Miller now has flexibility with scholarship numbers

BORDEN — The scholarship crunch Archie Miller inherited has become more of a scholarship luxury.

The new Indiana coach enters the summer one under the NCAA limit of 13 scholarships for men's basketball — not that he's in any rush to use it.

Miller told reporters at Wednesday's IU fan event at Huber's Orchard and Winery that he has "no idea" what he'll do with the scholarship opened last week by former guard Grant Gelon's release. To Miller, the keys to roster construction are careful consideration and patience.

"Scholarships are like gold," Miller said. "You have to be able to do what's best for you at a certain time of the year. They're not things to just fire out there and hopefully fill bodies. We have to have a plan."

Indiana ended last season with 16 players, including three high school signees, for the 13 spots on the 2017-18 roster.

When OG Anunoby, Thomas Bryant and James Blackmon Jr. decided to hire representation and remain in the NBA Draft, IU returned to the NCAA limit. Then, when Gelon requested a release from his scholarship last week, Miller found the kind of roster flexibility he covets.

Miller believes it can sometimes be a disadvantage for programs to use all 13 scholarships. In today's game, with rampant transfers and early professional departures, navigating roster fluidity occupies a significant portion of coaching responsibilities.

Miller wants to be comfortable playing between nine and 10 players in a regular rotation, and having three or four players who aren't getting meaningful minutes can lead to unhappiness at the end of the bench.

"What we're able to do right now, I'm not sure," Miller said. "We'd always like to have some versatility with our roster."

Although he's uncommitted to using the open scholarship for the 2017-18 season, Miller is keeping his options open.

Indiana hosted Italian point guard Davide Moretti for the first of Moretti's four scheduled college visits in the United States, Scout.com reported this week.

The 6-foot-3 Moretti, who averaged 14.8 points and five assists during Italy's third-place run at the 2016 FIBA U18 European Championships, is also scheduled to visit Connecticut, Texas Tech and Utah.

In between Gelon's departure and Moretti's visit, Miller added to his backcourt by inviting James Blackmon Jr.'s younger brother, Vijay, to join the program as a preferred walk-on next season.

Blackmon averaged 9.2 points and 1.1 assists in 22 games as a freshman at Saint Francis last season. He left the program in January.

"Walk-ons, they're a really, really important cog to what we're doing, just like our managers," Miller said. "We put a tremendous amount of pride in the development of the program, not just players. I think guys that play vital success in your team's success sometimes don't get in the games.

"I think, as we move forward, we're always going to look to have guys that love Indiana, that want to be a part of the program, that are there for the right reasons, which is winning and, at the end of the day, being a part of some special, special moments. A guy like Vijay, who we've talked to quite a bit, as he enrolls in the university and does some things, him having an opportunity to be a part of the program is something that we look forward to."

Football freshmen arrive on campus

Several incoming freshmen moved into their dorms at Indiana on Wednesday. The remaining members of IU's latest signing class are expected on campus Thursday.

It's the first step toward getting Tom Allen's first team as Hoosiers head coach together en masse, a process that will continue with additional veteran players returning for upcoming summer workouts.

Allen said Wednesday that IU's full 23-man signing class enters the summer academically eligible.

"I think we're pretty well-intact at this point," Allen said. "There's always going to be a couple guys in the incoming class that have to be able to go through and get the final transcripts in to make sure. We're close on a couple. But, for the most part, it looks really, really good. Coaches did a good job of finding guys that have an opportunity to come here and make it academically."

Glass updates facility projects

The $53 million South End Zone project at Memorial Stadium is on time and on budget, IU athletics director Fred Glass said Wednesday.

The project, which will add a new athlete dining room and homes for academic counseling and the sports nutrition department, is scheduled to open in time for the 2018 football season.

Plans for a renovated IU Golf Course will go before the university's board of trustees at the June meeting in South Bend, Glass said. Pending approval, groundbreaking on the course is scheduled for the fall with a planned 2019 opening.

"The golf course has been a bit of a conundrum for many, many years," Glass said. "If we can solve that one, which we expect to do, it'll be a world-class, championship golf course, but will continue to be accessible to faculty, staff and students. It'll be a great piece."

Glass also said that the groundbreaking for the recently approved multi-purpose arena will also take place this fall. The $17 million project, which will give IU's wrestling and volleyball programs a new home, is expected to be completed in time for the 2019 seasons.

Source: Miller now has flexibility with scholarship numbers

PEO Star Scholarship awarded to Jada Rosa'

The prestigious P.E.O. Star Scholarship for the 2017-18 academic year was presented to Hiawatha graduating senior Jada Rosa' at the school's awards ceremony May 18 by past president Carol Speidel.

Rosa' is the daughter of Drs. Pete and Julie Rosa' and was recommended for this scholarship by Chapter HU of Hiawatha. Rosa' is planning to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she plans to study medical humanities beginning this fall.

The P.E.O. Star Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and potential for future success. The program is open to young women who are citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States or Canada and who are graduating high school seniors at the time of the application. A student must be recommended by a P.E.O. chapter.

The P.E.O. Sisterhood, founded in 1869 at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is an international philanthropic and educational organization that promotes increased educational opportunities for women. There are nearly 6,000 local chapters with 250,000 members in Canada and the U.S. they have provided nearly $283 million in financial assistance to almost 99,000 recipients.

Source: PEO Star Scholarship awarded to Jada Rosa'

Strength in the Community Scholarship Winner, Bentley Hunter

May 29, 2017

Nikki Davidson

Meet Bentley Hunter, Tonight's Fox 21 Strength in the Community Scholarship Winner. He is a Lakeview Christian Academy senior who says attending a small private school has taught him how classmates can become family.

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Source: Strength in the Community Scholarship Winner, Bentley Hunter

Bloomington Rotary Club awards scholarships

The Bloomington Rotary Club's scholarships for graduating high school seniors in 2017 have been awarded to four area students: Grace Bertsch and Maria Lysandrou from Bloomington High School South, Anna Raphael from Bloomington High School North, and Ellen Bergen from Edgewood High School.

The scholarships are given to recognize students who have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also outstanding service and leadership in school and community events and organizations, in keeping with Rotary's motto of "service above self."

Bertsch and Bergen plan to attend Indiana University this fall, while Lysandrou will attend the University of Chicago and Raphael will attend St. Olaf College in Minnesota.

Source: Bloomington Rotary Club awards scholarships

High School Senior Accepted To 149 Colleges, Offered Over $7M In Scholarships

Shariah Edwards with her parents. Photo: Power Center Academy High School

× High School Senior Accepted To 149 Colleges, Offered Over $7M In Scholarships

Shariah Edwards with her parents. Photo: Power Center Academy High School

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (CBS) — Shariah Edwards just graduated from Power Center Academy High School, a charter school in Memphis, Tennessee.

Now, she's faced with a task many recent high school grads must do — choose which college of those she was accepted to she wants to attend.

But Shariah's situation is unique, in more ways than one. She was accepted to 149 colleges across the country, according to a counselor at the school. She's also been offered more than $7.6 million in scholarship money.

"She has totally blown us away," said Tamara Woods-Wormley, the college counselor at Power Center Academy High School.  "I gave her a list of colleges from A to Z that don't have application fees … every day she would come into the office and ask to send transcripts here or there."

Shariah, a straight-A student, never expected this outcome. She simply wanted to maximize her options for higher education and relieve the financial burden on her family. Her goal was to become a Million Dollar Scholar, a title her school uses to encourage students to apply for scholarship money — either through merit programs or privately — to help them go to college. If they earn at least $1 million in offers, they are presented with a symbolic check at graduation.

To keep track of admissions and scholarship offers, all letters must be provided to Woods-Wormley. They are then verified and recorded in a spreadsheet, which was reviewed by CBS News. Shariah was the highest earner of the 145 students in the class of 2017, which Power Center Academy says got more than $30 million in total scholarship offers.

According to Woods-Wormley, all of the schools Shariah was accepted to are four-year institutions. The schools are quite literally all over the country, from Regis University in Colorado, to Tuskegee University in Alabama, to Johnson and Wales in Rhode Island.

"I didn't want to limit myself, so I did research and applied to the ones I was interested in," Shariah told CBS News. "I was amazed, because I didn't think I would get that many acceptances."

Shariah says she is still narrowing down where she wants to go to college, but Tennessee State University is one of her top choices.

Source: High School Senior Accepted To 149 Colleges, Offered Over $7M In Scholarships

Student receives $1.8M in scholarships, including full rides to six top universities

MARIETTA — The Foundation for Ensuring Access and Equity announced that on Sunday, Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta will host its 10th annual High School Graduation Celebration Worship Service. For Paulding County High School's Kimberly Hadaway, the blessings are overflowing with full scholarships to six of the country's top colleges: Princeton, Duke, Vanderbilt, Washington and Lee, Amherst and Williams.

For the past 10 years, the church's Education Ministry Leaders, Mychal and Nina Wynn, a college planning couple who operate the Foundation for Ensuring Access and Equity's nationally recognized "College Planning Cohort™ Program," began inspiring elementary school students through the church's biannual academic celebrations to aspire toward big college-bound dreams.

The Wynns have been guiding Kimberly's college trajectory since she was a third grader. First, through test prep for Georgia's CRCT testing as an elementary and middle school student. Then, by developing a 7-year middle-through-high school course schedule, heavy in advanced math, science, and Advanced Placement classes. Then, by encouraging Kimberly to make a commitment to leadership and community service. Finally, putting Kimberly on the radar of selective institutions with need-based, "no loans," financial aid policies by applying to their 'Diversity Weekend' programs.

Kimberly and her mother worked together as a team to follow the plan. Kimberly took each class that Mr. Wynn outlined, earned an "A" in each class, earned a final grade of 100+ over 50 times, earned a passing score on 17 AP exams, and achieved an ACT Score in the 99th percentile nationally ("33") by Mr. Wynn's deadline — June of her junior year of high school.

Kimberly is 1 of 183 high school seniors from throughout the State of Georgia to be selected as 2017 Georgia Scholars, will serve on the National Elks Scholar Advisory Board, and was offered admission to the prestigious Meyerhoff Scholars Program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

Kimberly was also offered admission and scholarships to Swarthmore, Xavier University of Louisiana, Spelman College, and Howard University.

Mr. Wynn reflects on Kimberly's remarkable achievement, "The advice that we offered Kimberly, as a third grader, is the same as we offer every student — a student's coursework, grades, and test scores represent the most direct pathway to being offered a full college scholarship. As a result of accepting our guidance, putting forth the effort to become a top student, and applying to the 'right' colleges, Kimberly is deserving of her $1.8 million in scholarship offers."

Kimberly's mother, Yvette Ifill, still overwhelmed by the enormity of it all, said, "I am a native of Guyana who knew nothing about the U.S. public education system. Without the Wynns guidance, the Turner Chapel AME Church's College Planning Cohort, and our small group coach, Mrs.

Kim Sackey, this would not have been possible. My daughter has always been a good student, but being a good student is not enough. The Wynns exposed Kimberly to Diversity Weekend opportunities, reviewed all of her college essays, assisted her in preparing for interviews, and interacted with college admissions and financial aid officers on our behalf. They have held our hand, step-by-step since Kimberly was in elementary school."

Rev. Don Ezell, Youth Pastor of the Turner Chapel AME Church, notes, "For the past 10 years, as Education Ministry Leaders, Mychal and Nina Wynn, have been guiding students in our church into top colleges and millions of dollars in scholarships. Many of our students have attended the best undergraduate programs on full scholarships, with many of whom now attending and graduating from the best graduate schools, law schools, and medical school programs. As a parent, I cannot think of anyone better qualified to assist students with their college planning, particularly students from lower-income families. This year, we also have students who have received full scholarship offers to Amherst College, Clark Atlanta, Tennessee State, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis, Brenau, and Dillard University."

For more information, visit www.accessandequity.org.

Source: Student receives $1.8M in scholarships, including full rides to six top universities

Dade County high school seniors awarded scholarship in honor of late teacher

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Dade County teacher remembered for enthusiasm, work with disadvantaged students Read more

TRENTON, Ga. — A day after their teacher died, three Dade County High School students received scholarships in her honor.

During the school's class night, an awards ceremony for the students who are graduating, Principal Josh Ingle and Superintendent Jan Harris announced the $500 scholarships as tribute to Sandy Bradley, who died Wednesday after a late-stage diagnosis of colon cancer. Bradley was a 25-year employee of the school system, most recently as a graduation coach for students at risk of not finishing high school.

"Mrs. Bradley inspired students to be their best and many graduated because of her influence and encouragement," Harris said during a speech in the school's gym. " Tonight we honor Ms. Sandy Bradley by honoring those she loved."

The scholarship went to three students with whom she had worked: Madeline Estes Martin, Tyler Tiffin and Taylor Cox, who had been one of Bradley's students in elementary school about nine years ago.

Bradley, 48, did not realize she had cancer until late March, her friends said. She had been feeling sharp pains and fevers when she went to the hospital. After her diagnosis, she did not return to school and only lived for about two months.

On May 18, she posted on Facebook that she knew her time was coming to an end.

"I am at peace," she wrote. "I know this is all part of God's plan. I have told my kids that I am the winner. My heart breaks for them as I can only imagine how hard it will be growing up without a Mom."

As a graduation coach, Bradley tried to steer students who appeared on a path toward dropping out. When students fell behind their peers, she created special schedules for them or allowed them to enroll in online classes. She would chat with them online throughout the day, said Josh Ingle, the Dade County High School Principal.

She was part of a team that helped increase the school's graduation rate to 95 percent. Even after she was diagnosed, Harris said, Bradley still touched base with students over the phone.

During his speech about the scholarship Thursday night, Ingle gripped the side of the lectern and paused a couple of times, regaining his composure.

He quoted the school's media specialist, Carissa Henry: "I've watched her care. I've watched her laugh. I have witnessed her work tirelessly to help her students, even when they didn't want her help, she stubbornly refused to sit back and give up on them."

Contact Staff Writer Tyler Jett at 423-755-6476 or tjett@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @LetsJett.

Source: Dade County high school seniors awarded scholarship in honor of late teacher

May 28 fundraiser for Armsted R. Christian Jazz Scholarship

By Standard-Times staff

WESTPORT — The music of Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Prince and other greats will echo through White's of Westport Sunday, May 28 for the "Stay in the Light" fundraiser to benefit the Armsted Christian Scholarship Fund.

Tickets are $50 and the event is from 3 to 7 p.m. Checks are payable to Armsted R. Christian Fund- BayCoast Bank or give online at Berklee.edu/soundbreaking/make-gift and reference Armsted R. Christian.

Christian, a musician and professor at Berklee College of Music, died in January 2016. "His family and friends thought one of the best ways to honor his legacy was to establish the Armsted R. Christian Endowment Scholarship at Berklee College of Music," organizers said in a news release.

The ARC Scholarship committee has held two events to date and has raised closed to $28,000. To establish an endowment scholarship at Berklee the committee must raise at least $50,000 and organizers said that with a sold-out event, the committee will reach that goal in the first year. Berklee allows 5 years to establish and endowment scholarship.

"Armsted was very dedicated to his profession and students. He often wrote letters on their behalf to the college trying to keep them in school by securing funds for them. This scholarship will enable him to still help to provide students with a quality of education," organizers said.

Christian brought music to SouthCoast and beyond for over 40 years. He often performed at community events to help organizations raise funds for various causes. "He was an unselfish, caring, and humanitarian. His spirituality came forth in his music and performances and touched audiences in ways that were uniquely his," the release said.

Leading the roster of performers is Guitar Virtuoso, fusion guitar player Chieli Minucci. His latest CD will be available to purchase at the event. Chieli has recorded 28 CDS.

Morris Pleasure was in Michael Jackson's This is it Tour Band, which Michael Jackson referred to as the best band he ever assembled, in the " This Is It" movie. Pleasure will be a part of the 50th Anniversary world tour in memory of Michael Jackson and his music. He orris will be on keyboards and co-musical Director for the fundraising event. He is also a trumpet and bass player.

Vocalist Kudisan Kai, a former professor at Berklee, has toured for seven years and recorded with Elton John. She sings anything from Opera- to Gospel to R& B to Jazz but her passion is alternative rock. She is about to release her first book "Memoirs of a Background Diva".

Gabrielle Goodman is also a versatile vocalist, professor of voice at Berklee College and wrote hit tunes for Chaka Khan. She and Armsted Christian were also writing partners.

Aria Christian and Kyle Christian, children of Armsted Christian who performed in the first fundraiser, will perform again in the upcoming event.

Others on the roster are professors at Berklee College.

Source: May 28 fundraiser for Armsted R. Christian Jazz Scholarship

Fox Motors Hands out scholarships to area athletes

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich -- Nate Robbins from Sparta high school and Alex Wilkinson from Thornapple-Kellogg high school won $2500 scholarships Tuesday night at Fox Kia Hyndai in Grand Rapids.

30 student athletes were selected as Fox Motors prep athletes of the week throughout the 2016-2017 school year and Robbins and Wilkinson were chosen as scholarship winners in a random drawing.

Source: Fox Motors Hands out scholarships to area athletes

Six young Vallejo women win $5K scholarships from Soroptimists

Geraldine Lonsdale learned Monday that on top of her other accomplishments, she was selected valedictorian of her class, news she shared with Soroptimist International of Vallejo members and others gathered at that group's annual scholarship awards luncheon.

With the last of Public Works Week visible out Zio Fraedo's picture windows along the Vallejo waterfront, Lonsdale and five other female Vallejo students were each awarded $5,000 scholarships at Monday's event — something the group's been doing annually since 1939, members said.

"These lucky young ladies applied, interviewed and were chosen to receive our scholarships because of their academic rigor, dedication to community service and demonstrated financial need," group member and Solano County Supervisor Erin Hannigan said. Lonsdale, a Jesse Bethel High School senior, plans to study psychology at UC Berkeley. Besides being in the National Honor Society and president of Biomed Academy Leadership, she volunteers with the local Humane Society and with Faith Food Fridays, and works as a server at Brookdale Senior Living.

"Coming from a low-income, immigrant family, I really appreciate the scholarship," Lonsdale said. "My mom didn't have the advantages I have, being a single mother from the Philippines."

Hannigan pointed out that like Like Lonsdale, few Soroptimist's scholarship winners "were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, and many are the first in their families to go to college."

The group raises money at its annual Winemakers Dinner to help women and girls in the Vallejo community achieve their goals, Hannigan said.

"We believe education is an important step for women to be able to reach success," she said. "College can be expensive and our scholarships are designed to help off-set that cost in their first year."

The award amounts and the number of students scholarships awarded to has grown in recent years, Hannigan said.

"This is the second year we're giving $5,000, but last year, we only gave away five, and this year, there's six," she said. This year's main fund raiser brought in $81,000, so next year's scholarships may increase, she said.

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Carmela Villegas — the only one from MIT Academy – couldn't be present Monday, because she was in Washington, D.C., on a senior trip she helped raise the funds for her class to take. Represented Monday by her mother and sister, Villegas was student body and Key Club president, and plans to study molecular biology at UC San Diego.

Melanie Alcantara, Vallejo High School's student body president, will attend UC Davis and major in psychology or sociology. She's volunteered for Special Olympics and has been Color Guard captain and treasurer of the band.

Among others, Alcantara thanked her mother, whom she called, her "rock."

Isabel Constantino, who attends Jesse Bethel High School, plans to study nursing at CSU Sacramento. She volunteers at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center and is a Solano County Teen Librarian. She's also president of the Red Cross Club and the Art Club and belongs to several other organizations.

Among her many accomplishments, Constantino said she's working toward creating gender equality in chore-doing at home, she said.

Also from Bethel, Xochitl Vargas is involved with Upward Bound at UC Davis where she plans to major in global disease biology. An honor student for four years, Vargas also attended the Vallejo Firefighter Youth Academy and worked as a lifeguard and poll worker.

"I want to thank my parents for always supporting me and being there for me," she said.

"Being a woman of color, I'm interested in pursuing computer science, to help break the stereotypes and adversity in the field for myself and those who come after me," said Bethel senior and Soroptimist scholarship winner Mylinh Pham.

Pham, who'll be attending UC Irvine, was president of her freshman and sophomore classes and of the Interact Club. She also is a Google Scholar for the computer science summer program and volunteers with Fighting Back Partnership.

"Being able to provide college scholarships to help young women in our community realize their dreams is our primary mission," Hannigan said. "Soroptimist International of Vallejo is grateful to contributors of our fund-raising efforts that allows us the opportunity to do this work. It's very heartwarming."

Contact Rachel Raskin-Zrihen at (707) 553-6824.

Source: Six young Vallejo women win $5K scholarships from Soroptimists

Bridgeport Rotary Scholarship

T-L Photo/KIM NORTH

SYDNEY KLOSS, third from left, is the 2017 recipient of the Bridgeport Rotary Scholarship. The Bridgeport senior will attend Duquesne University in the fall and major in physical therapy. Pictured are, from left, incoming Bridgeport Rotary Club President Kelly Kotur; Kloss's grandfather, Jack Kloss; Kloss; and Bridgeport Exempted Village Schools Superintendent Zac Shutler.

Source: Bridgeport Rotary Scholarship

Anchorage gamer receives 'esports' scholarship to play video game in college

High School Sports

Jonathan Steigleman, 18, a senior at Anchorage Christian School has received an scholarship to play the video game "League of Legends" at Southwest Baptist University. (Bill Roth / Alaska Dispatch News)

Gone are the days when hardcore gamers were relegated to their parent's basements, sipping energy drinks and munching on Hot Pockets while smashing away on their keyboards until the wee hours of the morning.

Nowadays, the best high school gamers can receive college scholarships to play at a highly competitive level and get an education at the same time.

This fall, Anchorage Christian senior Jonathan Steigleman will become what is believed to be the first Alaska gamer to attend college on a scholarship for competitive gaming — known as "esports" — when he joins the "League of Legends" team at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri.

"Every night when I'm going to sleep I get excited (thinking about it)," Steigleman said. "I'm going to college to play a video game and do what I love.

"It's going to be amazing."

Paid to play

When Steigleman first told his dad about a potential esports scholarship, his dad didn't believe it.

"He's like 'Yeah right, you're not going to get a scholarship for playing a video game. That doesn't happen,' " Steigleman said. "When I actually got the scholarship offer, I think that's when it hit him that it was actually happening."

Not only was it happening, but Steigleman had his pick of "League of Legends" scholarships from three schools, including Robert Morris, the first university to start a esports program in 2014.

"League of Legends," also known simply as "League" or "LoL," is a game that pits two teams of five players against each other in an online battle arena, where the goal is to destroy the other team's base. Each player controls his or her own fantasy-type character, called a champion, with its own set of attacks, abilities and roles.

Steigleman will play the role of "jungler," which is a position that assists the other four players on the team, sort of like a point guard in basketball or a libero in volleyball.

Steigleman said he was first introduced to the game by a friend in middle school, but it wasn't until later, when he picked it up again on his own, that he became hooked. Before long, he was playing every day and improving by watching professional players online and researching intricate parts of the game.

Eventually, he wasn't just watching professional players, he was actually playing with them — like an amateur basketball player getting into a pick-up game with Michael Jordan or LeBron James.

"The first time I played with (a pro), it was pretty surreal," Steigleman said. "It was like, I don't feel like I'm that good, how can I be playing with pros right now?

"It probably motivated me more than anything to just play more. These are people I've been watching play the game and win money, so it was pretty exciting."

Steigleman said one of his most exciting moments was when he hit what's called the diamond league, putting him in the top 2 percent of players in a game that features tens of millions of players every month.

Still, his dad wasn't impressed.

"I found my dad and told him (and) he was like, 'OK, I don't know what that means, but congratulations,' " Steigleman said.

Southwestern Baptist coach Chris Allison said he liked Steigleman's ability to think outside the box when he watched him play online during the recruiting process, which was part of the reason he offered him a spot on the team.

"The way he does things is not the way I see everyone do it," Allison said. "He's largely self-taught, so he just has a lot of raw ability in the game."

Growing scene on campuses

Two years ago, Allison was trying to figure out ways to reach new groups of students on the Southwest Baptist campus. He heard about a few universities with gaming programs and wondered if it was something that could work at SBU.

So he started SBU's eventual esports program in an old closet on the corner of campus.

"We pulled together some funds and renovated an old closet and installed eight Xbox Ones and created our first Xbox arena on campus," Allison said.

The new program drew students — about 8 percent of SBU's undergraduate population — who were not participating in other campus clubs or intramural sports.

"That's where the data started to point that we might want to invest in this path," Allison said.

The game scene, with classic games like the first-person shooter franchises "Halo" and "Call of Duty," has had professional players and teams for more than a decade. But it wasn't until the last few years that a handful of universities decided to explore the growing industry of competitive gaming.

Last fall, Southwest Baptist became the 15th school in the nation to offer scholarships for esports. Allison said that number is growing.

"I think right now that number is up over 30 schools that have officially launched programs with scholarships available, (and) last I heard projection was over 60 for next fall," he said.

Allison said college enrollment is down nationwide and schools are looking for ways to boost enrollment. One way to do that is to delve into a world that attracts millions of people.

Steigleman plays the video game "League of Legends" at home. (Bill Roth / Alaska Dispatch News)

But is it a sport?

Allison said one of the most common questions he's asked is whether esports should be considered a sport or not.

His answer? It's not a sport, it's esports.

"Some people like to say 'electronic sports,' but we don't really say "electronic mail" anymore," Allison said. "It's just email. It has it's own identity.

"Eventually esports will have that for all people as well."

Traditional sports audiences and esports audiences may be different, but some organizations are investing in both. ESPN's website has a section devoted to esports and the NBA announced plans to launch an NBA 2K esports league for the popular basketball video game next year.

The NACE provides a spring playoff tournament, with the top winners advancing to Riot Games' University League of Legends (uLoL) tournaments, Allison said.

Putting down the headset

Gamers aren't successful without some focus on nongaming activities in their lives, Allison said. Part of Southwest Baptist's esports training routine includes physical activity three days a week.

"We want to make sure that students are taken care of not just for the esport itself, but physically and mentally and they're prepared on all those fronts," Allison said.

Steigleman said his biggest hobby outside of gaming is singing. He is a tenor in the ACS choir and plans to join the college choir as well.

He also enjoys working with computers — he built his own computer as a sophomore — and plans to study computer science in college.

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Source: Anchorage gamer receives 'esports' scholarship to play video game in college

Two Cranston students awarded R.I. Foundation scholarships

Two Cranston students are among six high school seniors who will head off to freshman year sharing $100,000 in college scholarships from the Rhode Island Foundation.

Taleen Donoyan and Diana Iglesias will receive the four-year, renewable scholarships the Foundation's Roger Williams Initiative, which honors the state's founding farther. Conceived of and funded by philanthropists Letitia and John Carter, the annual program will begin accepting applications from next year's senior class in October.

"Roger Williams believed in the importance of learning from those around him. Thanks to the foresight of the Carters, we are able to inspire students and their parents to think big about what's possible for their future," said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation's president and CEO.

More than 120 students applied for this inaugural round of scholarships. The six recipients were selected based on financial need, appreciation for Roger Williams' values and record of academic achievement and community service.

"It is clear from the quality of the applications that these students see Roger Williams as a set of living ideals and not just an historical figure. We hope our support helps these six young people achieve great things," said John Carter.

Donoyan plans to attend the University of Rhode Island.

"The Roger Williams Scholarship has not only provided me the opportunity to become more confident about being able to comfortably accomplish my goals in higher education, but has molded me into a more confident individual having my accomplishments and achievements be validated in such a rewarding and honorable way," she said. "I am very optimistic for what my goals in Nursing hold and the Roger Williams scholarship is another helping hand to guide me towards a successful career and college experience, and for that I am very thankful."

In her application, Donoyan had this to say about the impact Roger Williams still has today.

"Roger Williams' drive, determination and resilience gave him the all the power and means to achieve his goals and become a pioneer and advocate for freedom and tolerance in religion, culture and simply matters of conscience and new ideas. In my life, whether in school, outside of school, in my community and beyond, these traits that Roger Williams exemplified through his achievements have helped me to develop my own methods of success and have helped mold my character into the independent, ambitious and passionate Rhode Islander that I am today," she wrote.

"As a first generation citizen of immigrant parents from Syria and Lebanon, I have been told the stories of my parents' journeys to America in order to escape a life of war and begin building a new life in what they saw as the promised land. I have been brought up in a family of determined and driven people - people who appear as any average folk, but in reality have endured hardship, resistance and brutality, just as Roger Williams himself experienced in his journey in establishing the Providence Plantations, in hopes of revolutionizing peoples' thoughts on new and different religion, culture and lifestyles," Donoyan wrote.

"Much the same, Roger Williams, having been banished from the Massachusetts colony in 1635, did not throw away what he had learned in his years as a minister and reformed theologian. Instead he used it to his advantage, maintaining his integrity and pushing through adversity- having no land accept his beliefs, he established his own colony, offering refuge to those who had endured his same fate and were drawn to his "new and dangerous ideas," she added.

Iglesias plans to attend Providence College.

"The Roger Williams scholarship has impacted me tremendously. It gave me a boost of confidence, knowing that I can attend a college and not have to worry about financial circumstances, and I can attain my goal of majoring in the business field," she said.

In her application, Iglesias had this to say about the impact Roger Williams still has today.

"It is still so surreal to me, so many intelligent students at my school competing, and with my devotion I achieved it all and managed to get through all my four years of high school, like Roger Williams' devotion led him to many of his achievements," she wrote. "I had implemented Roger Williams' characteristics of diligence to continue striving for my aspiration and goals, because I am proud to be an educated Latina, proving to many individuals that we can all achieve our dreams if we put our minds to it, just like Roger Williams."

Joining Donoyan and Iglesias as this year's scholarship recipients are Kelsey Dellinger of North Kingstown, Fatou Dieng of Woonsocket, Ngan "Kim" Le of Woonsocket and Night Jean Muhingabo of Providence.

In addition to the scholarships, the Roger Williams Initiative includes a free online education hub offering activities and discussion starters on Roger Williams and his teachings for elementary, middle and high school educators to use in their classrooms. The site - findingrogerwilliams.com - also offers researchers a comprehensive collection of verifiable information about Roger Williams, his life, legacy and character.

"By providing access to resources and opportunities inspired by our state's founder and his teachings, we are promoting a sense of place and awareness for all Rhode Islanders," said Jessica David, the Foundation's senior vice president for strategy and community investment, who led the project.

The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. In 2016, the Foundation awarded a record $45 million in grants to organizations addressing the state's most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.

ROGER THAT:

Cranston residents Taleen Donoyan and Diana Iglesias are among six high school seniors who will head off to freshman year sharing $100,000 in college scholarships from the Rhode Island Foundation.

Source: Two Cranston students awarded R.I. Foundation scholarships

New Mexico lotto scholarship funding lags by nearly $8M

As New Mexico's higher education officials near a deadline for deciding whether to roll back scholarship assistance for tens of thousands of college students, lottery officials said Thursday they're transferring less money into the fund that supports the program.

Transfers of lottery proceeds through April are lagging by nearly $8 million compared to the same time last year. Projections show the overall return to the scholarship fund by the end of this fiscal year is expected to fall short of last year's levels by about $9 million.

New Mexico has struggled in recent years to find a solution to solvency problems with the program. Legislators during their regular session did not pass any measures that would affect the program's long-term bottom line, leaving higher education officials to sort out how to stretch the funding.

Some have warned that the scholarships might only pay 70 percent of tuition starting next fall.

State officials are still crunching the numbers and the Higher Education Department said Thursday it will make a decision by June 1.

Tuition and demand for the financial aid have outpaced revenues from lottery sales since 2009, forcing lawmakers to be creative.

When ticket sales did not provide enough funding, legislators turned to liquor excise revenues but now that funding is being phased out and the urgency is growing as the state grapples with a budget crisis.

New Mexico is among several states that offer scholarships paid for with lottery revenues. However, the state is among one of the poorest in the nation and a place where higher education is seen as a luxury by some who have a difficult time meeting eligibility requirements and rounding up needed financial aid.

Advocates are worried that any decrease in the scholarship awards could result in fewer students pursuing degrees. More than 30,000 students now receive the scholarships.

Lottery Chairman Dan Salzwedel is blaming what he called artificial barriers for keeping the lottery from maximizing sales.

Pointing to an existing requirement that 30 percent of lottery sales be funneled to the scholarship program, he and others have suggested that repealing the requirement would free up more money for higher prize payouts, which would boost sales and result in more proceeds for scholarships.

Lottery officials said similar moves have helped scholarship programs in Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma.

"The dynamics are simple. Without legislative relief from the mandate, my worst fear is that next year we will be reporting another decline in lottery transfers," he said.

Annual revenue for the scholarship fund plateaued at $46 million last year, while tuition costs for eligible students are closer to $60 million a year, according to state higher education and lottery officials.

Fred Nathan, executive director of the Think New Mexico nonpartisan policy analysis group, said revenues fluctuate each year.

"So it is not surprising that they are down from last year's record high," he said. "The 30 percent requirement is the only accountability measure that ensures that dollars for scholarships are maximized."

Before the requirement, Nathan said less than a quarter of every dollar bet on the lottery went to scholarships.

The figures released Thursday also show that monthly proceeds this fiscal year exceeded last year's levels only twice in a 10-month period.

Lottery officials also are warning lawmakers who meet next week for a special session that doing away with the lottery's gross receipts tax exemption could further harm the scholarship fund.

Source: New Mexico lotto scholarship funding lags by nearly $8M

Newcastle University GREAT Scholarships, India 2017

Newcastle University demonstrating its commitment to the Indian students has announced exclusive scholarships for India in conjunction with British Council under the GREAT scheme. Newcastle University is offering their GREAT Scholarship Scheme to five Indian students and invites graduate and post graduate students from India for a scholarship award of £5,000 payable towards the first year of tuition fees. The students need to meet the conditions of the offer for a place on one of the courses in Newcastle University.

In order to be eligible to apply for the scholarships the candidate must satisfy the following conditions:

For under graduate students:Must be a Indian national and have been assessed as international/overseas for fees purposesMust hold an Unconditional offer on any Undergraduate degree programme at Newcastle city campusMust intend to register to start your studies during the 2017-18 academic yearShould be self-funded student and not in receipt of other University or external awardsMust have achieved an overall of 80% in standard 12th OR AAB in A levels OR 36 IB points

For post graduate students:Must be a Indian national and have been assessed as international/overseas for fees purposesMust hold a Conditional or Unconditional offer on any master's degree programme at Newcastle city campusMust intend to register to start your studies during the 2017-18 academic yearShould be a self-funded student and not in receipt of other University or external awardsMust have an average of 70% or above in your Bachelors degree. If you are yet to complete your degree we will assess you on the basis of your results to date, providing you have achieved an average of 70% or above and you are expecting to maintain/ increase this in your final semester/year. Students with CGPA scores can also apply if your percentage equivalence is 70% and above.

The candidates have to submit their application online before May 30th, 2017 to qualify for the scholarship.

For more information, please contact:Preety Bansal, County Manager India, Newcastle University, UKEmail: india@ncl.ac.uk

Source: Newcastle University GREAT Scholarships, India 2017

Announcing the CMX Summit Scholarship Program

Community is our life at CMX. We always want to give back and encourage everyone to be part of our community and we especially love seeing all of you at CMX Summit, our 2-day annual conference happening September 19-20 in Los Angeles.

While we're implementing many improvements to bring everyone together—from having one unified, annual conference to moving the location to LA for growth opportunity—we realize not everyone can afford to attend CMX Summit. Some of you may have been laid off recently. (I was in that boat last CMX Summit.) Some of you may work for tiny startups or nonprofits or are students just getting your feet wet in the world of community management. Or some others of you may also be from historically underrepresented groups who may not want to take a personal, monetary risk on CMX Summit.

That's why we're so excited to be able to offer the CMX Summit Conference Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship. We believe in taking actionable steps toward building diverse, accessible, and inclusive communities and conferences. And this is one of them!

Our scholarship program is here to encourage and recognize people of all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, religions, sexual orientations, military service, and more. To help break down the barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from participating at CMX Summit, we're offering scholarships to members of underrepresented groups in the community management industry. We will be providing 20 scholarships this year.

Let's give a round of applause to one of our sponsors, Shopify, for supporting this scholarship and making it possible for us to give scholarship recipients travel funds. All credit goes to Shopify, who, during our chats, specifically asked about inclusion and diversity programs they could support. We love partners who have strong values that go beyond just talk, but actually manifest themselves in action.

Since we're investing in LA as the new home of CMX Summit, half of our scholarships are set aside specifically for residences of the greater LA area. Please note, though, that LA recipients will have a reduced travel budget.

Okay, the scholarship goods!

1 non-transferable pass to CMX Summit 2017, happening September 19-20 in LA.

$600 to help offset the costs related to attending the conference such as travel, lodging, food, and childcare. If you are in the greater LA area, we offer $150 toward travel, food, and childcare.

Costs will be reimbursed by CMX, and recipients will need to keep expense receipts up to reimbursement limits.

Requirements

Must be a member of an underrepresented group in the community management field and at community management conferences, including but not limited to: people of color, people with visible and invisible disabilities, LGBTQA+, veterans, religious and ethnic minorities, trans, genderqueer, and nonbinary people, neurodiverse people, age minorities (under 21, over 50), and both working class people or people experiencing poverty.

Must be able to attend CMX Summit 2017 in person.

If employed, must work for a non-profit, startup, or company making less than $500,000 in annual revenue. (If you are having trouble convincing your boss, check out our ticket transparency post with cost and benefit breakdowns.)

Must be 18 years or older.

Must follow the CMX Summit Code of Conduct.

Some of the fine details: Applicants may not be awarded a CMX Summit's scholarship more than once. Scholarship recipients are responsible for arranging their own travel and lodging. Recipients are responsible for their own financial reporting. Due to limited availability, only one scholarship may be awarded per company. As cisgender women represent over 60% of attendees at CMX Summit, they are not considered an underrepresented group in our industry (kind of refreshing, isn't it?).

Application

All applications must be submitted by Friday, June 16 at 5pm PDT for CMX Summit 2017.

We're thrilled to to have these scholarships on offer. We will notify everyone who submits an application of our decision either way. If you have any questions or pontifications, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]

Source: Announcing the CMX Summit Scholarship Program

Rotary Club Hands Out Scholarships

HARRISONBURG — Giving back comes naturally for Zack Noftsinger.

The 18-year-old Spotswood High School senior earned the rank of Eagle Scout for helping Hope Distributed, a local nonprofit that provides food, clothing and furniture to those in financial need.

He helped with a food drive and landscaping and installed gutters at its facility on Boyers Road.

"I'm always putting others ahead of me in the name of love," said Noftsinger, the son of Cindy and the late John Noftsinger. "I have a compassion for my community."

For his efforts, he received a $5,000 scholarship from the Rotary Club of Harrisonburg. He plans to attend James Madison University in the fall, majoring in business and public administration.

He was among eight students from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County to receive scholarships during the club's meeting Monday at the Elks Lodge in Harrisonburg.

In second place, Ninoska Bertran, 18, a senior at Harrisonburg High School, received $3,500.

"With an unparalleled love for humanity, Ninoska is constantly working to serve the underprivileged," said Tom Mendez, her Rotary mentor.

Bertran plans to attend Blue Ridge Community College to pursue a career in international business or marketing

Finishing third and receiving $2,500 was Peter Miller, an 18-year-old senior at Broadway High School.

In a letter of recommendation, one of Miller's teachers wrote: "Peter makes his classmates feel valued and pushes them to think differently and work hard. As a result, it is obvious that his classmates hold him in high esteem."

Miller, the son of Tom and Barbara Miller, plans to attend Christopher Newport University as a premedicine student with a major in biology.

This year, the club awarded $16,500 in scholarships, with each student receiving at least $1,100.

Over the last 30 years, the Rotary has handed out more than $200,000 in scholarships, which are given to those who excel in community service.

This year, the civic group received 23 applications.

Those selected had more than 20,900 combined hours of community service throughout their high school careers.

"We believe these students will certainly continue to serve wherever their paths take them," said Courtney Teague, co-chairwoman of the club's scholarship committee.

Source: Rotary Club Hands Out Scholarships

Classic Center Cultural Foundation awards $27,500 in scholarships

The Classic Center Cultural Foundation has announced the winners of its 2017 Performing Arts Scholarships.

A total of 35 students from the Athens area as well as Rabun and Greene counties competed for one of this year's eight $2,000 Performing Arts Scholarships. It was the most the Cultural Foundation has ever awarded.

In total, the Classic Center Cultural Foundation awarded $27,500 in scholarships this year.

Grace Strickland of North Oconee High School, Jessie Keuhne of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee, Ester Muniz of Rabun County High School and Matthew Ingram of Greene County High School were each presented a Vocal Performance Scholarship.

Instrumental Scholarships were awarded to Lauren Chen of Cedar Shoals High School, Kelsey Becker of Rabun County High School and Anna Yin of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.

Kiana Washington of Oconee County High School was presented with a Drama Scholarship.

Each recipient's high school also received $500 for the music and arts departments.

Because of donations from Foundation members over the past year, additional scholarships were awarded in Rabun County, and a new scholarship was created in Greene County.

In addition to the eight Performing Arts Scholarships, the Cultural Foundation will award three $2,000 Culinary Scholarships in June, with each recipient's culinary program receiving an additional $500.

Applications for the Culinary Scholarship are now being accepted through May 31, 2017. All interested applicants can apply at ClassicCenter.com/CulinaryScholarship.

Visit ClassicCenter.com for more information on the scholarships provided by The Classic Center Cultural Foundation.

Source: Classic Center Cultural Foundation awards $27,500 in scholarships

AIHF Awards 2017 Scholarships

AIHF Awards 2017 Scholarships

The scholarship winners will be recognized June 7 during the Mark of Excellence Breakfast at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce EXP) in Seattle.

Fifty-one students are receiving scholarships this year from the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation (AIHF), which is awarding a total of $131,800 in scholarships this time. AIHF's Board of Trustees selected the recipients, all of whom distinguished themselves through their commitment to their studies, their communities, and the profession of industrial hygiene.

"We must prepare and encourage the next generation of industrial hygienists," said AIHF Board of Trustees President Steven E. Lacey, Ph.D., CIH, CSP. "We are competing with other science and engineering disciplines for the next generation of professionals and we want the best and brightest with us, protecting worker health. I want to congratulate these scholarship winners on their hard work, to encourage even more students to apply next year, and to thank all of the donors who made this possible. Be sure to congratulate these students in Seattle."

The scholarship winners will be recognized June 7 during the Mark of Excellence Breakfast at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce EXP) in Seattle.

They are:

Dylan R. Anderson, Utah State University, AIHF Scholarship

Kathleen E. Antonson, University of South Florida, Florida Local Section Scholarship

Justin D. Artman, Illinois State University, Chicago Local Section Scholarship

Corey L. Boles, University of Iowa, Clyde M. Berry Memorial Scholarship

Colleen A. Brents, Colorado State University, Board of Certified Safety Professional Scholarship and Jerry Lynch Memorial Scholarship

Candice L. Burton, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, Jerry Lynch Memorial Scholarship

Changie Cai, University of Iowa, Clyde M. Berry Memorial Scholarship and Real Time Detection Systems Committee Scholarship

Angela N. Chiappone, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago Local Section Scholarship

Maximilian J. Chmielinski, University of Washington, Steven P. Levine Memorial Scholarship

Tanner E. Christensen, Utah State University, AIHF Scholarship

Jayson C. Clinger, University of Iowa, Clyde M. Berry Memorial Scholarship and Dennis Paustenbach Scholarship

Aaron M. Cox, University of Utah, Jeffrey S. Lee Memorial Scholarship

Oluwabunmi M. Dada, University of Alabama at Birmingham, George and Florence Clayton Scholarship

Gissel M. Flores, University of Central Missouri, Florida Local Section Scholarship

Rebecca H. Foos, Colorado State University, Kyle B. Dotson Scholarship

Alyson N. Gray, University of Iowa, Clyde M. Berry Memorial Scholarship

Nicholas P. Grisso, University of Arizona, AIHF Scholarship

Andrea L. Guytingco, University of Michigan, Ralph G. Smith Memorial Scholarship

Amanda S. Hebert, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, AIHF Scholarship

Brenna K. Hogan, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AIHF Scholarship and TSI/Arthur J. Abrams Memorial Scholarship

Derek D. Koller, University of Arizona, AIHA Local Sections Scholarship

Shayla K. Mack, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, Charles F. Redinger Scholarship

Stefany V. Molina, Purdue University, AIHF Scholarship

Benjamin K. Moore, University of Michigan, Ralph G. Smith Memorial Scholarship

Isabella M. Muffoletto, Utah State University, TSI/Arthur J. Abrams Memorial Scholarship

Saisattha Noomnual, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago Local Section Scholarship

Allyson M. O'Connell, University of Michigan, George and Florence Clayton Scholarship

Orji C. Okereke, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Kyle B. Dotson Scholarship

Temitope O. Oluwadairo, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, AIHA Scholarship and AIHA Fellows Scholarship

Taylor A. Orr, University of Central Missouri, New England Local Section Scholarship

Marysel Pagan Santa, University of Puerto Rico, Liberty Mutual Scholarship

Trevor K. Peckham, University of Washington, Ralph J. Vernon Memorial Scholarship

Brian J. Peterson, Montana Tech of the University of Montana, Rick and Carol Fulwiler Scholarship

Dana M. Piper, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Board of Certified Safety Professional Scholarship Philadelphia Local Section Scholarship and Pittsburgh Local Section Scholarship

Keith A. Sanders, Air Force Institute of Technology, Liberty Mutual Scholarship and Morton Lippmann Scholarship

Eric C. Sapp, West Virginia University, Robert W. Wheeler Scholarship

Emily R. Schmick, Johns Hopkins University, AIHF Scholarship

Alexandra E. Shishkova, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Fred S. Venable - Deep South Local Section and Robert L. Harris Scholarship

Margaret C. Summers, University of Alabama at Birmingham, George and Florence Clayton Scholarship

Jordan T. Tanniehill, University of Houston, Clear Lake, Los Alamos Industrial Hygiene Scholarship

Taylor A. Tarpey, University of Michigan, Ralph G. Smith Memorial Scholarship

Janalee F. Thompson, Colorado State University, Morton Lippmann Scholarship

Jessica A. Trowbridge, University of California, Berkeley, Larry Birkner and Ruth K. McIntyre-Birkner Memorial Scholarship

Nicholas W. Turnbeaugh, University of Central Missouri, AIHF Scholarship

Christine M. Uebel-Niemeier, University of Cincinnati, AIHF Scholarship and Gary and Bonnie Olmstead Scholarship

Steven L. Wright, University of North Alabama, AIHF Scholarship

Bingbing Wu, University of Cincinnati, Gary and Bonnie Olmstead Scholarship and Ohio Valley Local Section Scholarship

Wenxiao Yan, University of Toronto, Morton Lippmann Scholarship

Anna S. Young, Harvard University, AIHA Scholarship

Emmanuel N. Zervoudakis, University of Michigan, Michigan IH Society Merit Scholarship

Stephanie J. Ziembicki, University of Toronto, Liberty Mutual Scholarship

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Source: AIHF Awards 2017 Scholarships

They said he’d never be able to learn. With mom’s help, he has a college scholarship

The mother who listened to teachers say her son would never be able to read or write will watch, probably with tears in her eyes, as that same boy graduates from Hogan Prep this month.

He was mentally retarded. They used that term, even if she never believed it. Tilicia Robertson was right, too. That boy is now a young man, with a GPA near the top of his class, a football and academic scholarship waiting for him in the fall — a remarkable Kansas City journey ending while another begins.

By any normal measure, Jordan Huff's story should be sad. He was kicked out of school after school, a learning disability eventually diagnosed as autism passed along to the next classroom.

If the teachers were right, Jordan would now be transitioning into an adulthood dependent on others, and if he had a different mother, or was less stubborn, it may not have mattered that those teachers were wrong.

"I'm looking at their paperwork, and I'm like, no, this is not true," Tilicia said.

"I just wanted to learn, to be like the other kids," Jordan said.

Jordan's success and promise is a story of the power of a mother and son united. They constantly say "we" and "us," even when it's only one of them doing something. Like, "we" ran track this spring. "We" worked Saturdays at the office.

This will be the 19th Mother's Day they've spent together, and the last under the same roof. Jordan will play defensive back and study to be a physical therapist at MidAmerica Nazarene in the fall, which is already more than he was told he was capable of. A minute talking to him is enough to be convinced he is only beginning.

Tilica is unbending in her focus, and uncompromising when accepting what's possible. For a period of about four years, she worked full time while studying for college degrees and homeschooling Jordan because she could not find a school to take him.

At some point, Tilicia faced a choice. She could believe what the educators were telling her about her son, and accept that he would never be self-sufficient, never be able to live on his own. Never be "normal."

Or she could believe what she saw in her boy, that sure, he didn't always behave, and his social interactions were a little off, but that he was driven. Focused. Ambitious. He walked at nine months, talked to strangers, and wanted to learn. How could she reconcile that with what these teachers said?

"So when they put him out," Tilicia said, turning to face Jordan as she spoke. "What'd we do?"

"Work from home," Jordan said.

"Work from home," Tilicia said.

She bought books and found the best tools online and created her own curriculum for Jordan, right down to open gyms with other moms with kids Jordan could call friends.

If she ever needed validation about whether the extra work was worth it, she got it in fifth grade, when Jordan was stuck in what became known as a "contain" room with other students who were not allowed to assimilate with the others.

They stayed in that room all day. Some couldn't read, some couldn't talk. One had cerebral palsy. They did simple worksheets, ate ice cream, watched videos. Nothing challenging. The worst part for Jordan was when the bell rang, and he looked through the window on the door and saw all the other kids walking the hallways with their binders and backpacks.

Why couldn't he do that?

So, one day Jordan sneaked out of class. He found another classroom — a "normal" classroom — and opened the door and saw kids with pencils and calculators. Jordan was immediately put back in the "contain" room, but told his mom what happened that night.

"I don't want to be in that classroom anymore," he remembered telling her. "I want to be out there with the other kids, walk the hallways with the other students, go to class and learn. Do the things they do."

But, as it turned out, just doing what the other kids did wasn't enough for Jordan.

His first quarter at Hogan, he sat at an awards show and watched with jealousy as what seemed like half the football team was applauded as part of the honor roll. Jordan remembers falling just short, with a 2.8 GPA or so, and spent the rest of the school year doubling down on studying and asking for extra credit assignments.

By the end of his freshman year, that extra work put him on the honor roll, and most semesters since he's made the principal's honor roll. One of his best friends is the salutatorian, with Jordan graduating fifth in his class. The boys exchange good-natured trash talk over grades, but the truth is Jordan has had to work harder.

The way he and Tilicia describe his mind, it usually takes him longer to grasp a new concept, but once he does, his brain is like a vault. He has it, forever, and moves onto the next concept.

Jordan said he was willing to not believe what teachers said about him as a boy because he thought he could catch up to the other students, but by now he's long passed that goal.

"I'm helping other students in class who've never been in a special education class before, never locked away in a fifth-grade classroom," Jordan said. "I'm helping normal kids in class."

They have struggled together, mother and son. They've cried, both with each other and alone. Jordan convinced Tilicia the work would be worth it, going all the way back to when he was four years old, begging her to let him play touch football with older kids by saying, "Please, mama, you gotta believe in me."

And Tilicia convinced Jordan he needed to push, sometimes in her weakest moments, because Jordan wanted so bad to make mom proud.

This is an important moment. Jordan's journey will always be made with Tilicia's help, but here is the part he takes over in a new way. Mom will be a phone call away, but Jordan is in charge of his life now like never before.

Jordan used to be nervous about this. Used to be frightened. Used to not be able to imagine such a thing. Now, he's excited. New friends. New experiences. A new chance to make mom proud.

"If I taught him well, it'll play out," Tilicia said. "I'm a little scared, I will say that. I told him to always ask for help. You've got to advocate for yourself."

Source: They said he'd never be able to learn. With mom's help, he has a college scholarship

3 win National Merit Scholarships

Three students in the Monroe County Community School Corp. are among 2,500 scholars throughout the country to receive National Merit Scholarships, according to a release from the scholarship corporation.

They are Celine C. Aslinia and William B. Lundell of Bloomington High School South and Rachael Silberstein of Bloomington High School North.

The scholarship recipients were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists. Judges selected the winners based on the combination of their accomplishments, skills and potential for success in higher education.

Each scholar will receive a $2,500 scholarship, which they can use at any accredited U.S. college or university they choose.

Source: 3 win National Merit Scholarships

Association of Regina Realtors announce scholarship recipient

Nicole Malinowski is the latest recipient of the $1,000 Association of Regina Realtors (ARR) Scholarship.  She is finishing her second year in the Bachelor of Science program at the University of Regina, majoring in Actuarial Science. In addition to her full-time studies, Malinowski volunteers her spare time to the Campion Advantage Program and Kinsmen and Kinnettes Club.

"Building better communities is one of our core values and Regina Realtors pride themselves on supporting the next generation of people who will make a difference in our community," says Gord Archibald, EO of the ARR.

The ARR has awarded two scholarships every year since 1977. The University of Regina selects recipients based on criteria including graduating from a Regina area high school, academic standing and demonstrated ability in such areas as leadership, athletics and fine arts.

Source: Association of Regina Realtors announce scholarship recipient

Kisling, Nestico & Redick Announces $5,000 Scholarship to Combat Distracted Driving

AKRON, Ohio, May 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kisling, Nestico & Redick, an Ohio-based personal injury law firm, today announced the availability of a new Don't Text and Drive Scholarship, which will award $5,000 to the student who develops the best proposal to persuade young adults to avoid texting while driving.

The core of the application is for students to develop a plan that will communicate the risks of distracted driving and encourage young adults to avoid participating is such behavior while behind the wheel. Interested students can apply online or download a PDF version of the application.

"We witness the terrible consequences of texting and driving every day, so we made the decision to encourage young adults to be part of the solution," said Rob Nestico, managing partner of Kisling, Nestico & Redick. "This scholarship reflects our firm's commitment to combating distracted driving — whether by advocating for victims of this dangerous behavior, or engaging the community on prevention strategies."

Kisling, Nestico & Redick has made community giving a pillar of the firm since its founding in 2005 and has raised more than $300,000.00 for local charities and organizations.

"While we are excited to provide financial assistance to a student seeking higher education, we really want to get young adults thinking about the dangers of distracted driving and how they can make a difference," said John Reagan, partner at Kisling, Nestico & Redick. "In doing so, the benefits go far beyond the scholarship winner, or a cash prize — many lives could be saved."

Applications are due December 1, 2017. The winner will be notified prior to January 13, 2018.

For a full list of eligibility criteria and to apply for the scholarship, click here. More information on Kisling, Nestico & Redick community initiatives can be found here.

About Kisling, Nestico & Redick: Kisling, Nestico & Redick provides sophisticated injury law representation to clients throughout Ohio. The firm has gained a reputation as one of the state's leading personal injury firms due to a combination of personal service, inside knowledge of the insurance industry, and extensive legal experience. Founded in 2005, the firm has 10 locations and features more than 30 lawyers and nearly 100 support staff dedicated to seeking justice for victims injured in accidents. 

MEDIA CONTACT:Jamie McCuan   Kisling, Nestico & Redickjmccuan@knrlegal.com330-869-9007

 

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kisling-nestico--redick-announces-5000-scholarship-to-combat-distracted-driving-300454819.html

SOURCE Kisling, Nestico & Redick

Related Links

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Source: Kisling, Nestico & Redick Announces $5,000 Scholarship to Combat Distracted Driving

San Diego Lawyer Announces Disabled Veteran Scholarship - RJT Criminal Defense

(MENAFN Editorial) San Diego criminal defense attorney Ryan J. Tegnelia and his law firm, RJT Criminal Defense, have announced that the firm will be awarding a 1,000 scholarship for the benefit of disabled veterans. This is an educational scholarship in the form of tuition assistance.

Adjusting from military to civilian life is often difficult, and the transition presents even more obstacles in the case of disabled veterans. One way the firm hopes to demonstrate its appreciation to those who have served our country is to provide an incentive to continue their education. The scholarship can be used to offset a portion of the cost of tuition at a vocational (trade) school or college (including junior college).

The scholarship is open to any man or woman who is a veteran of any branch of the #UnitedStates Armed Forces, and who has a disability rating of 30% or higher. It is not required that the veteran be enrolled at an educational institution at the time he or she submits the application, but the scholarship must be used within a year of the announcement of the award.

Disabled veterans who are interested in applying for the scholarship, and anyone who would like to learn more about the firm's scholarship program, are encouraged to visit their website, which contains the application and a detailed explanation of the application and selection process, as well as the privacy policy. All applications must be submitted no later than February 13, 2018. The winner will be chosen on or before March 13, 2018.

The firm requests that any additional questions about the scholarship be submitted by email if possible. The firm may be reached at:

RJT Criminal Defense2820 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 110San Diego, CA 92108(619) 577-0868

ContactRyan J. Tegnelia(619) 577-0868***@sandiegocriminallawyerrt.com

Photo:https://www.prlog.org/12636997/1

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Source: San Diego Lawyer Announces Disabled Veteran Scholarship - RJT Criminal Defense

Kiwanis Scholarship Winners Recognized

HARRISONBURG — The Harrisonburg Kiwanis Club will recognize its annual college scholarship recipients during a dinner meeting Tuesday. Cynthia Prieto, principal at Harrisonburg High School, will be the speaker.

The club will meet at Golden Corral Buffet, 2335 E. Market St., with a dinner buffet starting at 6 p.m. and the program at 6:30 p.m.

Source: Kiwanis Scholarship Winners Recognized

The Killer Nashville Jimmy Loftin and Lisa Jackson Scholarships

https://killernashville.com/killer-nashville-scholarships/

Have you wanted to attend Killer Nashville, but like a down-on-his-luck gumshoe finding it hard to crack the case that will save your, client, your reputation, and save you from the bill collectors?

Well, here's a clue, maybe two that could crack the case wide open. You might just qualify for either the Jimmy Loftin Memorial Scholarship or the Lisa Jackson Scholarship. Both scholarships are aimed at helping those who have a desire to attend, but don't have the lucre to lay down. Both scholarships are based on financial need.

The Jimmy Loftin Memorial Scholarship is in honor of Jimmy Loftin, who "was murdered in the prime of his youth," according to the Killer Nashville web site. Jimmy family has several writers and an uncle who has been a long-time supporter of the Killer Nashville. Killer Nashville also accepts donations to this scholarship.

Before she was an internationally known, bestselling author, Lisa Jackson was a single mother struggling to make ends meet. The author of 85 novels, Lisa was also the 2014 Guest of Honor at Killer Nashville. She has been a big supporter of the conference and wanted to help those who are struggling with the bills while struggling with the writing.

Guidelines for the scholarships is as follows:

–write an essay that illustrates your financial need and why you want to attend the Killer Nashville Writer's Conference.

–Entries should be 500 words long, double spaced, and in 12-point Times New Roman or Courier with at least 1-inch margins.

–Attach entries to the online form found at https://killernashville.com/killer-nashville-scholarships/

–The deadline is July 1, 2017.

The Killer Nashville Conference is August 24 – 27, 2017 in Franklin Tennessee. Details at https://killernashville.com/.

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Source: The Killer Nashville Jimmy Loftin and Lisa Jackson Scholarships