all the fuss was about. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and told me that daddy was sick with some disease called Multiple Sclerosis. I didn't think anything of it, I figured it was just something that he would have to take medicine for and after a few days it would be all better. Little did I know that it would change his life and my family's life forever."
Jordan Evans
Hometown: Wetmore, KS
Plans to attend: Washburn University
Major: Pharmacy
"I was 12 when my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Her main symptoms were severe vertigo and double vision. She then began to experience stomach sickness and weakness in her legs. I had absolutely no understanding of MS at the time. I remember being so scared for my mom and not knowing what was going to happen to her."
Kelli Niemeier
Hometown: Beatrice, NE
Plans to attend: University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Major: Athletic Training
"Multiple Sclerosis, an incurable disease, is an illness that most don't understand. Because my dad has suffered from the disease for 20 years, I've had to grow up watching him deteriorate and be forced to take disability payments, My mom has had to work many hard hours, most of which contribute to paying medical bills. This hardship has had a monumental impact on my life."
Sarah Jones
Hometown: Riverton, KS
Plans to attend: Missouri Southern State University
Major: Accounting
"My dad encourages me to be involved in all activities I can muster because someone out there wishes they could be involved, but are helf back by disease. My father has taught me not to waste any opportunities for each one is a given right."
Sarah Wright
Hometown: Douglass, KS
Plans to attend: Wichita State University
Major: Nursing
"My educational goals include attending a four year university to achieve my BSRN and Nurse Practioner License. I want to be a neonatal nurse because I like helping people and love kids. Caring about others makes me feel good inside and I find the human body fascinating in how it functions. A career in nursing offers much diversity through a constantly changing atmosphere which will ensure a never dull moment. Multiple Sclerosis has influenced my decision to seek a career in the nursing profession."
Sydney Oglesby
Hometown: St. Missouri Western State University
Major: Nursing
"Multiple Sclerosis has impacted my life greatly. My mom was diagnosed with MS when I was seven. I remember not understanding what was happening but being really scared because she was in the hospital."
Eligibility for 2014
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 2013. Or call us at 1-800-344-4867 and press 1 to receive a copy by mail.