by Michael Garrett
We have reached the conclusion of another season of awarding ACB scholarships. There were over 80 prospective awardees, all of whom were worthy candidates. But the 2016-2017 class was, in our opinion, another stellar one!
After all the applications and supporting documents were reviewed and the selection process completed, we heaved a sigh of relief because we were confident that we had chosen a class of students that ACB could be proud of. Listed below are this year’s scholarship winners, along with the degree they’re striving for, and their schools.
Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarships
- Abby Edwards, Ph.D. in Clinical Health Psychology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
- Marcus Hernandez, Ph.D. in History and Global Change, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.
- Marissa Hirschmann, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Central College, Pella, Iowa
- Timothy Jones, Bachelor of Music, Mercer University, Macon, Ga.
- Phoebe Tran, Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
Kellie Cannon Memorial Scholarship
- Jack Duffy-Pretentis, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Mass.
William G. Corey Memorial Scholarship
- Lisa Hagerich, Master of Social Work, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, Pa.
Marcia Dresser Memorial Scholarship
- Christiane Steele, Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah
John Hebner Memorial Scholarship
- Leonard Moore, Ph.D. in Adult Education, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.
James R. Olsen Memorial Scholarship
- Michael Fulton, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Western New England University, Springfield, Mass.
The Ross N. Pangere Foundation for the Visually Impaired Scholarships
- Michael Beausir, Bachelor of Science in Business and Sports Management, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.
- Kristie Hong, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
- Mark Myers, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Mo.
Arnold Sadler Memorial Scholarship
- Kathleen Ernst, Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Ill.
Norma Shecter Memorial Scholarship and Duane Buckley Memorial Scholarship
- Lorise Diamond, Bachelor of Science in Communications, San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif.
Bay State Council of the Blind Scholarship
- Elaine Phillips, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.
Oregon Council of the Blind Scholarship
- Lillian Goodman, Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Linfield College, McMinnville, Ore.
This group was diverse in its age range and areas of study, but they were very supportive of each other and came in willing to get involved. Thanks to the ACB Students group for mentoring the scholarship winners and helping to make them feel welcome. Post-conference feedback was very complementary; several students stated they felt empowered and encouraged.
Scholarship season can be a joyful grind; the end result makes it all worthwhile. We heartily thank those who make it all possible and those who lighten our workload. To our donors, we wish you a hearty thank you! To the office staff, an enthusiastic thank you!
Congratulations to the 2016 ACB scholarship winners. Remember to keep your goals in sight and keep reaching for them with all of your might.
The 2017 scholarship application will go live on the ACB website on Nov. 1. If you’d like to apply for an ACB scholarship, or you know someone who is interested in applying, be sure to fill out the online form and submit it. We look forward to reviewing your applications.
Caption: ACB’s 2016 scholarship winners and committee members pause for a photo after the awards ceremony. Top row, left to right: Chelle Hart, Sharon Strzalkowski, Marcus Hernandez, Leonard Moore, Tommy Woodyard, Mark Myers II, Timothy Jones, Michael Fulton Jr., Lorise Diamond, Antonio Vega, Don Koors, Michael Garrett, and Catherine Schmitt Whitaker. Bottom row, left to right: Samantha Mayberry, Abby Edwards, Kristie Hong, Phoebe Minh Tranh, Elaine Phillips, Kathleen Ernst, Lisa Hagerich, Christiane Steele, Sara Conrad, and Lindsey Tilden.