PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

Kayla Jane

Kayla had to grow up without her mother who died of cancer when Kayla was eight. She thought her mother would be cured and it devastated Kayla when she passed away. Kayla promised to help people in similar situations. She has participated in " Relay 4 Life" for 7 years and has donated her hair to "Locks of Love". Kayla lives with a cousin which she explains "is the best place for me". Part of that reason is because she knows her cousin could use some help. That's the way Kayla lives. To help others. Her spirit and attitude just grow on you. Her recommendation forms say she is an overachiever and doesn't use her hardships as an excuse.

She will attend Shawnee State University.

Kayla Marie

Kayla is still very hurt by the loss of her father in 2005. It was not a quick death and she had to watch as he slowly went downhill. She learned to take each day as if it were her last.

Another adversity that Kayla has had to overcome is that she was the only African American student not only in her high school, but the only African American to go through all twelve years of her school and her school is in the country not the city. It taught her that being different is a blessing and she was able to see people change towards her over the years.

Another adversity that Kayla has had to overcome is that she was the only African American student not only in her high school, but the only African American to go through all twelve years of her school and her school is in the country not the city. It taught her that being different is a blessing and she was able to see people change towards her over the years.

She will be attending Marshall University

Patrick, Cabell Midland

Patrick was diagnosed with a condition called achromitopsia. It is a color blindness that also affects his vision. He has trouble seeing both near and far and has to have special books and computers and needs transportation where ever he may go. It strains his eyes, neck, back and his will. Not only did Patrick graduate from Cabell Midland with honors he also wrestled, and wrestled up 5 classes. Patrick holds down a part time job. He also was diagnosed with a heart ailment and had heart surgery his sophomore year. There are also family issues which we choose not to discuss. In his recommendation letters he is described as honest, grounded, and motivated.

Chad

There was a song that said some things better left unsaid and I feel that that is best for Chad. I will say that Chad has been hurt by circumstances in his life and he has difficulty dealing with them as would we all.

Chad's recommendation forms talk about what a nice kid he is and I tend to agree with them. I really enjoyed interviewing Chad. He is very soft spoken and courteous. Chad will do well in life.

Chad will be a sophomore at Morehead State.

Stephannie, Spring Valley High School

Stephannie started her high school career skipping school and partying when she felt like it. Her freshman GPA was a 1.6. Her sophomore year she was involved in a life threatening automobile accident. She had multiple broken bones and lacerated organs and a brain injury. She was flown from the scene and later flown to rehab in Virginia where her dad never left her side. When she returned back to school it took her three times longer to accomplish a task than others due to her brain injury. Stephannie has amazed everyone with her determination, persistency, and fight. During her senior year her dad and best friend were killed while cutting down a tree. Through all of this Stephannie brought that 1.6 GPA up to a 3.4 for her high school career and graduated with honors. She still struggles with her brain injury and her physical handicaps. She is a freshman at Marshall University majoring in speech therapy.

Ginny Cabell Midland High School

Ginny's mom and dad were alcoholics sometimes locking her and her brother out of the house when they were young. They did their own laundry and cooked their meals. Her parents divorced when Ginny was 4. After a couple of years her mom walked out and Ginny was left with her Aunt (her mom's sister). At the age of 8 Ginny's mom died in Virginia. When she was in the 10th grade her dad also passed away. There are a couple of other circumstances in her life that we don't need to mention.

Despite these life challenges Ginny graduated with a 3.6 GPA, was President of the Key Club, was on the volleyball team and active in FFA. Ginny will attend Marshall University studying Forensic Science then wants to join the military, have a family and raise her children to be good citizens.

Nikki, Chesapeake High School

Nikki's dad was an alcoholic and often abused her mother. At the age of eight Nikki kissed her mother goodbye as they "pulled the plug on her" in the hospital. A year later her dad died suddenly right before her eyes. She was taken in by her aunt and moved from Columbus to Chesapeake Ohio. She had little to no support from her family having to walk a mile to school early in the morning so that she could use the computer. At night she would have to go to the library. Nikki had no phone, no transportation, and no computer. Despite the lack of resources' Nikki was valedictorian of Chesapeake High School. In her graduation speech she said that she always wanted to be first in her class and at the end of her junior year she found out she was tied with another student, so she signed up for the hardest classes she could take. Nikki is one determined young lady. She is a freshman at Marshall majoring in Accounting.