MS shouldn't stand in the way of education. 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 applications for the program are available from October 1 to Mid-January.
For the 2012 program year, the South Central Region of the National MS Society was able to offer 48 scholarships to High School Seniors. In Oklahoma, 10 students were awarded scholarships for the 2012-13 school year.
Taylor Aldridge (Poteau, Oklahoma)
- Recognized as a 2012 National Top Scholar
- Graduate of Poteau High School
- Plans to Attend: Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota
- During her high school career, Taylor participated in Community Problem Solvers, Scholastic Bowl, Future Problem Solvers, Prairie Palette Art Gallery Board, Community Enhancers Meeting, Science Olympiad, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering, and the University of Oklahoma's Engineering Day.
- Future Goals: to major in Neuroscience / Biology, and then hopes to pursue her MD/PhD, where she will research the nervous system and neurological diseases / disorders to one day find a cure.
Sean Barger (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma)
- Recognized as the 2012 Linda Chance Memorial Scholar
- Graduate of Broken Arrow High School
- Plans to Attend: Tulsa Community College in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- During his high school career, Sean participated in Distributive Education, Basketball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, as well as several volunteer opportunities in the community.
- Future Goals: He is currently working to obtain his Personal Trainers Certification to have the opportunity to earn extra income while attending school to major in Business and Exercise Physiology.
Christopher Basden (Okemah, Oklahoma)
- Graduate of Mason High School
- Plans to Attend: Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma
- During his high school career, Christopher participated in FFA, on the Academic Team, on the Varsity Basketball Team, and was involved in the Deep Fork River QDMA, as well as the Boy Scouts.
- Future Goal: to earn his Associate's degree in Wildlife Management and Biology. He will then transfer to Oklahoma State University to earn his Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management and Biology.
Whitney Force (Kellyville, Oklahoma)
- Graduate of Kellyville High School
- Plans to Attend: Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
- During her high school career, Whitney participated in FFA, National Honor Society, Influence, Spanish Club, and served on the 2011 Prom Committee. She has also served many volunteer roles in her community and in her church.
- Future Goals: to attend Oklahoma State University in order to fulfill her dream of becoming a Veterinarian.
Colby Gibson (Newcastle, Oklahoma)
- Graduate of Newcastle High School
- Plans to Attend: the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma
- During his high school career, Colby participated in National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Football, Weightlifting, Link Crew, Captains Council. He also participated in his community by being involved in the Newcastle All Sports Association, Tornado Clean up with the Chamber of Commerce, as well as other volunteer work.
- Future Goal: to earn his BSN in Chemistry at the University of Oklahoma and enter Medical School. He wants to specialize in Neurology and focus on central nervous system disorder research.
Alli Martin (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
- Graduate of Tulsa Memorial High School
- Plans to Attend: The University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma
- During her high school career, Alli participated in the Memorial HS Concert Chorus, National Honor Society, Academic Bowl, French Club, the Memorial HS Musical- Les Miserables, the Tulsa Public Schools Metro Honor Choir, Memorial HS Women's Chorus, as well as serving on the Principal's Student Advisory Council.
- Future Goal: to major in Forensic Science and Chemistry. Near the end of her college career, she plans to intern for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, where she hopes to earn a permanent position.
Shelby Noland (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
- Graduate of Tulsa Memorial High School
- Plans to Attend: Tulsa Community College in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- During her high school career, Shelby participated in the Latin Club and has also served as a Recycling volunteer.
- Future Goals: to attend Tulsa Community College where she will earn her Associate's degree. Upon completion of her Associates, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University to earn her Bachelor's degree in Interior Design.
Jessica Potter (Cyril, Oklahoma)
- Graduate of Cyril High School
- Plans to Attend: East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma
- During her high school career, Jessica participated on the Varsity Basketball and Softball Teams, in Family Career and Community Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Academic Team, Science and Health Club, 4-H, FFA. She has also served as a People to People Student Ambassador, as well as volunteering in her community and for her church.
- Future Goal: to major in Mathematics Education. Following a successful teaching career, she plans to return to college and pursue a career in physical therapy.
Macayla Potter (Cyril, Oklahoma)
- Graduate of Cyril High School
- Plans to Attend: Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Oklahoma
- During her high school career, Macayla participated in National Honor Society, Academic Team, Science and Health Club, Family Career Community Leaders of America, National Gelbvieh Association, SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), American Gelbvieh Junior Association, and served as a People to People Ambassador. She also served as a volunteer in her community.
- Future goal: to first attend Northern Oklahoma College, and then transfer to Oklahoma State University, where she will pursue a career as a High School Educator. Her ulitmate career goal is to work in a rural community where she can have an impact on youth and their future.
Shelby Reeves (Woodward, Oklahoma)
- Graduate of Woodward High School
- Plans to Attend: The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma
- During her high school career, Shelby participated in the Freshman Mentoring Program, Future Career and Community Leaders of America and served on the Junior Class Fundraising / Prom Committee. She has also been an active volunteer in her church.
- Future Goal: to work towards a minimum of a Bachelor's degree to work in the medical field or as a professional writer.
To see other recipients from across the South Central Region, visit these sites below:
Arkansas
Louisiana
New Mexico
Texas
