A St. Helens High School student was one of three people to receive a scholarship that had more than 200 applicants in Oregon.
Mackenzie Jerome received a $10,000 Beat the Odds scholarship from Stand With Children of Oregon.
The award is meant to assist students who have succeeded in spite of hardships such as poverty, disability, homelessness or personal tragedy. Due to her upbringing, Jerome did not attend school until she was 15 years old, and in a short time she has proven herself to be an exceptional student.
Language Arts teacher Naomi Reedy encouraged Jerome to apply, and Ron Barnett, language arts, theater and photography teacher, wrote a recommendation letter for Jerome.
After the initial round of application sorting, the committee then narrowed the group to eight and called on each person who wrote a recommendation letter. Jerome was in the final group of three people who received the scholarship.
As a success story, Stand With Children produced a professionally created movie about Jerome that was moving, encouraging, humbling and exciting.
The Beat the Odds scholarship program was designed to highlight the accomplishments of incredible Oregon students, and to address the barriers that might prevent young people from reaching their potential.
"Behind every Beat the Odds scholarship winner is a team of outstanding teachers, administrators, and mentors," Toya Fick, executive director of Stand for Children Oregon, said. "We need to put the right tools and outstanding leadership in front of all students, so everyone has an opportunity to excel."
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development released data that shows it is harder to be a poor student in the U.S. than in 36 other countries, including Russia, France and Canada. Stand for Children Oregon rewards students who have beat these odds, but also recognizes the need to break down barriers so more students from all backgrounds have a better chance at success.
Source: SHHS student awarded $10,000 scholarship
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