Class Notes & Testimonials
The stories of the students who receive Kids' Chance scholarships speak to the heart of our mission. We are pleased to share with you some of the thank you letters we have received from scholarship recipients and their families.
Thank you for your generosity! I am honored to be receiving the PA Bar Association – WC Section Scholarship for the 2010-2011 academic year. You have truly impacted my life through this amazing opportunity, and I cannot even begin to express have much you have touched my family and my life through this scholarship.
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Carlye, Penn State University
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Dear Kids Chance:
I would like to thank you for granting me with your generous scholarship, it truly means a lot to me. I have been eligible for the scholarship all my academic career; my step father was in a car crash and put on disabilities when I was still in high school. However I was unaware of scholarship until half way through my junior year at Slippery Rock University. This scholarship has played a huge importance me finance my education. When I first enrolled into Slippery Rock University I chose to be a Sports Management major, but after my first year was complete I decided that Sports Management was not the career path for me. Starting my second year I switched to Information Technology, and have been there even since. This change of major put me behind in my studies; I had to take many summer classes every summer including the past summer in order to catch up. Every one of the summer classes that I took had to pay out of pocket, doing this depleted my saving quickly. This scholarship was a blessing, with little money in my savings, I was worried about how I would pay for books, and cost of living throughout the academic year, but with the scholarship these worries have lifted. I am very thankful for the generous scholarship that I have received, and this cannot be stated enough.
Sincerely,
Steven
Slippery Rock University
My eligibility for this scholarship came after the unfortunate occurrence of my father’s death. Seven months before I was born, my dad passed away in a horrific construction accident. It was potentially his last day on the job, but the weather wasn't welcoming that fateful day in March. He was carrying a piece of sheet metal on the roof of a seven story building, when a gust of wind swept him to a bone-crushing fall. Upon hitting the ground, his body instantly shattered, and a once perfect existence quickly faded. Sam Calvin died that day, a day that would devastate my mother forever. He was ecstatic to have a baby, however he didn't survive to see his dream come true. My pregnant mother, instead of gaining weight, began losing weight due to this tragedy. She laid in bed with my grandmother for that first week after the accident in a fetal position trying to comprehend what had happened. For the remainder of the pregnancy you could usually find her sitting in my grandparents' kitchen rocking in a rocking chair looking out the sliding glass door trying to live a life she really didn't want to live. To compound the situation, shortly after that, she developed a heart condition. The only thing that kept her going was me. My whole life she has tried to do what she thought my father would want her to do, and he definitely would have wanted me to succeed in college.
That’s where this scholarship is a major benefit to my life. Without money, I wouldn’t even be able to attend a college. Fortunately, there are organizations in the world like Kids’ Chance of PA that honestly care about children that have undergone devastating events. My dad would have been saving money for me to go to school, but he isn’t around to do that so I greatly appreciate the sincerity of the people of your organization for financially helping me through college.
Currently, my plans are to major in finance. I have been holding a 3.5 GPA, and because of arduous work and dedication, I will be able to make the cut for the Smeal College of Business. The money I have received from this scholarship last year was put towards books, along with tuition. Kids’ Chance has been incredibly generous to me, allowing me to have some aid towards my education adds to my motivation. I don’t worry as much about the money that I will owe some day, and focus more on actually getting excellent grades, along with a memorable experience that will last a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Sam
Penn State – Altoona
Dear Kids’ Chance and the ACE Charitable Foundation,
I would like to thank you for the generous scholarship that was given to me to help further my education. I greatly appreciate this award and everyone who has made this scholarship possible. I know that it will be a huge help in furthering my educational goals here at the University of Pittsburgh.
I came to be eligible for a Kids’ Chance scholarship because my father was injured at work 26 years ago and has been unable to return to work ever since. I have worked very hard in school in order to receive good grades and become eligible for scholarships because I knew that my father, who is a single parent, would be unable to create a college fund for me.
I am currently a freshman in college majoring in pre-pharmacy. With a Pharm.D. degree I plan on becoming a pharmacist in 6 years, and eventually opening up my own business. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be a pharmacist when I job-shadowed in high school. I have always wanted to do something in medicine because I enjoy helping people. Researching the many health care jobs that I possibly could, I eliminated the jobs that did not seem right for me. I am outgoing and love interacting with people. As a pharmacist I can help and also interact with people.
I am also enrolled in many extra-curricular clubs. I am a member of the Pitt Program Council and the Student Alumni Association. I also plan on joining Rx Prep and SNPhA, which are pharmacy clubs that prepare you for pharmacy school. In the summer, I am going to volunteer at my local hospital and try to get an internship at a Target pharmacy.
Thank you again and I will remember to keep you posted on my academic success throughout college!
Thank you,
Karley
University of Pittsburgh
Dear Kids' Chance,
Thank you so much for the Scholarship that I became eligible for through Kids' Chance scholarship fund. My mom has been suffering with a work related injury for years which is why I became eligible for this scholarship. This scholarship will help me pursue my dream to become a Special Education Teacher.
Thanks again for making my dream come possible.
Sincerely,
Brianna
Delaware County Community College
Dear Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania, Inc. and Calhoon & Associates, P.C.,
I want to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for awarding me the Trusted Answers, Peace of Mind scholarship this year. It has tremendously lightened the financial burden for my family and me.
I became eligible for this award back in 2001 when my father lost his life in a tractor trailer accident. It was always a dream he had for me to be able to have the chance to go to college.
I am now a senior, and with your gift to me I am confident that I will be able to make this dream a reality. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Kids’ Chance is unlike any other scholarship program and because of the help and generosity of Kids’ Chance and the ACE Charitable Foundation I am able to attend the school of my dreams.
Thank you
Amanda
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Dear Kid’s Chance and the ACE Charitable Foundation,
I wanted to thank your organization for allowing me the opportunity to succeed in college. I was eligible for this reward because of my dad’s disability. He was seriously injured at his job. Because of his injury, my dad has not been able to go back to work. Therefore, my family has been struggling to get through week by week. When I was giving an opportunity to go to college, I took it. I am the third in my family that actually took the initiative to go. This scholarship helped me out so much. Also, it provided an extra light to my future. I can now focus more on school than worry about financial instability all the time. Of course, getting through college will always be a problem. However, this scholarship allows me to put it on the so called “back burner”. I signed up for clubs such as Association of Future Accountants and Phi Beta Lambda (Future Business Leaders of America).My confidence would not be increased if it wasn’t for this scholarship. Once again, thank you so much for this opportunity. I am so grateful.
Sincerely yours,
Deanna
Robert Morris University
To whom it may concern,
I am sending this letter to thank you for choosing me to be awarded The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP scholarship. My name is Tessa, and I am currently a junior at West Virginia University studying criminology. When my mother was injured back in 2008, I was afraid that my academic goals were going to have to be put on hold. She fell at work and injured her back, and has yet to return to work, or any normal daily activities. She has been to numerous doctors, physical therapists, and is currently still dealing with Workmans Compensation, which is an issue of its own. I grew up with a single mother and depend on her for almost everything. She has been my best friend and my number one supporter in everything that I do. She is always pushing me to achieve my goals and I know it has greatly saddened her to not be able to financially help me with my schooling. I have been forced to borrow loans and this scholarship is going to help me immensely with additional expenses. Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Tessa
West Virginia University
Dear Kids' Chance,
I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to receive your award. It has and will make a great impact on my education.
In the year 2000, when my father was struck by an oncoming tractor trailer, money and financial needs became very scarce. The accident that changed my family’s life also made it hard for my parents, my sister, and I to see a future education in our lives. After many years of determination, I am now a freshman education major at my dream college, the University of Scranton. Although money is still an issue my parents wanted to see the best for me. To help in assisting both my parents and myself, the Kids' Chance award has made a lot possible. This award not only makes me feel as if I am going to be successful, but also will help with my school purchases such as books and tuition.
Overall I would like to thank Kids' Chance for making it possible for me to be at the University of Scranton and helping me to become a future elementary educator.
Thank You!
Billie Jo
University of Scranton
Dear Kids’ Chance and the Georgeles Law Firm, P.C.,
My name is Lauren Klein, and I am currently a freshman at Elizabethtown College. I became eligible for this scholarship because my mother, who was a registered nurse, injured her back in a work related incident many years ago and has been unable to go back to work since.
This scholarship gives me the extra money that I need to attend such an esteemed school and purse my future career goals. I do not have to worry about money, so I can focus more on my school work. I am currently taking classes in education but am also planning to take classes in the social work field. I want to find the career that I will love to do for the rest of my life. Elizabethtown allows me to explore and obtain a great education.
Without this scholarship, affording and being able to attend this school would have been a challenge. Words cannot describe how truly thankful and grateful I am for receiving this scholarship.
Without it, I would not be attending a school that I love and pursing my academic and future goals.
Sincerely,
Lauren
Elizabethtown College
Dear Kids’ Chance,
Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. I cannot even begin to express how much this scholarship means to both my family and myself. Without this scholarship, I know that my family would be put through even more difficult times than we have already seen.
This scholarship gives me hope for the future. It lets me see that people in this world still value and support education. It makes me want to work harder for the future so that I can make a positive difference in this world. I hope to one-day give back to others the opportunity to learn, for it is the key to the future. With a college education, the world is limitless.
This scholarship has driven me to accomplish more and reach new limits. I finished up an internship with Boeing this summer in Seattle, Washington where I was able to apply my engineering skills to problem solve issues on the newest edition to Boeing’s commercial fleet, the 787 Dreamliner. Gaining real world work experience is an opportunity that would never been made available without me pursuing a college degree in mechanical engineering. Likewise, I now hold leadership position in many organizations at Penn State. I am on the Executive Board for the Society of Women Engineers and the Women in Engineering Program and feel like I am making a difference in the lives of other engineers at Penn State.
I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to learn. You have blessed me with that gift and I will do my best to continue to excel and reach new limits that I never saw possible before college.
Sincerely,
Carlye
The Pennsylvania State University
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Committee,
I would like to thank you for choosing me to receive a $2000 scholarship grant for the 2011-2012 school year.
The money that I have received has given my mother and I a sense of some relief with my college financial expenses. The Kid’s Chance Scholarships is really a great concept for families such as mine. My father suffered a traumatic brain injury 4 ½ years ago, while at work, which has left him incapacitated and living in a nursing home. It has been very difficult and emotional for us but as a family we have managed. My dad was the main financial provider and so his loss of work income has been a worry for my mother. This is especially so when it comes to our college education because that was one of my dad’s main goal in life…to get his 2 daughters through college. My sister graduated from Temple just this past May. Now it’s my turn to do what I need to do which is to do my very best at West Chester.
The Kids’ Chance scholarship grant is allowing me to focus on my studies and really experience college life without having to worry about my college costs for this year.
My family and I send our greatest appreciation.
Sincerely,
Jessica
West Chester University
Dear Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania,
I am writing you this letter to thank you for awarding me one of your scholarships again this year. The scholarships means a lot to my family and I, as it is very valuable in helping to pay for my tuition and other expenses at the Pennsylvania State University.
I am currently a junior at Penn State. I am studying psychology, and I hope to go to graduate school after I receive my bachelor’s degree from Penn State. I would like to be a counselor or work in a human resources department until I am able to complete my doctoral degree, and then I would like to be a practicing psychologist. My first two years of college, I commuted to Penn State Beaver, a branch near home. This year I transferred to the main campus, University Park. I am now living with two people that I graduated high school with in our own apartment about five miles from campus.
It has been a really big change; not only switching campuses but leaving home for the first time. There are a lot of new expenses to account for, and the Kids’ Chance scholarship helps to offset them by bringing the cost of my tuition lower. It is certainly a relief knowing that I have help with my tuition so that I can use the money I make at work on rent and bills, and so that I can focus more of my time on school and less on stressing over paying for my classes.
I became eligible for this wonderful scholarship through an unfortunate accident. My dad is an electrician and he was working at a new warehouse one day in 1994. His team was sent onto the roof to finish wiring, but the roof had not been inspected for safety due do a miscommunication between his company and the building’s owner. The roof collapsed in the place where my dad and one of his co-workers were standing. He fell two stories and landed on a concrete floor. He did recover from his injuries, but it took several years. Today, nobody would know to look at him that he almost lost his life that day. However, we are constantly reminded of the accident when he has trouble sitting or standing for long periods of time, when he has trouble walking for long distances, and when his back bothers him. Thankfully he survived the accident and recovered enough to live a fairly normal life (aside from the pain from time-to-time). His survival is definitely the best part of the story, but being eligible for this scholarship is also a great benefit. I would relinquish my eligibility in an instant in order to take back his accident, but since that is not possible, my whole family will be thankful that he is alive and also be thankful that I can receive this wonderful scholarship.
Thank you once again!
Kera
Penn State University
Dear Kids Chance,
After my father’s accident in 2009, which resulted in the loss of his leg and has made it difficult for him to continue his work, I’ve been worried about paying for my college Education. Being chosen to receive a scholarship for the 2011/2012 school years is such a relief to me. I have put the award money towards paying for my textbooks that I will be using this semester and next. During my first few months at Juniata I feel I have made a successful transition to college life, I’ve made friends, participated in Juniata traditions and become involved in groups on campus. I’m now even the secretary for the Campus Girl Scouts, a position I was honored to be chosen for. My classes are challenging but rewarding, my favorite class is my Biology of Diversity and Ecology course, because it is the ground works I need to get my degree in Zoology.
Thank you again for the Generosity of Kids Chance.
Jessica
Juniata College
Dear Kids' Chance of Pa. Inc,
My name is Joey Sankey. I am a freshman student attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am also a recipient of the Kid's Chance Scholarship for the 2011/2012 year.
I want to thank the agency for helping me financially so I may pursue my education at the higher level. Your help has helped defray expenses and made it easier to afford the tuition for my family.
My father, Harry Sankey, was a Union carpenter who was injured permanantly in a job related accident in 1997. This has been hard on my family both emotionally and financially. The help Kid's Chance has granted not only me - but my older brothers Harry and Ryan - has eased the burden greatly.
At North Carolina I am currently a Business major. I am also a member of the Men's lacrosse Team that is ranked #6 in the country. I love the school and surrounding area. Kid's Chance has helped me pursue my dream of attending such a prestigious university.
Thank you again for your consideration and grant of aid. It is appreciated greatly!
Sincerely,
Joey
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Dear Kid's Chance of PA Inc,
I would again like to thank you for the very generous scholarship granted to me for my attendance at Cabrini College for the 2011-2012 school year. Your gift of aid has allowed me to continue my education and pursue my dream of obtaining a college degree.
My father's wish is to have all three of his children graduate from college. His accident in 1997 has left him permanently disabled and unable to continue in the construction field as a Union carpenter. Due to this, our families financial situation has not been the best. Kid's Chance has provided my oldest brother, me, and also now my youngest brother the chance to fulfill his wish.
I am now nearing the end of my Bachelors Degree requirements in the Communication Field with a minor in Criminal Justice. Most likely I will have two semesters left prior to graduation. The help received from Kid's Chance and their gracious sponsors are directly responsible for that. I wish to express my gratitude and heartfelt thanks for all that you have done for my family and me throughout the years.
Hope all have a great Holiday Season and a healthy New Year!
Best Wishes,
Ryan
Cabrini College
Dear Kids’ Chance and The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP
I would like to thank Kids’ Chance and The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP for awarding me The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP Scholarship grant in the amount of $2500. I first became eligible for a Kids’ Chance scholarship in the academic school year of 2010-2011, my first year of college. After, my father was injured in a work-related trucking accident. Kids’ Chance helped me greatly in my first year of college with a scholarship for $2000. I used the scholarship to pay for books and other school expenses. Sadly a year ago on September 10, 2010, my father passed away from later complications related to his work accident. Therefore, I have a greater need of financial assistance for the 2011-2012 academic school year. The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP Scholarship will play an important role in my education for the school year. This scholarship will help me to achieve the academic goals for which I strive by assisting me in paying for books and other school expenses such as tuition. Again, I would like to say thank you to Kids’ Chance, The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP, and everyone who helps to make scholarships such as mine possible because without them my educational dreams would not be possible.
Sincerely Yours,
Marly
Mount Aloysius College
Dear Kids’ Chance:
Currently, I am enrolled in the Honors Program at the University at Buffalo, SUNY and I am majoring in English, with the possibility of a double degree in Accounting, with the hopes of entering Law School. I was elected to be our dorms floor monitor and I have joined the Rugby team. I am eligible to an academic scholarship and need to maintain a 3.3 grade point average. I need to keep focused on my studies to maintain my academic scholarship.
I am currently enrolled in a variety of general education classes, and one English class required for my major. I am in Short Fiction, which is an English class for my major, World Civilization, Physics, Honors Colloquium, and French.
Kids’ Chance grant has made it possible for me and my sister to attend college and not cause extra financial stress and worry to my family especially now with two children in college. The grant funds will also help provide me the opportunity to concentrate on my studies and not worry about where I can come up with the additional money to pay for books and tuition. My father’s accident occurred in 2007 and he struggles daily with headaches and dizziness due to the head injury he suffered when he was hit by a railroad coal car. However, my father continues to stay positive and work hard towards his recovery. I have learned a lot from my dad about the importance of how having a positive attitude can improve how you handle tough situations in your life.
I am very grateful for your organizations generosity and support to my sister and myself.
Jonathan
University of Buffalo, SUNY
Dear Kids’ Chance,
I am so grateful to Kids’ Chance and The Hoover Rehabilitation Services for helping me pursue my college aspirations. This scholarship is going to help me pay for my expenses at The University of Pittsburgh. I am currently a junior at The University of Pittsburgh studying psychology and anthropology. For the past two years I received a scholarship from Kid’s Chance of PA I would like to thank Kid’s Chance for their continued generosity and express my appreciation for their help for my education.
My father’s accident happened in December 2007 and he is having some difficulty relating to that accident. He worked at the Bellefield Boiler Plant for 29 years so it was a great disappointment and a huge adjustment he, as well as our family, had to make after he could no longer work. My father was crushed by a railroad coal car at the Bellefield Boiler Plant. A fellow employee was using a locomotive to push the coal car loaded with coal into the building to unload. He was not aware that my father was on the track and hit him and continued pushing the coal car on the track pinning my father and causing him to spin around and became crushed by the car against the guide rails and wall of the building. He suffered bilateral pelvic fractures along with nerve damage in the left leg and a concussion. With injuries as severe as this, he has some lasting effects even after these years of recovery.
Since the accident, my father still worries about the future. He has gotten a wage settlement and his medical issues were resolved in January of 2011. To help him cope and manage his anxiety, he is continuing to see a psychologist. I am so grateful that my father survived his horrible accident and his injuries were not as bad as they could have been, but it still is an adjustment seeing him not as his full self. I love him very much and am proud of all his hard work to get better. After I complete my undergraduate degree, I am hoping to attend graduate school to receive my Masters of Occupational Therapy. The occupational therapists helped my dad a lot during his recovery and I believe I could do a great deal to help others with this career.
Rachel
University of Pittsburgh
Dear Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania and Impairment Management Alliance,
It is my great honor to be one of the lucky recipients of a Kids’ Chance scholarship this 2011-2012 school year. As a Physician Assistant student, I know how important school is to my future. Without this scholarship, my journey at Seton Hill University would not be nearly as possible.
I came to be eligible for a Kids’ Chance scholarship because of my mother’s chronic disability. She suffered a fall when I was ten which caused her to not only be unable to work, but to undergo multiple surgeries. These surgeries caused her to contract a serious autoimmune illness that changed my mother’s lifestyle entirely. Due to her sudden inability to work, chaperone my sister’s and my field trips, take us to the zoo, even grocery shop, my mother developed serious depression. As a child growing up with a chronically ill and depressed mother, I have an insider’s view on what serious illnesses such as these can cause.
Although my mother’s illness contributed to a stressful childhood, one in which I had to mature before my age, it also allowed me to become certain that I wanted to hold a profession in the medical field. Since only my father can work, and our household income is minimal, Kids’ Chance of Pa has allowed me to fulfill my childhood dreams of becoming a medical professional. As previously stated, I am enrolled as a junior at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. I am a Seton Hill cheerleader for the third year, and I work in the emergency department at Latrobe, Frick, and Westmoreland Hospitals documenting patients’ charts. I currently hold a 3.8 GPA and have been lucky enough to make it on the Dean’s List.
Sometimes it is funny how things work out, but I know that becoming a Physician Assistant is what I am supposed to be. I love every moment of it, and I have Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania to thank.
Sincerely,
Brea
Seton Hill
Dear Kids’ Chance,
When I was younger my mother began have arm problems from her job as a court stenographer. Many doctors didn’t know what was wrong and they still don’t. After multiple surgeries the condition that is best described as thoracic outlet syndrome with bilateral peripheral neuropathies. Has forced her into an early retirement which sound great but when one is not physically capable of doing many average tasks that many people including myself take for granite the life of early retirement doesn’t seem so grand.
I guess my story is a little ironic because my mother condition that doesn’t let her do much physically is the reason that I can still do everything I do physically. I am on the track team at Bloomsburg University and this scholarship from Kids’ Chance is the reason that I can continue my track and field experience. That’s what makes my story ironic, that my mother condition that limits her is the reason I am able to get this scholarship that doesn’t limit me by forcing me into a part time or work study job that would lessen my participation in other areas.
I am a junior exercise science student at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. I have been looking into internships that I will do my senior year and am excited for when I get to work my way into the real world. I run the decathlon and also pole vault for the Bloomsburg University track team and was a captain as a sophomore and hope to be a captain again this year. I also play intermural volleyball and basketball. In the free time I volunteer at a food bank that is near my house preparing and handing out food.
Thank you for the scholarship money that I have received from the Kids’ Chance Organization of Pennsylvania over my freshman, sophomore and now junior year at Bloomsburg University. This scholarship has made my college experience so much better. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Matthew
Bloomsburg University
Dear Suzanne Emmet,
Hello my name is Jobin. I am the recipient of one of your scholarships. I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this great honor that I have received from Kids Chance. I came to be eligible for the scholarship because of the hard work I put forth onto my academics. I always wanted to succeed and be the best that I can be no matter what obstacles were in front of me.
I assure that this reward will not be wasted away. This motivates to do my very best because it reminds me that I have people who are putting their trust in me to do my very best. The importance of this scholarship helps me financially and also emotionally because I feel like I am getting closer to achieving my dreams as a student.
So I like to thank you once again for this great honor.
Sincerely,
Jobin
Shepherd University
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania,
First and Foremost, I would like to thank you for awarding me a scholarship! This scholarship allows me the opportunity to further my education and to become a productive member of today's society. Since I am going into the field of education, there are many outside expenses that come along with my senior year. This fall, I will have three weeks of field experience in an a special education setting. In this setting, the money will allow me to purchase supplies to help in the use of bettering the academic lives of the students I come in contact with. I will purchase special prizes, projects and so much more. Also, it will help in the travel expenses back and forth from the University to the placement. Also, it will help in the same ways with my Student teaching in the spring.
The money has helped me in so many ways and my future will be greatly impacted by the generous scholarship. Also, I currently have a 4.0 this semester and working hard towards graduation this spring.
I am eligible for the scholarship because my father was an EMT in our local area. While transporting a patient, the backboard cracked and he suffered major back injuries as a result. He was no longer able to work and support me in college. My parents and I are so very thankful because the money helps me to get an education!!
Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart!!
Tiffany
Slippery Rock University
Dear Kids’ Chance Directors,
I would once again like to thank you for awarding me a scholarship. It has been a great assistance to me and my family, as the cost for college is very expensive these days. I am doing well, and am quite happy to be home with my family for the holidays.
My fall semester was a successful one. As a pre-law major, my schedule contained law, politics, and communication classes. These classes were very interesting to me and I learned new things everyday in them. I had many opportunities for hands-on learning in my classes.
One such opportunity I found interesting was a research project that I did in my nonverbal communication class where three other students and I examined the body language of sports teams and analyzed how cohesive the team members were based upon their nonverbal behaviors. As a member of my school’s football team, I examined my own team playing against Gettysburg College. Since I would be on the field playing, the other members of my group videotaped the game so that we could view the game as an entire group. As a result of our work, we found that our team displayed much more cohesion based on the body movements, gestures, physical touch, and physical space when compared to Gettysburg. The results were interesting to us already, because Gettysburg was a much better team record-wise. But it became even more interesting when Gettysburg’s football coach mentioned to our head coach a week after the game how focused and tightly-bound we were as a team. He had not known of our study and this was solely based upon watching our behavior during the game film from that week. This was very surprising and fulfilling to me and my classmates.
In the upcoming semester I plan on taking the same type of courses that I did in the fall. I am also planning on studying abroad this summer in Africa, and will begin meeting this spring with the professor and students that will be accompanying me there. I am so excited for this trip, I know it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
I had a wonderful time playing football this season. As a junior linebacker, and one of the older players on the defense, I had the opportunity to be a leader and help the underclassmen. We ended well, defeating our rival Susquehanna for the first time in five years. Our rivalry is a heated one, and a victory means receiving one of the oldest trophies in NCAA history: The Goalpost Trophy. It was exciting to bring this trophy back to Juniata College, and we were even in USA Today for our big win.
I have had many great experiences this year, and I would not have been able to have them without your help. I have met so many wonderful people and had unforgettable times throughout my life in college. I thank you all so much for what you have done, and I hope you have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
With sincere thanks,
Noah
Juniata College
Dear Kid’s Chance of Pennsylvania,
I cannot begin to thank you enough for granting me the Kid’s Chance Scholarship Award. Receiving it has made my dream of going to college a reality. At first, paying for college looked like an impossible goal, but thanks to Kid’s Chance, I am one step closer to achieving it. It has taken a large amount of the stress off of my financial situation.
My dad was injured on the job and is permanently disabled. Kid’s chance, in a way, stepped in and helped me in a way that no one else could. I am currently attending Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
It means so much to me that I was awarded with this scholarship. Kid’s Chance has been a huge part of my success and drive to persevere with my ultimate academic goal.
Thank you.
Jacob
Liberty University
To Whom It May Concern,
Hello, my name is Brittany and this fall I was notified that for the third year in a row I would be awarded your wonderful scholarship. I cannot express how grateful I am that your organization exists, for if it did not I am not sure whether or not I would be able to attend college. A few years ago my parents and I were affected dramatically when my father was hurt while in the oil fields. As a child I always thought of my dad as superman and never thought he could be hurt for a long period of time let alone affect him to the point where he could not work. After having both shoulders repaired and a painful neck surgery, my father is nowhere near the point of strength he used to be. I think it is great that you have created a fund where students are affected by accidents on the job. I truly believe every human deserves the chance to a higher education and you are giving one of the greatest opportunities for students who may not financially afford the education they long to obtain. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities your scholarship has given me and all of the other recipients. Your organization helps more than just the students, but the parents and family members who hope for a successful future for their children. Thank you again.
Brittany
Dear Kids' Chance,
I have to start off my saying thank you because for the last three years you have made it so much easier for me to attend school. I became eligible for this scholarship when I was in 12th grade in high school because my father. In receiving this award for the last three years. The money I have received is amazing and has helped me out tremendously. I can never say thank you enough for awarding me this scholarship.
I am in my third year now of college at Penn State Altoona and my major is still Psychology. I have changed my mind a little bit on what I want to do with my degree because there is a lot you can do with Psychology. I still want to deal with drugs and alcohol and I'm not so sure any more about the sexual abuse I feel that I really want to make a difference and help people through a really hard time in their life but I don't know if that field sexual abuse is for me. That's why I plan to try to do my internship in a hospital or a rehab center so I get a mix of both and can truly decide if that's what I want to do. On the thought of internships it's coming up fast for me I will start getting ready for mine next semester and finding where I would want to go and how I want to go about finding time to do it with being a full time student and being involved in school. I'll figure it out though and the school with help me with places that I could possibly go to and do my internship. This semester so far is crazy busy and I love always having something to do. I'm the secretary of Psych Club and was just recently nominated to hold an office position for the Honor Society Psi Chi that I'm in. My goal is to be as active in school as I can without over doing it and having fun. My goal this semester is to still be on the Dean's lists and really enjoy my last two years of college before grad school starts.
I am truly grateful for be awarded this scholarship it is an honor and I am just so thankful.
Thank you so much,
Brittany
Penn State – Altoona
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania, Inc.,
I applied to this organization due to the fact that my father has had several medical disabilities within the last several years that have prevented him from working and staying at home. Currently, my father is at the Harmon House in Mount Pleasant due to a severe stroke he had in July of 2011. He can not do anything by himself, he requires two nurses to help him go to the bathroom, eat, etc. Before the most recent stroke, he was diagnosed with type II diabetes, had a pacemaker put in, several strokes and heart attacks, broke his hip while working, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and also had his one foot amputated due to gangrene. These are just some of the problems he has had that would have prevented me from going to Saint Vincent College, in which I am a current freshman. As of right now, I am a double-major in Management and Psychology and a minor in Special Addictions Training. I chose those subjects because I want to be able to help and assist others who have problems and need someone there for them, to see a better day.
This scholarship I received is helping me attend my school and work harder towards my goals. If I did not receive this scholarship, it would have been rather difficult to attend school due to the financial problems we are having because of my father and his most recent medical issue. I wanted to take the time to thank everyone that has helped with the decision making process of my application. I also want to thank those who have decided that I am worthy of receiving this award. I am honored and relieved that I am able to attend school without worrying about the financial problems that might have occurred if I did not receive this scholarship.
Thank you again for your time and the scholarship.
Sincerely,
Corinna
Saint Vincent College
Hello Kids' Chance!
I wanted to say thank you extremely much for giving me the chance again to be able to have the chance to follow my dreams! Without Kids' Chance I would've never been able to get to my third year of college. I am very thankful for having Kids' Chance behind me so I can reach my dreams. I enjoy going to Lebanon Valley College more than anyone could ever imagine! This school is my home now and when I go back to my real house I feel that LVC has became my home and I really never want to leave. I know without Kids' Chances help I could never even have the chase to come here. With having the help I've got into a wonderful major, Sociology, and have got wonderful professors that help me whenever I ask them to help me. I've made friends that have I know I will always be friends with. Even after graduation and years down the road. I know because of LVC I have got a great education and amazing friends.
I know in the world and in day to day life the behind the scene guy they don't get much credit for really anything. I know this daily because being the football manager I do a lot of work even the football players and the student body doesn't see. Just as when you go to college your parents get the credit that you go to college. But truly though it all depends on your college help. In this case I have Kids' Chance as my behind the scenes help. I want to thank them very much but I also want to let people know that I couldn't have done it without them. So they shouldn't be behind the scenes anymore. People should know who helped me through college and made my dreams possible!
With having Kids' Chance on my side and giving me another chance for a great school year. This is what I will be doing this junior school year. This fall I am going to take fifteen credits, swim on the varsity swim team, and work my job full time as the varsity football manager. With my classes I have a heavy load but the classes with the professors here at LVC makes it enjoyable. I really enjoy going to class because of the professors they make it fun to actually come and learn. The subjects are also fun to learn about too, there not like the normal math and writing. With doing two extra things besides school it takes a lot of time. With swimming I've done this for all three years of college. I love being part of a team and being able to help LVC win against other schools. Also, I have a coach that is extremely understanding if I have school work that needs to be done. She makes me go do my school work first before I can even get into the pool. I really like that as a coach she understands winning is nice but were all student athletes. With my football job I love this job so very much! I am with them more than my swim team at the start of the year. I go to every practice (for varsity and JV), go to both their games and do extra stuff around the area that the coaches need help with. I enjoying being involved with another team to see them succeed and being with a sport I love almost as much as my own sport. During the fall semester that is what I am doing seven days a week. This keeps me very busy. I love every moment of me busy all the time.
This spring semester is going to be a little different than any other semester I am going to do. I'd be glad to tell you that I have applied to for an internship down in Florida at Disney World. I have been in the process of applying. It's a long processes and after nine long steps I got accepted to the program! I am excited to tell you from Jan-June I will be down in Florida working for Disney to get great experience for the real working world and also take this chance of a life time. I just want to tell you of what I will be doing down there. Once I get down there I will be holding twelve maybe more credits back at LVC for taking an internship. I will be working at what job Disney puts me at. That job will be 30-50 hours a week and I will be also taking a class on top of that down there. Yes, I will be missing a semester up here at LVC, but I will still be graduating on time. I made sure of this before I even agreed to take the internship.
Last off, I know with taking this internship it will change a lot of things. I will miss my end of swim season, campus life, my friends, and family. For a great once in a life time chance I couldn't say no. I know my dad will miss me very much. I just hope this choice is the right one. I know my dad has been trying extremely hard for me to stay here at LVC. With all his surgeries and them not letting him be able to work. It's been really hard for me to be able to go here and for him to come up with just enjoy for me to go here. I know without Kids' Chance helping us out I know I would've never got close to doing both my dreams I've thought about since I was young. Go to college and work at Disney! Thank you for listening to my glimpse of my junior year. I know I am excited to see what the year brings me, but before I can get excited about any of that. I have to keep doing what I do everyday. Grades first so I can graduate and get out and help people, and then my sports and fun. Thank you again for all your help you've gave me in these last three years. I can't say enough how much me and my family appreciate the help!
Have a wonderful day!
Charlie
Lebanon Valley College
Dear Ms. Emmet:
Thank you and the entire Kids' Chance of PA organization for again bestowing on me the honor of receiving one of your scholarships. This funding is such a blessing in helping me attend Slippery Rock University. With the cost of tuition increasing each year, I know that this scholarship not only helps me financially, but may alleviate some of the guilt my father feels for not being physically able to work since 2008 due to a work related injury.
I am completing my third semester at Slippery Rock and things are going extremely well. I will be changing my major to Exercise Science for the spring semester in hopes of attending graduate school for physical therapy. I am excited by this move and feel it will be a better fit for me than Forensic Chemistry. I have joined a few volunteer organizations on campus this year and continue to work part-time on weekends. The financial help that I have received from your organization helps me keep my work hours manageable so that my studies can take priority.
I am extremely grateful for your organization and their continued support of my academic endeavors. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Kayla
Slippery Rock University
I would like to thank the people of Kids' Chance for helping me pursue my college degree. The scholarship that I have received will help me continue my education in getting my AA degree at IRSC and then further my education on getting majors in Marine Biology and Zoology also a minor in Psychology. My goal is to work with any kind of animals whether it is a marine or a land animal. I would like to get into Psychology to be able to train them. I do not mean train them to be in a zoo or anything like that since I believe they should not be in captivity but to be able to rehabilitate them to be released back into the wild if possible. I do not know exactly when I will graduate but I do know I will do as much schooling as I have to do to reach my goals.
My father's injury, which happened in 1989, has changed our family's lives and without the help of Kids' Chance Scholarship college would be more of a burden on my family especially since I have an older sister in college also.
This year I am currently not involved in any organizations on or off campus. This semester at least I am trying to be completely dedicated to my schooling.
Lindsey
To whom it may concern,
There are, among many aspects in life, few that truly act in guiding an individual to define themselves. For some, it is proclaimed self discovery, or the attachment to a popular item or topic. Yet, it remains that for some individuals, the key to true self discovery and a sense of perception lies within finding passion in the glory, the horrors and the legacy of the past. I feel that I am among these.
Because of this, I found it a necessary life choice to pursue education in the historical field of study, and what better place to do so than at Gettysburg College, located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, an academically rigorous school with great professors, opportunities and friends!
Besides enjoying the opportunity to study under some of the most acclaimed American Civil War historians and to broaden my knowledge base at various local historical societies, I am able to continue in my musical interests and have finally found the opportunity to try my hand at Civil War reenacting. At Gettysburg College, I have found a fantastic balance of academia and the opportunity to pursue my favorite activities.
However, after my mother was no longer able to work after injuring her spine at work, a great financial strain crept into our lives and took over our household. At the same time, the tuition rate at Gettysburg went up approximately $2,000, leaving me in an uncomfortable situation – I could not return to campus until it was paid off, and mandatory band camp was quickly approaching. Upon making arrangements to return, I was worried about what would happen the next time tuition rose? Would I have to leave my studies and friends?
After discovering the Kids' Chance of PA scholarship, I immediately felt that I met the requirements to be a recipient. The scholarship money would be more than useful in contributing to necessary books and tuition differences.
For college students, the importance of a quality education is more than just essential for their learning, but is also necessary to allow that same student to grow as an individual and to be prepared for life after college. Through Kids’ Chance of PA I am one step closer to completing my education financially. For this I am truly deeply grateful and am reassured to know that programs such as this are in existence. If we continue to support and help to finance today’s young adults, we are not only helping students but ensuring a promising future.
Again, I thank you all for your support and for being selected as a Kids' Chance of PA scholarship recipient.
Sincerely,
Val
Gettysburg College
Dear Kids' Chance,
I became eligible for a Kid’s Chance scholarship when my father was injured while working in bridge construction; he had 4 surgeries to attempt to fix nerve damage in both of his arms. His place of work used this restriction to fire my father from his position as bridge carpenter, claiming he could not perform his job. The following year was very difficult for my family while AFSCME, the union, fought to help my father get his job back. In the end, he was hired back as a maintenance worker. This job offers no overtime work, which was a significant source of my families’ income every year. To this day, my father is still trying to get back to a job in construction.
The day we got the letter from Kid’s Chance my family was ecstatic. With the help of Kid’s Chance, I am now able to work less, and focus on my studies much more. I have had an absolutely amazing time at Mount Aloysius College studying Education, and my first semester was a success! I am about to start my second semester and I’m so excited to see what it brings for me. The experiences of college are so fulfilling and I’ve worked with so many amazing children who have really made an impact on my life. I am excited to see what the future brings for me, and without Kid’s Chance, continuing my education beyond high school would not have been possible for me! Kid’s Chance is a dream come true!
With Sincere Thanks,
Anne
Mount Aloysius College
To whom it may concern,
I just wanted to once again thank Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania for supporting me throughout my college experience. I will soon be entering my final semester at Loyola University Maryland and I could not have arrived at this moment without the generous support from Kids’ Chance. While in eighth grade my father was in a near fatal accident at work. With the grace of God he survived the accident but hasn’t been able to return to work. I remember thinking that I may not be able to attend college because of the financial burden—which is a thought that no one, especially not a fourteen year old, should ever have to be concerned with. But here I am, almost eight year later, and I have succeeded in my academic career because other men and women were willing to support me. My family and I are forever in debt to Kid’s Chance.
This semester I was invited to take the Senior Honors English Seminar and at the end of the semester I was able to maintain a 3.8 GPA. I am once again a Resident Assistant for a first-year residence hall and I am in my second year as co-president of the Take Back the Night Committee. I have gained priceless skills and experiences at Loyola and it will be a bittersweet experience walking across the stage this coming may.
In a few short months I hope to graduate cum laude with a Bachelors of Art and degree in English, and I already have plans to continue my education. I am already enrolled in the Loyola University Maryland Masters of Arts in Teaching program and once I graduate with my Masters I will begin to serve the community through teaching.
In gratitude,
Joelle
Loyola University Maryland
Dear Kids' Chance,
My name Is Jaisa. I am a freshman majoring in Interior Design at Mercyhurst College. I became eligible for this scholarship because of my mother. She suffered a fall when I was eight years old which caused her to
not only be unable to work, but to undergo multiple surgeries. These surgeries caused her to contract a serious autoimmune illness that changed my mother’s lifestyle entirely. Due to her sudden inability to work and care for her family the way she had for the past ten years, she developed serious depression.
My sister and I were both forced to mature at a very early age. Even though my childhood was stressful I have learned to be more responsible and grateful for any bit of help I receive. This scholarship money has not only helped me attend such an esteemed school but has also helped me get closer to achieving my dreams. Kids Chance has also provided some financial relief for my family each time the tuition bill arrives in the mail.
I cannot even begin to describe how thankful I am for the opportunity to go to the college of my dreams. Thank you very much for making it possible for me to continue my education and have a better life. It means so much to me and my family. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Jaisa
Mercyhurst College
To the wonderful people who work with Kids’ Chance,
Hello, I recently received a scholarship from Kids’ Chance. This scholarship came as the happiest surprise as I started my third year at The Ohio State University. Your gift not only financially assists me, but honestly helps make my dreams come true. To this I want to offer my deepest thanks. I cannot put into words how grateful I am, but I want you to know that you have made a significant impact on my life and every part of my future.
When I was seven years old, my father was killed in a logging accident while he was at work. I live with the tragedy everyday by doing the things that would make my dad proud, and by trying my best to live up to his name. I can think of no better way than by pursuing my most desired goals at the greatest university in the country. I could not be happier as I explore all the wonderful opportunities and organizations that I can get involved in, and excel in courses that lead me to a degree in Animal Sciences. Next summer I will apply to schools of veterinary medicine and continue my education until I receive a doctor of veterinary medicine and a license to practice as a veterinarian.
Now I have the means and security to pursue my goals and I have you to thank for that. My education will continue and I know that my dad is proud of me. Thank you for making all of this possible. You change my life and give me the support to be ambitious and reach my fullest potential.
My greatest thanks,
Jessica
The Ohio State University
Dear Kids Chance:
I wanted to take a moment and say thank you for the generous scholarship for the 2010-2011 school year. This scholarship has helped to make my freshman year at Misericordia University possible. I am beginning my busy schedule which includes: Eng. 102, Calculus, Chemistry, FYE, Computer Technology, and sociology. As the semester unfolds I will update your organization with any clubs or organizations that I have become a member of.
Once again, thank you for helping to make this opportunity possible.
Brandon
Misericordia University
Dear Kids Chance,
I cannot begin to express how your scholarship has helped to change my life. This scholarship has taken the weight off my family's shoulders in providing me with a college education at a more reasonable cost.
I could go on and on about how this scholarship has changed my life and helped my family, but I am sure you would rather learn more about myself and all I have accomplished this year.
I am currently a sophomore at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park studying Mechanical Engineering. I also am pursuing a minor in Engineering Leadership Development. I interned at GE Transportation last summer as a Service Productivity Intern and I will be interning with Boeing this summer as an Interior Design Engineer intern. I am an avid member of the Society of Women Engineers as the Director of Recruitment and I traveled to Orlando, Florida this fall for National Conference.
I am highly involved with the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon at Penn State that directly supports The Four Diamonds Fund to help families with pediatric cancer. I enjoy volunteering and at school I am able to tutor students in calculus courses, give time at Habitat for Humanity, and volunteer through Big Brother Big Sisters.
All the opportunities that Penn State has given me are part thanks to you as well! You are part of the reason I can attend Penn State, and none of these amazing opportunities would be a reality without you! A day never goes by that I do not thank you for your support.
Thank you,
Carlye
Pennsylvania State University in University Park
Dear Kids Chance of Pennsylvania & The Chartwell Law Offices, LLP
First of all I would like to apologize for not getting this to you sooner. On the letter I wrote to you enclosed with the 2010-2011 application I was not sure if I would be eligible because my father was working on and off but has had numerous problems. In the end of that letter I had stated that you would never begin to imagine how much it would be appreciated if you could help me achieve my goals. Imagine, that's a dream that came true, not only did you help me I was awarded the Chartwell Law Office, LLP scholarship award. When I opened this letter I was afraid that I would not receive an award for it seemed so late in the year and I hadn't heard from you, and I didn't have enough money to go on. I couldn't believe what I was reading. I was so relieved and happy!
And yet not only to receive a scholarship, but the Chartwell Law Office, LLP scholarship award was unbelievable!!!! Their scholarship has made a tremendous difference in my life. Like I said I didn't have enough to go on and this scholarship made all the difference in the world for me. I am so grateful for the generosity of Kids Chance and the Chartwell Law Offices for the past 4 years and helping me to achieve my academic goals. I have been really busy with school for it has been very demanding of my time. I am currently a senior at the University of Pittsburgh maintaining a 3.5 GPA and will be graduating in May of this year. I have currently been applying to graduate schools for my major, which is Speech Pathology. Hopefully I will be accepted into Pitt, but if not I will continue elsewhere. Once again I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for without you I don't know where I would be.
Again I would like to say thank you once again, for you have granted me so many opportunities that I would not have had if it were not for your generous scholarship. Thanks to you I have been able to complete two years of my college education, and make myself, my parents, and my family very proud of my accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Cassandra
University of Pittsburgh
Dear Kids' Chance of PA,
Hi, I'm Jessica. I attend The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio because the people of Kids' Chance and the ACE Charitable Foundation made my dreams not only possible but alive and true and a part of my life. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for me. My future is brighter because of what you have awarded me, now I can focus on school and studies instead of financial issues. I love Ohio State, it is the only school where I can imagine myself, and here I can focus on becoming a veterinarian with the help that I need. When I was seven years old my father was killed in a logging accident. My brother and mother spent the next years struggling, but we made it through. College has always been a dream for me that both of my parents pushed me toward, wishing me to be the first student from our family. Financially my family cannot support my college career, and you took the worry away from my family. If my father could say it, I know he would be so proud of me. Thank you for giving me the chance to say those words. It means so much to me, and I will be forever grateful. When I opened my letter, my happiness cannot be described; the last few weeks had been spent in worry over where I was going to obtain the money for my next year, and like a blessing your letter took that worry away. Now I am at my second year at Ohio State, with an Animal Sciences major. I am taking organic chemistry, physics, biology, and economics. The classes take a lot of time but I love every second of it.
Thank you for everything you have done for me!
Sincerely,
Jessica
The Ohio State University
To whom it may concern,
I would like to thank Kids' Chance and the ACE Charitable Foundation for providing me with the chance to receive a college degree. Without the financial support of Kids' Chance, my dreams of graduating from college with a degree in English would not be possible. I am now in my Junior year at Loyola University Maryland and for the past three years Kids' Chance has allowed me to have the college experiences I dreamed about when I was a child.
Almost seven years ago my father was in an accident at work. By the grace of God my father managed to survive the accident but he sustained multiple severe injuries. Since the accident my father has been unable to return to work. There was a time in my life when I was worried that I wouldn't be able to attend the college I most desired. I felt guilty for asking my parents to assist me with my college expenses, but with the help of Kids' Chance the financial burden of receiving a college education has decreased. No words can describe how grateful I am towards the members of Kids' Chance. The scholarship I have received allows me to do the things I love the most, and there was a time in my life when I didn't think that would be possible.
After I graduate from Loyola University Maryland, I plan on getting a Master of Arts in Teaching and then using my degrees to teach in a high school students. Education has always been a major factor in my life and I hope to one day inspire students in the classroom to learn more than what their textbooks tell them.
Kids' Chance is unlike any other scholarship program and because of the help and generosity of Kids' Chance and the ACE Charitable Foundation I am able to attend the school of my dreams.
Thank you,
Joelle
Loyola University Maryland
Dear Ms. Emmet:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the members of the Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Scholarship Committee and the Universal SmartComp Scholarship Program for the very generous scholarship award I recently received.
In April of 1993, my father sustained a life altering back injury at a Rite Aid Store, where he was a District Supervisor. He's had spinal fusion surgery, but is disabled due to this injury. My mother works full time as a secretary; and is able to carry our health insurance. She is currently in remission from breast cancer and we are very grateful for her present good health. My family and I are extremely grateful for all the financial help your organizations have given both myself and my two brothers over the past several years. With the loss of my father's income, it would have been a greater financial burden for our family without your generous scholarships.
I am currently a senior at Bloomsburg University; and will graduate in December of 2010 with a degree in Exercise Science. I have just completed an internship over the summer with the Schuylkill Medical Center, our local hospital, in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit. I feel very strongly that this is the area where I wish to seek employment.
My older brothers, Stephen and Garrett, are both college graduates, thanks to your kindness. Stephen is a Behavior Specialist and works with Autistic children at our local Intermediate Unit. Garrett is a fourth grade teacher. I am grateful that I will join my brothers as a college graduate; and am attaching a picture of myself at Bloomsburg University, as you requested.
Again, thank you very much for all Kids' Chance and Universal SmartComp Scholarship Program have done to help me complete my education.
Sincerely,
Kyle
Bloomsburg University
Dear Kids' Chance of PA,
I can't thank Kids' Chance enough for the help they have given me to fulfill my dreams at college. I recently finished my first semester at the University of Pittsburgh after transferring there from Clarion University this year. My first semester went very well and I am looking forward to my upcoming spring semester and the new classes. I have also decided on a career in occupational therapy, so the classes I will be taking will help me prepare for my future. All I can say is thank you to Kids' Chance for giving me the opportunity to reach my goals for my future and I couldn't have done it without you.
Rachel
University of Pittsburgh
Dear Kids Chance,
I would like to thank you so much for awarding me the Kid's Chance/ ACE Charitable Foundation Scholarship for the 2010-2011 academic year. Because of your generosity I can continue my education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.
I am now in my fourth professional year of pharmacy school and am still keeping busy with the pharmacy world. Recently I volunteered at an undeserved clinic where I took patient's blood pressures and counseled them on their medications. Also, I am still involved with Kappa Psi a pharmaceutical fraternity as Rush Chair.
My family and I are very grateful to Kid's Chance for the awarding me a scholarship again. I am truly blessed to have found an organization that is willing to help students further their education. Without this scholarship I would not be able to reach my goal of becoming a pharmacist and I thank you so much for allowing me to achieve my dream.
Thank you so much,
Samantha
University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy
Dear Ms. Emmet,
First off I want to say I am very sorry this is so late. My life this year is extremely crazy. To get a picture with all my football coaches at once took me just this week to get it. It's mid season and already it's crazy. Let me tell you though. WOW. Thank you so much just like last year. This award is a big breath of fresh air. Well, once, again during the past school year 2009-2010, my dad had yet another surgery, they had to replace his left knee. Dad kept telling me that the Lord would get us both through this and provide the funds for me to keep my college dream alive.
Last year Kids Chance took a chance with me and I am so very grateful. This past year I swam for the Varsity team and I did so many things in the pool I never thought possible. It was such a great life and year from great friends to wonderful education that I am getting here at Lebanon Valley. All I know is if it wasn't for Kids Chance I would be stuck at home with no college and no long life goals to try to reach.
Now, this year, I am very loaded with full load of classes, but I also am on the swim team still. This year I am the football manager. I really enjoy the college life, and now I am reaching out to help others, in a way that I know I can be a use to. With being the manager this helps me get a step closer to know what I want to become down the road.
Finally, without this scholarship, my dream would come to an end. I know how my dad has tried to get well, and return to work to put me through college. Once again, he has been told he will never be able to return to work and is forced to need yet another surgery. When he heard the news you decided to help me once again, I could see in his eyes a big sigh of relief.
Once, again THANK YOU so much! I can be able to go to my college, do the sport I love, work with the best football team and coaches. Get closer to my major and not worry about if I will be able to come back the next semester.
Sincerely,
Charlie
Lebanon Valley College
Dear Kids' Chance,
Thank you for your generous scholarship. It will surely help me and my family in our time of need. I plan to help ease the burden on myself and my family by using the money for both tuition and for textbooks that I will need in these coming months. Again, thank you for your generosity. I hope to accomplish much and you have helped me along the way.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Widener University
Dear Kids Chance,
Since 2007 you have had a huge impact on my success in college. As I was searching for colleges and preparing for the next step of my life, my family and I always had the burden of wondering how we would be able to afford my college education since my dad can only hold a part time job since his accident in 2000.
The accident which left my dad in the condition he is in now occurred while he was at work as a mechanic. He had been working alongside my grandfather on a broke down truck along the interstate when a tractor trailer came by side swiping them both and leaving my dad in critical condition. He suffered many serious injuries including degloving of the back, some head injuries, and the crushing of both of his legs. While his recovery was long and hard, he was able to keep both of his legs and recover from all injuries while still learning to walk again. His recovery process will be never ending because of continuous surgeries that will be needed to fix things that are still not 100%, but he is doing amazing. His condition will never be the same as it was before the accident, and he will never be able to do the same kind of work he did before either, which has really put a burden on the family finances. My mom works a full time job, and my dad can only hold a part time one now which makes it very hard for them to support both my sister and I while I am attending school, but thanks to your scholarship which you have been so generous to offer me for the past four years, both my family and I have been able to breathe a little easier when it comes to the financial aspects of my education.
I am now entering my senior year at Albright College, and I couldn't be happier. My journey as a Psychology major and an Albright student will come to an end as I graduate this May. Therefore I'd like to thank you once again for being so generous. Your help has changed my life in so many ways and I truly appreciate it!
Thank You,
Samantha
Albright College
Dear Kid's Chance of PA,
I would like to thank you again for your continued support. Fall semester was really busy this year. I am the treasurer of the Humanitarian Hospitality Society which is a volunteer organization. We went apple picking for the food bank, tutoring with a local school, and set up activities for the children at the YWCA in Wilmington. Our big project for the semester was holding a clothing drive for children in the Dominican Republic and South Africa. (http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2011/dec/clothing-drive-122010.html).
During this semester I also got a job working with the Admissions office at the University of Delaware. At the end of the semester I got Straight A's. This winter I will have an internship with the Delaware Department of Justice working with victims/witnesses of crime. Next spring will be my last semester as an undergraduate. I am Applying to Wilmington University for graduate school and want a degree I the Administration of Human Services. I'm really grateful that I have made it this far and I know I would not be here without the support of Kid's Chance of PA.
Thanks Again,
Samantha
University of Delaware
Dear Kids Chance of PA,
Thank you so much for the generous scholarship for the 2010-2011 academic year. I have just completed my first month as Forensic chemistry major at Slippery Rock University and find the experience challenging and exciting. Although I participated in many extracurricular activities in high school, I am concentrating on adapting to college life and my academic endeavors this first year.
Since my father's work-related injury several years ago, I have been concerned that my brother and I would not be able to afford college. Although my father had had multiple surgeries and faces more, he is so proud that both of his children are able to achieve their dreams of a college education. Without your help, this would not have been possible.
Thank you again for your generosity.
Kayla
Slippery Rock University
Dear Kids chance of PA,
Thank you so much for the generous scholarship for the 2010-2011 academic year. I am in my second year of college and attend the Community College of Allegheny County majoring in Secondary Social Studies Education. Although living at home is more cost effective, there are hidden costs for transportation in addition to normal living expenses that most people don't consider. Since my goal is to transfer to a four year university, this scholarship means so much to me.
Since my father's work-related injury several years ago, I have been concerned that my sister and I would not be able to afford college. Although my father has had multiple surgeries and faces more, he is so proud that both of his children are able to achieve their dreams of a college education. Without your help, this would not have been possible.
Thank you again for your generosity.
Ryan
Community College of Allegheny County
Thank you so much for facilitating my grant to attend Temple University. It was great surprise and blessing, especially in the midst of this poor economy.
I am enjoying Temple University. Currently, I am planning to declare my major in secondary education with an English concentration next semester. Due to the construct of the state's involvement in the program, the university has to make sure students attain a QPA higher than 3.0 before the declaration is finalized. I have no worries though; in the meantime, I am working hard to get my general education courses out of the way.
Temple has presented so many amazing opportunities this year; last Thursday, I was able attend a speech by Bill Clinton! I am currently involved in Cross-Walk, a student-lead religious assembly as well as a similar institution in the surrounding community. Preparations are currently in the works to audition for the university's gospel choir as well.
It is already November, and I have already begun to plan for next year. Due to its urban locality, Temple University has numerous collaborations with local area schools for internships. Plans are in the works to do after-school tutoring at a local high school in North Philadelphia. I have also been presented with the opportunity to become involved in Teach for America, a non-profit organization whose aim is providing highly qualified teachers for urban and rural localities. I am considering continuing to teach in North Philadelphia or perhaps teaching in California.
Again, thank you so much for your involvement in my education. I will continue to keep you informed of my progress and involvement as you continue to assist other students in securing grant money.
Lydia
Temple University
I would like to thank the people of Kid's Chance for continuing to help me pursue my college degree. The scholarships that I have received will help me continue my education in graduating with my majors in Psychology and Political Science. My goal is to graduate in December 2011 and then move to Pittsburgh to further my education by getting my Doctorate in Psychology.
My father's injury, which happened in 1989, has changed our family's lives and without the help of Kid's Chance Scholarships college would be more of a burden on my family.
This year I am involved in organizing a women's ice hockey team at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College. I am also a member of Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity. In addition to out of class activities, I also have the opportunity this semester to complete an Undergraduate Research Project through the Psychology Department at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College.
Amy
Penn State Erie, the Behrend College
Kids' Chance,
Sorry it has taken me so long to write this email but with school, school work and now the holidays it has been a nightmare to try and find time to sit down and write this email. First off I would like to thank your organization for the amazing opportunity to experience college without the worry and hassle of financial aid. With the help of your scholarship, I am able to focus on my studies and not have to worry about how I am going to pay for school for an entire year. I would like to thank you for granting me this scholarship two years in a row. With my dad still out of work, money has been tight all year around in every aspect and with your help of the scholarship, my parents are so grateful and appreciative that something involving finances is off the table and off their shoulders. When I look back at the time my father was injured, I now realize how lucky I am to still have him though. Recently two of my very close friends have lost a mother and a father within the past 4 months. I am truly blessed to have my dad survive his accidents, but I am also blessed that Kids Chance is willing to help me out in my family's time of need. Thank you so much Kids Chance!
Brittany
University of Pittsburgh - Bradford
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania,
I would like to thank you for awarding me a scholarship for the 2010-2011 academic year. It was a great assistance to me and my family, as the cost for college is very expensive these days. Attending Juniata College has been such a blessing. Being a part of the Juniata community has been a wonderful and fruitful experience. I consider what Kids' Chance has done for me as a gift that keeps on giving, and I greatly appreciate what you've done for me.
During my fall semester, I took a full curriculum of pre-law, communication, and sociology classes. I also captained my school's football team at the linebacker position this season. I am involved in the Juniata Student Government as a Vice President of the Class of 2013, and I am leader for an academic mentoring program for student-athletes on campus. My achievements thus far have been possible because of your assistance.
With great thanks,
Noah
Vice President of the Class of 2013
Juniata College
Dear Kids' Chance of PA,
My father died in March of 1991 at the age of 32 as the result of a 65 foot fall in a construction accident. That is the reason why I was eligible for this scholarship. I never had the opportunity to meet him personally because he died soon after my mom found out she was pregnant, but I always wished I could have at least talked to him. My dad always wanted to be a father. He would play games with his friends' children and help them build different school projects, etc. My mother told me how happy he was that he was going have his own child; he wanted to give me the world. He specifically talked about making my future as bright as the sun. Unfortunately, he never got his wish to assist me through my childhood and especially now when I'm older when things become more difficult in college. I am incredibly thankful to Kid's Chance for aiding me in my financial journey through college. I received enough money to buy some books and help pay for part of my tuition. This all really means a lot to mean me, and if my father were here I know he would thank you as well.
Sincerely,
Samuel
Penn State - Altoona
Dear Kids' Chance,
Thank you so much for everything you've done to help our family by offing me a Kids' Chance scholarship. When my dad passed away in a tractor trailer accident in February 2010, my mom and I were not sure how my college plans would change because my dad was our family's sole source of income. I am now enrolled in the Radiological Science program at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford partially thanks to Kid's Chance. The stress ofhow we would pay for my college education has now been relieved somewhat. This scholarship lias really revived an opportunity that I had thought was almost out of grasp. Thank you so much.
Colton
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Kids' Chance of PA,
I would like to thank you for the Kids' Chance scholarhip.
My father died in a work related accident, and I appreciate any help I have been given.
Thank you,
Donovan
Allegheny County Community College
Dear Kids' Chance of PA. Inc,
I would like to thank you for the generous scholarship awarded to me for the 2010-2011 academic year. Your gift has made it possible to continue my studies at Cabrini College in Radnor PA., where I am a Communications Major, currently in my third year.
My father, a Union Carpenter, was in an on the job construction accident in 1997. Due to injuries sustained in the mishap he is no longer able to perform the duties associated with the trade and has been left permanently disabled. This has been a burden on the family financially. He continues to struggle to make ends meet.
The Kids' Chance Scholarship has been a great help in affording my college tuition. Continuing my matriculation would have been extremely difficult without it. Thank you very much for helping me to meet my life's goals.
Ryan
Cabrini College Student
Dear Kids' Chance,
I would like to thank you for awarding me a scholarship for the 2010-2011 school year. As a freshman, I am attending Pennsylvania College of Technology for the Physician Assistant program. On February 2nd 2010 my father, who was employed by Lamar Advertising, was changing a light bulb on a build board and was instantly killed by being electrocuted.
Since I was not valedictorian or the best athlete in high school, it was very difficult to receive any local scholarships. I greatly appreciate Kids' Chance willingness to help others and myself that have difficulties financially supporting themselves through college especially with the hardships of losing a parent.
I would especially like to thank Chris Pierson for helping me with the scholarship application!
Once again, thank-you for awarding me a scholarship.
Toncia
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Dear Kids' Chance:
I would like to thank the Kids' Chance organization for the $2000 scholarship I was awarded for my sophomore year of college. The scholarship money is being used for tuition, room and board, and books for my studies in exercise science at Bloomsburg University.
I am still competing in the pole vault and the decathlon for the Bloomsburg University track and field team. The scholarship money that I was given helps me continue my track and field career instead of taking on a part-time or work-study job.
I am most grateful for the money that I have received over my freshman and sophomore year and I thank all those involved with Kids' Chance for investing in my future.
Sincerely,
Matthew
Bloomsburg University
Dear Kids' Chance,
I would like to thank you so much for the scholarship money. Getting scholarship money helps start any school year easier. This money will help me purchase my college books including a nanocomposite book that will help with my senior project. Since I commute to school the money will also help me buy gasoline for my car.
I am currently in Plastics and Polymer Science at Pennsylvania College of Technology. I am a member of Society of Plastics Engineering (SPE). I work at Gander Mountain over 20 hours a week while taking 15 credits at college. This scholarship truly helped ease some of the financial strain and I thank you.
Sincerely,
Brennan
Pennsylvania College of Technology
To whom it may concern,
My name is Kera Reece and I have been awarded the Kids' Chance of PA scholarship for the 2010-2011 school year.
I am eligible for this scholarship because in 1994 my dad fell through a roof at his job. He was an electrician sent up onto a roof with a team of men to wire lights and lightning rods. The roof was never checked for safety, as his company and the company that owned the building assumed that the other was to take care of it. My dad and one of his co-workers were on a weak part of the new roof and it gave way underneath of them. They both fell two stories to a concrete floor below. He has made a full recovery since and has gone back to work as an Estimator for a new electrical company.
I am very pleased to have received this scholarship, as it is very helpful in offsetting the cost of college. I am hoping to graduate from the Pennsylvania State university with a degree in Psychology and the scholarship helps to defer some of the cost. I plan to pursue my Master's and my PhD, so I will be in school for many more years before I am finished, and I will have many tuition bills to pay before I am done.
Thank you once again,
Kera
Pennsylvania State University
Kids' Chance,
Hello it's me, Brittany. This semester was crazy busy for me. I joined the psychology club at Penn State Altoona. I had all my classes and a part time job at Aeropostale trying to make ends meet. My mom got hurt at work and broke her knee and she had to take time off so I had to pull my weight and take care of myself in a way so my parents could focus on the things most needed around the house and things. I did amazing in school though 4 A's and 1 B+ and 1C+ and the C+ was in Criminal Justice and I am honestly not the best in that subject but I tried and I'm extremely happy with the result I got out of it. Next semester I only took 5 classes instead of 6 to try and give myself a break. I bought all of my books for next semester and I can say that there is a lot of books it's something else. Next semester though I'm excited because there are a lot more things to do dealing with Psychology club and a lot more events because the weather will be nicer. I am also involved with this teaching program helper thing my friend is in control of this program and they have grade school kids come to Penn State and we help them with homework and have fun days at Penn State like game days and stuff like that, stuff to keep them out of trouble because some where appointed to this program by their teachers. This semester was one of the funniest for me because I met so many new people and got so much more involved with school and I loved it and had a blast. I know for a fact I'm going to use next semester to the fullest and have just as much fun and rock at school and keeps my grades up my goal for next semester is to have a 3.7 grade point average I have a 3.56 but for me to get that average grade point average. I need a 4.0 basically. I know because I got the scholarship I did this year I was able to be more involved in school and be semi less stressed about making money work for me and this semester. I had to pay for all my schooling this year and next and I know that this money that I received from you extremely helped me out and did take a load off of my shoulders and I couldn't thank you all enough. I know this gave me an amazing opportunity this year and I can't thank you enough. Thanks again. I'll keep in touch.
Thank you so much.
Brittany
Penn State Altoona
Dear Kids' Chance,
Without your help, my sophomore year of college would have been a much greater struggle. I want to thank you for considering me for your scholarship, and I want to tell you how much it has aided in creating a better environment for my family and for myself. I can now focus on my studies and not have to worry about getting a steady job which could interfere with my schooling. Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in my second year at Seton Hill University with ease. Best wishes!
Sincerely,
Brea
Seton Hill University
To whom it may concern,
I am extremely grateful to have received the Kid's Chance of Pennsylvania scholarship again this year. The scholarship is extremely helpful in aiding me to pay for tuition at the Pennsylvania State University, Beaver campus. I plan to transfer to the main campus in the fall and finish out my remaining two years to obtain my bachelor's in Psychology. I would love to go into human and social services and help adolescents and teens. I am thinking about working as either a guidance counselor or working in the social services departments for the state.
The scholarship is extremely helpful in off-setting some of the costs of tuition. I am paying for half of my college expenses and my parents are helping to pay the remaining half. It is very nice to know that I will not have quite as much money to pay back in costly student loans once I graduate.
I became eligible for the Kid's Chance scholarship because my dad was hurt at his job in 1994. He was an electrician and was placed on the roof of a warehouse checking newly installed wires. The roof had not properly been checked for safety, and he and one other man fell 2-storys to the cement floor below. He was bed-ridden for almost a year and could not work for a very long time. He recently took a job as an estimator with a small company near our house. Although I am extremely grateful for the scholarship, I would prefer him having never gotten hurt. However, he has made a nearly full recovery and we are all very thankful.
Once again, I would like to extend my gratitude for the scholarship and express the thanks of my parents as well. We all appreciate the wonderful opportunities that receiving the scholarship will allow.
Thank you very much.
Kera
Pennsylvania State University, Beaver campus
Dear Kids' Chance,
This school year, I received a scholarship from your organization! I was so excited when I opened the letter, because I would not be able to pay for college without the generous contribution from Kids Chance! I can't begin to describe to you what it means that there is an organization out there that is helping students attend college, and achieve their hopes and dreams!
Right now, I am halfway through my semester at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. I am a first semester Junior, dual majoring in Elementary and Special Education. I just can't thank you enough for the opportunity to pay for and attend college to better myself in the future! Thanks again, and I look forward to applying for the scholarship in the future!!
Sincerely,
Tiffany
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania,
I am attending Kutztown University, and I study Early Edu. School was tough this semester with becoming a mother. It was my first semester back to school and at a University. I will be going back to Kutztown next semester because I really want to graduate and be a successful mother. I'm not quite sure if I will be going full time, I have been thinking about taking three classes. Thank you for another great opportunity to help fund my schooling so I can graduate.
Thank you for all of your help,
Jennifer
Kutztown University
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania,
I have been receiving this scholarship every year since I first became a freshman in college, and every year it becomes more of a blessing. My family and I look at my financial aid award letter every year and see, with grateful hearts, your continual generosity.
First and foremost, the scholarship money is always used to help pay for my tuition, as I am sure most other recipients do as well. Any extra money I may have left over after paying my tuition and fees is put towards paying for my textbooks and any other supplies I may need for my classes. If I still happen to have any left, I always put it towards defraying the cost of my student loans. It is in this way that the scholarship I have received from you is not only helping me during my present education, but it is also helping to ease some of my worry about paying loans after I have graduated.
Now that it is nearing the end of the Fall 2010 semester, I have exactly a year until I graduate. I know of a job opening that will be coming around about the time I graduate in the English department of my hometown high school. Although it was not my intention to teach in my hometown after I graduated, it will be a good stepping stone from which to begin. Where I will end up after that, I haven't the slightest idea, but one thing I am sure of, your scholarship has helped me every step of the way on my journey through college. For this, I thank you whole-heartedly.
Sincerely yours,
Joselynn
University of Pittsburgh - Bradford
Dear whom it may concern,
The Kids' Chance scholarship was awarded to me after I wrote the story of losing my father. I lost my father due to a 'freak accident' ew the ins and outs of them. At an expo, that was sponsored by where he work, a gun had jammed and my father and the owner of the company took it upon themselves to try and fix it. When they were trying to figure out what happened to the gun, the gun fired and shot my father in the head, killing him instantly.
I greatly appreciated this award because of the lack of finances that I have coming in. I'm no where near rich and I don't have a lot of room to fudge money anywhere. When I was awarded this scholarship, it was literally a sigh of relief. The 500.00 I was awarded during my first semester was enough to cover what I still owed the school on my tuition bill.
Thanks so much for considering me when it comes to this scholarship. There isn't much you can do when it comes to accidents because that's literally what they are, accidents. The scholarship was a sigh of relief and an absolute God given. Thanks again!
Lea
Penn State - Altoona
I would like to take a moment and give my gratitude to Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania and sponsors. My name is Tyler, I am currently a junior at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh studying Graphic Design. The continuing financial support and general support from Kids Chance and their staff has helped me greatly. I am currently a student ambassador for The Art Institute, receiving an average GPA of 3.9 and recently received an award for Art Institute of Pittsburgh Graphic Design Student of the Quarter. Outside of my classes, I am vice-president of student council, a member of the National Technical Honor Society and I am also a graphic designer for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
Receiving this scholarship and the previous scholarship has helped me to continue my education at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I also am giving back to the community by donating design work to originations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, American Red Cross, Dreams of Hope and Hearts of Hope. The support you have provided me helps me provide support to other students, community members and over all help me achieve my goal of making an impact with my designs. Once again, thank you for support with my education now and in the future.
Thank you,
Tyler
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Dear Ms. Emmet,
What does this scholarship mean to me? Well, if you know the dad I have and all he has been through the past eleven years you would understand. He was severely injured on the job when he worked as an ironworker. As a result of his injuries he had to endure fourteen major surgeries. During his recovery time, we almost lost our home; all the money in my college fund and our savings account was used up. Despite all the hardships, my dad was always there to support me. He was ecstatic when he learned of Kids Choice and the possibility of gaining $2000 towards my education. Kids Choice not only will support me through the next four years, this wonderful organization has made my first year here at Lebanon Valley College possible.
Thank You!
Charlie Robinson
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania,
My name is Tiffany Thayer, and I am one of the recipients of your scholarship. I was overwhelmed with joy when I received the letter from you saying that I had received a scholarship. This money means so much to me, because without it, I would not have been able to pay for school. I attend Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, majoring in elementary and special education. This foundation is such a worthy cause, and I am so grateful for everything you have done for me! Every paper I filled out for you was well worth it, and I look forward in applying next year!
I became eligible for this award back in 2001 when my father lost his life in a tractor trailer accident. It was always a dream he had for me to be able to have the chance to go to college if I chose. Kids' Chance has made it much easier for me to achieve the goal that was his and is mine.
Thanks again!!!
Sincerely
Tiffany Thayer
Dear Kids' Chance,
My fall semester at Clarion University of Pennsylvania was a true learning experience. I am enrolled in the Honors Program at Clarion and discovered that
college course work is very different from high school. I have learned that it is all up to me and have learned a lot about time management. I have worked hard to maintain a high GPA in the area of environmental science and am thinking of changing course into environmental biology. The upcoming spring semester will include two honors courses – one which is an on-line course. This will be my first on-line course and I do not know what to expect. Kids’ Chance grant has made it possible for me to attend college and not place additional stress on my family at this time. My father’s head injury is taking time and patience on his part to obtain a full recovery. Since it is two years past the accident, his doctors have told him that a full recovery at this time is limited.
He works hard at his therapy and has kept a very positive attitude. My dad always told me that you can do anything you want but you need to work for it. I am so thankful and appreciative of everything your organization has done to help me obtain not only my goals but those of so many children who face similar situations.
Rachel
December 30, 2009
Dear Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania,
The fall semester of 2009 has been an interesting and busy time in my life. Running between classes, participating in track, and trying to find time for other hobbies, such as Quest (an outdoor club) has made for a hectic last couple of months. I have learned that time management is an important part of collegiate life. Track is going well. I qualified for PSAC’s (conference meet) in the pole vault in my first college track meet, which is both exciting and motivating. I will be running the indoor heptathlon (seven events) when we return from winter break, which I am very eager to do. In Quest I am working my way through the handbook inspiring to become an instructor in rock climbing, rafting, and kayaking.
I can’t wait to get back to school, not only to see my friends, but also to get into my major and have more exercise science classes. My core classes this past semester weren’t suited well to my interests. I believe this next semester will be much more interesting when my classes are set more in my major and not all general education based. I am looking forward to Anatomy and Physiology and also Introduction to Exercise Science.
Thank you to all the people working for the Kids’ Chance Organization: Donors, sponsors, and supporters, for the generous scholarship I was awarded during my freshman year.
Sincerely,
Matthew R. Stuck
Dear Kids Chance of PA:
I would like to thank you again for your continued support with my college career. This summer I had the opportunity to go on a study abroad trip to Ireland which was the most amazing experience. I met so many people and got to learn about the history of Ireland. When I returned from Ireland I got a job at Marshalls department store as a cashier which was great work experience. When I returned to UD this fall I was historian of Humanitarian Hospitality Society which is a volunteer club. We went apple picking to donate to the food bank of Delaware. We also helped to plant a garden at the local elementary school. Another thing we did was to make cookies for the Ronald McDonald house. This semester has been really difficult academically as I have been taking all 300 and 400 level courses but I have still been able to maintain a 3.0 average. At the end of the semester I was informed that a national club had been brought to UD called Ailing mothers & fathers.(AMF) I have contacted them and will be joining their group in the spring semester. It seems they are a support group for those with parents who have passed away or who are terminally ill and they also do volunteer projects. This semester I have taken a Human Development & family services (HDFS) course and really enjoyed it so I plan on adding a minor in HDFS along with my double major in Psychology and Sociology concentration in social welfare. I have started looking around at graduate schools and I think I might try to get my Master’s in Social Work (MSW). I’m going to keep searching because I would like to find a school outside of my local area that will also help me pay for my education. Your scholarship has really helped me to achieve a lot.
Thank you so much!
Samantha Powers
Dear Kids Chance,
I would like to take this time to thank you for your generosity. Ever since my father was involved in a hit and run accident in 2000 which left him disabled, our family has struggled to manage payments of all sorts. When it came time for me to begin looking at colleges in 2007 we knew we would be in somewhat of a bind to pay for my college education, but we also knew it was very important for me to continue my education being that I am the first person in my family to take my education this far.
Thanks to you and all of you assistance by providing me with scholarships since 2007, my family and I have been able to be put at somewhat of an ease. Words cannot describe how thankful I am, and how very much you have helped. I am now entering my junior year at Albright College, and I have been very successful thus far. I am currently a Psychology major, but I have also found time to participate in numerous activities around campus. I have included a photo of myself dressed in Albright gear before going to cheer on our men’s basketball team at one of their home games!
Again I would like to say thank you once again, for you have granted me so many opportunities that I would not have had if it were not for your generous scholarship. Thanks to you I have been able to complete two years of my college education, and make myself, my parents, and my family very proud of my accomplishments.
Thanks Again,
Samantha Keiser
Dear Kid’s Chance of Pennsylvania Inc.,
I would like to thank everyone who made the Kid’s Chance of Pennsylvania scholarship possible. I am extremely pleased and excited to have been awarded the scholarship, and I cannot wait to put it to good use at Penn State Beaver shortly. Although I have received it under unfortunate circumstances, I am still thankful to have been a recipient.
In September of 1994, my father was sent with his company to wire the roof of a newly constructed warehouse. Unfortunately, the roof had not been checked for stability before the electricians were sent up onto it, and it gave way beneath him and one other worker. He fell two stories to the cement floor below. He was hurt very badly, and endured many surgeries and spent almost a year recovering. Thankfully, however, he has recovered almost completely and can do almost everything that he used to do.
The Kid’s Chance scholarship is going to be extremely helpful in assisting me to achieve my goals. I am so excited to have the financial burden slightly lifted from me. I will now be able to focus more on my academics during the school year as opposed to working in order to pay off the enormous debt of a college education. I am also very excited to be attending Penn State this fall, and the scholarship will be put to excellent use towards my education in the psychology field.
Thank you once again.
Kera Recce
Dear Kids’ Chance,
I would like to thank you so much for the scholarship money. This money helped me get my college books on time. Getting scholarship money helps start any school year easier. Since I commute to school the money will also help me buy gasoline for my car. This also helped me with financial stress.
I am currently in Plastics and Polymer Science at Pennsylvania College of Technology. I am a member of Society of Plastics Engineering. (SPE) I work at Gander Mountain over 20 hours a week with 16 credits at college.
Sincerely,
Brennan Wodrig
Hello Kids' Chance of PA!
Thank you once again for the generous scholarship! I just mailed my thank you
letter and the signed form today. Here are two pictures of me from Penn State.One from the top of Mount Nittany and the other is from the first football game against Akron! I love it here at PSU. The classes and professors are all amazing and all the clubs and organizations keep me busy every day. I will keep you updated with my academics and extra-curricular activities during the school year.
Sincerely,
Carlye Lauff
Kids Chance Scholarship Program,
I would like to thank you for the opportunity you have given me with the $1,000 Scholarship I received. I am attending Lehigh Carbon Community Center and majoring in Early Education to become a kindergarten teacher.
I am very grateful for the help I have received from Kids Chance.
Thank You so much,
Jennifer Turk
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania and ACE Charitable Foundation,
I would like to sincerely thank Kids' Chance and the ACE Charitable Foundation for the scholarship I was awarded for the 2009-2010 academic year. I am entering my junior year as a P1 pharmacy student at the University of Pittsburgh Pharmacy School. This scholarship is making it possible for me to obtain my goal of becoming a pharmacist. My father was injured at work when I was very little and hasn't been able to work since then. And with this scholarship it has taken many burdens off of my financial situation.
I have recently become a member of The American Pharmacist Association and American Student Pharmacist. I am also a new member of the Kappa Psi pharmacy fraternity. These organizations are helping me mold into a successful future pharmacist. I will continue to update you on my academic and extracurricular progress. Thank you again for all your generosity these past three years.
Sincerely,
Samantha Turk
Dear Ms. Emmet:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the members of the Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania Scholarship Committee for the very generous scholarship award I recently received.
In April of 1993, my father sustained a life altering back injury at a Rite Aid Store, where he was a District Supervisor. He’s had spinal fusion surgery and is permanently disabled due to this injury. My mother works full time as a secretary; and is able to carry our health insurance. She is currently in remission from breast cancer. My family and I are extremely grateful for all the financial help your organization has given both myself and my two brothers over the past several years. With the loss of my father’s income, it would have been a greater financial burden for our family without your generous scholarships.
I am currently a senior at Bloomsburg University; and will graduate in May of 2010 with a degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition. I will be serving an internship next semester which, hopefully, may lead to full time employment in my field. My older brothers, Stephen and Garrett, are both college graduates, thanks to your kindness. Stephen is a Behavior Specialist and works with Autistic children at our local Intermediate Unit. Garrett is a fourth grade teacher, with a present class size of thirty-four 9-year olds. I am attaching a picture and also a picture of my brothers and me at Stephen’s recent wedding.
Again, thank you very much for all Kids’s Chance has done to help me.
Sincerely,
Kyle R. Kurtek
Hello,
I am Nathan Kenthack writing this letter to thank you very much for your generous scholarship. I greatly appreciate it and will put it to good use. It will help me very much while I attend Lycoming College. My year is going very well. I am enjoying my football season so far and we have been getting votes to be in the top 25 division 3 teams in the country. My academic year is also going very well. Although I have not had many exams yet this year the few that I've had have been very good. I am hoping and on my way to make deans list this semester. Thanks again for your generous scholarship.
Sincerely,
Nathan Kenthack
To whom it may concern,
I wanted to express my gratitude to the members of Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania, without your generosity I would not be able to achieve my academic dreams. Five years ago my father was in an accident at work, and as a result his left leg was amputated. He hasn’t been able to return to work. And without the steady income from my father, it would have been a struggle to attend college. But with the aid I have received from Kids’ Chance, I am able to further my education at Loyola University Maryland. I am blessed to take part in the scholarship program, and each day a strive to get the most out of my college experience, so that one day I can help others the way Kids’ Chance has helped me.
I am an English major and Secondary Education minor at Loyola. I hope to one day teach in a high school where I can help inspire the desire to learn. I recognize the importance of education in a person’s life. Through the learning process, people are able to develop as an individual and discern the life he or she wants to live. I believe that higher education is an essential part of life, and with the kindness Kids’ Chance has shown me I am able to experience what I always dreamed of. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Joelle Sanphy
Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania -
I apologize this email did not get to you sooner. I am about a month into my senior year at Duquesne University majoring in Supply Chain Management and International Business. It has been a challenging start to my last year! Classes are very demanding in and of themselves, but I am also involved in many other activities on
campus, as well as around the city of Pittsburgh.
This year I got accepted into AmeriCorps' Community Engagement Scholars' Program at Duquesne. It is a year-long program to promote college students volunteering in the community where they live or go to school. My special assignment is a nonprofit called Boards-by-Design. It's primary function is to find potential board members among corporate professionals, community leaders, or concerned citizens and match them up with one of Pittsburgh's many nonprofits. The staff of this organization is quite small so I help by interviewing individuals, and also keeping track of a database of over 300 nonprofits and their current needs. My career focus for the last two years has been international nonprofit management, so this program is a unique networking opportunity for exploring local nonprofits and how they function.
I am still in the federal work study program. I have been at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh's Northside since June. It is a fun job, but very dirty. I assist trainers by feeding penguins, bald eagles, flamingos, owls, parrots, and many other birds. We have over 100 species at the National Aviary. Sometimes we build new perches by cutting and sculpting tree limbs, or I will make new enrichment for our exhibits that the birds enjoy exploring. I also do a fair amount of exhibit cleaning, which is not one's ideal job, but needs done daily. It has been a good experience thus far. There are a few other iterns my age who are studying in fields such as biology or zoology, so my business degree is a little different, but we all help with similar tasks.
Classes, schoolwork, the CES program, and the National Aviary take up a majority of my time, but I am also involved in campus activities and two professional societies that admit students. The Institute of Supply Management and the Association for Operations Management provide great opportunities to tour facilities and see supply chains in action. Also, getting to know professionals in the field I'm entering into is another benefit.
I thank your organization and Eastern Alliance Insurance Group so much for your continued support in my education. This is my third year being blessed with the "fresh outlooks, better outcomes" scholarship, and I am so grateful for the generosity that both Kids' Chance and Eastern Alliance Group are bestowing upon me and my family. I also appreciate Kids' Chance decision to award a scholarship to my younger brother, Matt, who is a freshman at Bloomsburg University this year. My parents would never have been able to afford sending both my younger brother and I to college on my father's salary, but your organization helped to make this possible. Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania is a truly amazing nonprofit and I, as well as so many other young adults aspiring for a college education are so fortunate to have Kids' Chance on our side.
So many thanks!
Sincerely,
Brittney Stuck
Dear Kids' Chance,
I apologize that it has taken me this long to send my thank you, and a photo of myself. I have been under a lot of pressure lately. Firstly I had spent the last month studying for the LSAT which I took around two weeks ago, I feel that I did well on it. Secondly being it my senior year I have been busy with school which I feel you would understand. Attached are both a thank you letter, and a photo of myself. Thank you for everything you and Georgelis Law Firm have done thus far.
Sincerely,
Jesse H. Riffle
October 10, 2009
Dear Kid’s Chance and the Alliance Impairment Management Inc,
I just wanted to extend my sincere gratitude for being granted the academic scholarship for the 2009-2010 school year. I have traveled down a long and fairly difficult road since the unexpected passing of my father in February 2008. As you may or may not know, my father was working for an engineering company as a mine surveyor. While doing his job on February 25, 2008 he was struck by a coal car driver and had died. At this time I was currently doing orphanage work for an organization in Honduras as a spring break retreat. When I was told the shocking news, I flew home to a devastated family and my life has been completely different since that horrifying day. While some days are difficult for me and others mostly bearable, it is good to know there is an organization like this one supporting young students and encouraging them to keep working towards their goals while struggling with their grief. I have been working very hard in the completion of my Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Science. After graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science in May 2009, the program continued with the clinical phase of studies. For the past 6 months I have been traveling throughout the state as well as out of state completing 5-week rotations in various studies of medicine. Currently, I am residing at my home in Ebensburg and completing my 5-week behavioral medicine clinical in Johnstown, PA. I am very much enjoying my time at Saint Francis and consider my education a privilege. I value education and hard work and there will be nothing greater than to receive my diploma in May 2010.
As I look back on the past 18 months, I see that I have gone through an obstacle course battling my grief, feelings, and the stress of my vigorous academic program. However, my education has been a blessing in disguise. My desire to achieve greatness and my value for opportunities has led me to the position I am sitting in today. It seems just like yesterday that my years at Saint Francis began but my educational career will soon be coming to a close. And when I walk across that stage to receive my degree, a flood of emotions will probably come over me. However, I have you and many others to thank for supporting me in making my goals attainable. I am very grateful for all that you have done for not only myself but for many others who stand in my shoes. May your generosity continue to grow and strengthen young scholars. May your benevolence be the encouragement and motivation that students find as a reason to “keep going” during difficult times. I leave you with the following quote that inspires me daily, and hopefully you can find a piece of yourself within this quote as well:
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can, In all the places you can,
At all the times you can, To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can....”-John Wesley
My sincere thanks for all you have done,
Amber L. Makin
Dear Kids Chance of Pennsylvania:
I would like to sincerely thank Kids' Chance for the scholarship that was awarded to me for the 2009-2010 academic year, for without it I probably would not be attending the University of Pittsburgh.
For the last three years you have helped me tremendously with my education after my father was injured on his job and was off work for quite some time. Also he has had a couple of heart attacks since then and has been off work again.
I am very grateful for organizations like Kids' Chance who gives students like me a chance to further our education. I am in my Junior year at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Speech Pathology and I am doing well. Your support of my family is greatly appreciated and the money that your scholarship provides has alleviated much of the financial distress associated with a college education. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. One day I will be able to help other people (in a different way) as you have helped me throughout the years of my college education.
In closing, once again thank you for supporting my education endeavors.
Yours Truly,
Cassandra M. Leheny
Kids' Chance,
I apologize for not contacting you sooner. Somehow my mail was filtered into the wrong pile, and my response was mistakenly not sent. Thank you to everyone that had a role in helping me get enough money to attend college. It meant so much to open my letter after receiving it in the mail knowing it would help to make college more
attainable. If you would still like an email about my scholarship eligibility, photo, and updates, please let me know. I will do anything I can to help the program. I cannot thank you enough for the help you have given me. Again I am so sorry that my response never reached you.
Sincerely,
Jessica Wheeler
January 21, 2010
Dear Kids’ Chance,
Hello! I have found myself already at the end of my first semester at Seton Hill University. I cannot believe how quickly the past couple of months have flown by! I really enjoyed the first half of my freshman year at SHU. I met many new people and learned so much.
During my first semester, I was able to become involved in the Seton Hill University cheerleading squad. Here, I met girls with a lot of the same aspirations and dreams that I maintain in regards to my academic career. Many of these girls also strive to achieve the highest grades that they can; this is something that I enjoy accomplishing. I have also become involved in the World Affairs Forum (WAF) at SHU which is headed by Dr. Frank Klapak. This committee deals with various political and other worldly events that take place in our community, state, country, and on Earth. This committee puts together a monthly bulletin of written editorials from students involved in the World Affairs Forum. WAF is a way for me to be involved with my university as well as with the world around me.
Because of receiving the Kids’ Chance scholarship, I was able to become very involved in Seton Hill University without having to get a job on campus. This scholarship has aided in providing me with extra time needed to devote to my studies of becoming a physician’s assistant. I am very happy with my grades this past semester! I truly believe that this scholarship has given me the extra help I need in order for me to be a very well-rounded student. I was able to study hard, make friends and new memories, and become involved in my school without having the burden of a job under my belt.
I want to sincerely thank you for providing me with this scholarship. It has helped me tremendously through these difficult times. My first semester at Seton Hill University would not have been the same without it.
Thank you,
Brea Siler
Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Physician’s Assistant Program
Seton Hill University
August 18, 2009
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to sincerely thank Kids’ Chance for the scholarship that was awarded to me for the 2009-2010 academic year. This scholarship will help reduce my student loan. I am very grateful for organizations like Kids’ Chance that give students like me a chance to further our education.
My father, Dennis Hartzell, was a corrosion mechanic for Columbia Gas when he was tragically killed in a work related accident February 7, 1996. My father was a very hard working person that took great pride in his family and his job. I hope to follow in his footsteps with his work habits and dedication to my family.
Again, I thank you for selecting me as a recipient of this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Kayla Hartzell
November 9, 2009
Dear Committee Members,
I once again, want to thank you for the generous scholarship awarded to me this year. I realize how many other deserving applicants are seeking your assistance. I know you have given special consideration to my father’s disabilities and fight with cancer. That you have considered my hearing loss, type 1 diabetes and Turner Syndrome. That my parents and I are living on a fixed income. That all these factors have led to your decision of awarding me a scholarship. It’s hard to put into words my true sense of appreciation. Your scholarship award last year helped me to be included on the Dean’s List for the 2009 Spring semester.
I will be putting forth my best effort to try to establish myself, as one deserving of, your consideration and award. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Lauren A. Odland
To: Kids’ Chance
I want to say thank you for awarding me a scholarship of $1500 for my 2009-2010 academic school year. I really do appreciate it; it means so much to me.
I was eligible for this award because my dad (Paul W.). He injured his back at work and retired on disability.
This scholarship is very important to me because I will get one step closer to becoming a psychologist and helping people with emotional issues. My goal is to help them cope with their issues and become a better human-being.
I have to say again thank you so much for this scholarship. It is an honor.
Sincerely,
Brittany Werkmeister
Dear Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania,
I would like to thank you for awarding me a scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year. It was a great assistance to me and my family, as the cost for college is very expensive these days. Attending Juniata College was a goal of mine in my quest for academic success. Thanks to Kids’ Chance, I was able to achieve this goal. I greatly appreciate what you’ve done for me.
During my fall semester, I took a full curriculum of pre-law classes and played linebacker on the Juniata football team. I was also fortunate to be elected Vice President of my freshman class.
My achievements thus far have been possible because of your assistance.
With great thanks,
Noah Walstrom
Vice President of the Class of 2013
Juniata College
October 11, 2008
Kids' Chance and Universal SmartComp:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your benevolent support of my continuing education. Without your scholarship, the price of tuition would be an insurmountable financial burden. Saint Francis University if an excellent school with highly accredited physical therapy program, but the tuition alone exceeds $24,000 annually.
This fall I have entered into the first year of my professional graduate program. The focus this semester is the foundation of physical therapy, including muscle and join mechanics and the science of movement, as well as the first of six of patient/client management courses focusing on cardiopulmonary medical conditions and interventions to treat patients suffering from those ailments. It has been both exciting and challenging to enter this phase of the program. I can start to apply my fundamental knowledge of physical therapy, anatomy, physiology, and biology to begin to solve case studies and discover ways to treat and rehabilitate patients.
I was recently elected vice-president of my physical therapy class and was nominated to the senior homecoming court. I hope to be inducted into Phi Sigma Iota in the spring, the International Foreign Language Honor Society, as I have met all of the requirements necessary of induction. I recently volunteered under the direction of a physician to examine the effects of asthma during exercise with a computerized spirometer in the 2nd Annual Asthma Basketball Camp at Saint Francis University. The Asthma Basketball Camp is provided free of charge to local children that wish to learn more about how to better manage their asthma symptoms. Also, I have been asked to share my experiences during the cadaver lab this past summer at the Cadaver Memorial Service during the Day of Reflection activities at school at the end of October.
There are no words to express my gratitude for your continued support. I will do my best to make the scholarship committee proud by always striving towards an exceptional effort in all my studies. I hope to maintain my dean's list status this school year (my current GPA is 3.55), and I will continue to excel in my professional and personal endeavors. Thank you again for your generosity and consideration. It is greatly appreciated.
Most sincerely,
Britta E. Albright
August 7, 2008
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the scholarship that you have awarded to me! Receiving this award is a true blessing and came at the exact time when I was trying to find the money to pay my first college tuition bill. Without being given this award I know that my family and I would have had a much harder time getting the money to pay it. I am truly grateful for Kids' Chance.
I became eligible for this award back in 2001 when my father lost his life in a tractor trailer accident. It was always a dream he had for me to be able to have the chance to go to college if I chose. Kids' Chance has made it much easier for me to achieve the goal that was his and is mine.
Thanks again,
Amanda D. Harned
August 6, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to sincerely thank Kids' Chance for the scholarship that was awarded to me for the 2008-2009 academic year. This scholarship will help reduce my student loan. I was very surprised to learn of the amount awarded to me. I am very grateful for organizations like Kids' Chance that give students like me a chance to further our education.
My father, Dennis Hartzell, was a corrosion mechanic for Columbia Gas when he was tragically killed in a work-related accident on February 7, 1996. My father was a very hard working person that took great pride in his family and his job. I hope to follow in his footsteps with his work habits and dedication to my family.
Again I thank you for selecting me as the recipient of this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Kayla Hartzell
August 25, 2008
Dear Ms. Emmet:
I wish to express my gratitude to you and the members of Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania for your generous grant so that I may continue my education at Bloomsburg University.
My father was injured at work in April of 1993; and our family has struggled financially since that time. My older brothers, Stephen and Garrett, have benefited from your kindness and are both college graduates. Stephen, a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, is a Behavioral Specialist at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 and Garrett, a graduate of Bloomsburg University, is a 4th grade teacher. I plan to graduate in May of 2010 with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science; and this grant will greatly help with my tuition payments and housing costs.
I know I speak for my parents and brothers when I say we are all very grateful for all you do to help children of workers who have been injured in work-related accidents. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kyle R. Kurtek
October 28, 2008
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania and Alliance Impairment Management:
My name is Amber Makin and I am in my 5th year (graduate phase) of Physician Assistant School at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA. I wanted to write and extend my sincere thanks from the bottom on my heart as being chosen as a recipient for this scholarship. This organization truly makes it possible for young adults to continue their education even though facing such a difficult loss. It lets people know that their dreams are still attainable. My father most likely has a smile on his face knowing that I was chosen to receive this award because my education meant just as much to him, as it did to me.
I've done much charity work throughout my years of college including trips to Mexico and Honduras helping and "building up" an orphanage. Also, with my medical background some students were even selected to go to free clinics and help treat patients. This however has been a lifetime dream of mine. I want to take what Saint Francis has given me, an education in medicine, and use it to benefit those around me, particularly those in third-world countries. The multitude of emotions that you feel for doing such a humble and generous deed are immeasurable. Nothing can take the place of a kind gesture from the heart, one that portrays love and care. That is why I entered the medical field and this organization makes it possible for me to continue to succeed and keep my dreams alive. I believe greatness comes from hard work, determination, as well as the saying “triumph over tragedy.” Those three ideas together make the recipe for success and often make me recite the quote:
“Peace. It does not mean to be where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
Challenges arise in many aspects of life that we may never see coming. The death of my father was a terrible tragedy and one that I struggle with daily. However, my dreams are still placed in front of me. My goal of becoming a health clinician is just one year award, and with my hard work and the generous gift of this organization you make it possible for me to touch lives all over the world. Your kindness has created a domino-effect for those of the future. Because you have helped me, so I can help another. Thank you for seeing something "special" in me and choosing me as a worthy recipient of this award. I hope to keep in touch with you over the next couple of years and update you on my progress in school. Thanks for making several persons' dreams reachable because of your kind hearts.
With sincere thanks,
Amber Makin
July 15, 2008
Hi Varo,
I wanted to let you know that I got your message. I really appreciate all the help that you have provided me over these last... 3 years? I can't believe it has been that long! Kids' Chance has provided me with so much help, and has helped to make my getting an education not a burden for me or my parents. I want you to know that I truly appreciate you and the scholarship program and if there is anything that I can help with now, or in the future, please let me know.
Thank you,
Christina Manton
November 17, 2008
Dear Kids' Chance and the ACE Charitable Foundation:
In 1998, well before college was in my immediate future, my father permanently injured his back while at work at Volpe Express, a trucking company. Since then, multiple illnesses and surgeries have followed making work for my dad nearly impossible. As high school graduation and my first year at Saint Joseph's University approached a few years ago he expressed some remorse that he would not be able to contribute to my education. That is when we discovered Kids' Chance of PA, and I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to this organization for easing the burden of the increasing tuition cost.
Because tuition at St. Joe's is very expensive, I was considering removing St. Joe's from my prospective colleges even though it was my first choice. However, Kids' Chance has really helped to alleviate the burden of the skyrocketing cost of attending college these days. Because of Kids' Chance, I get to attend my first choice school, and receive an unmatched education I know I could not receive at any other school.
In the spring 2009 semester, I plan to study abroad at the National University of Ireland in Galway. As a pharmaceutical marketing major, I hope to study in an international landscape as Ireland is becoming a key global location for pharmaceutical firms. I also hope to supplement my education with valuable experience in an international pharmaceutical company. By studying at NUI, Galway, I hope to gain a better understanding of how the societies and cultures differ from the United States, including differences in their academics, social and cultural experiences, and industries.
Again I would like to offer my sincerest thank you to Kids' Chance of PA and the ACE Charitable Foundation for allowing me to fulfill my dream of receiving an unmatched education at one of the country's top universities. Although my father cannot work, I know he takes pride in the fact that he can contribute such a considerable amount to my education, and he and I both have Kids' Chance and the ACE Charitable Foundation to thank.
Sincerely,
Lauren McNaney
August 26, 2008
Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania, Inc.:
Being that I am among the fortunate recipients of one of your most generous scholarship awards, I would like to express my utmost gratitude for your having chosen me. I would not have been able to successfully accommodate myself with the necessary school utensils and tuition funds without your generous award. I am exceptionally appreciative of your organization having chosen me as the beneficiary of this scholarship to further my education at the University of Pittsburgh.
My eligibility for the Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Scholarship, I feel, was based upon a multitude of factors. My mother's disability, as described in my application essay, has proven to further complicate my transition from high school to college. However, I feel that your organization has not only understood my position, but also expressed sympathy toward it as well. Also, my academic integrity and veracity, as shown through my academic transcripts and recommendation letters, proved that I clearly focused on my studies. This factor also made me a suitable applicant of this award.
As a freshman, I am currently attending the University of Pittsburgh with a major in psychology. With the aid of the Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania scholarship award, I was able to prepare more sufficiently for this huge transition in my life. I cannot fully express my extreme appreciation enough toward your corporation, for it exceeds words. Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania has helped me through one of the most complicated, controversial times in my life, and for that I am obliged.
Sincerely,
Jaclyn M. Nichols
August 4, 2008
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania,
I have recently received a scholarship from your organization. I want to thank you very much for everything.
I will begin my freshman year at Kings College on August 25th. The scholarship will be a tremendous help financially. As you know, college is very expensive. However, once I have graduated and have my degree it will be well worth it. With your help, you have made this possible. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lauren Odland
August 10, 2007
To: Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania
I wanted to say how grateful I am to receive this Scholarship. Thank you so much. In April of 2005 my dad was working for Upper Chichester Township on the trash truck when there was an explosion from an aerosol can. He fell backwards and hit his head and was taken to the hospital and remained unconscious. A week later he passed away. My dad always wanted to make sure I would be able to continue my education after I graduated because he believed I could make something of myself. With the help of this scholarship I hope to get an education in psychology and help people going through hard times such as what I went through.
Thanks Again,
Samantha J Powers
August 11, 2008
I would like thank Kids Chance for awarding scholarships to our three children. Kyle has received the award since he began his education. He was also awarded the ACE Charitable Foundation scholarship. Kyle will be a Senior this year.
Jesse will begin his third year at IUP and has received the award each year. I am proud to report that Jesse was on the IUP Deans List both semesters.
This year our youngest son, Jason, has also been awarded your generous award and will attend IUP along with Jesse.
Receiving the award has eased their financial burden. All of the boys work hard in and out of the class room. Kids' Chance has been a blessing for everyone in our family. I want to extend our heartfelt thanks.
Sincerely,
The Riffle Family
August 15, 2008
Dear Kids' Chance of PA Inc.,
I would like to thank you for the scholarship grant awarded me for the 2008-09 school year. This grant is critical in my attending Cabrini College this fall.
As I explained in my application letter, my father was permanently injured in a work related accident in October 1998. Due to his injuries, he is no longer able to perform his occupation as a Union Carpenter in the Philadelphia area. The loss of income incurred by his loss has put a substantial burden on him and the family. He tries to provide the most he can for my mother, two brothers and me, but with the limited resources available it is very difficult. Your grant has eased the tuition amount due and made it feasible and affordable for him to send me to college.
I plan on majoring in Business with the hope of owning my own company upon completion of my studies. As of yet, I have not narrowed the exact field of occupation. Hopefully this will surface during my matriculation at Cabrini. I am also planning on playing Varsity Men's Lacrosse at the College. This sport is a huge part of my life and has been an inspiration for me to attend college.
Thank you again for making my attendance possible and for helping me to attain my dreams.
Sincerely,
Ryan Sankey
2008
To whom it may concern,
I wanted to thank everyone at Kids' Chance for providing me with the opportunity to further my education. The scholarship not only has helped shape my future but has also helped to ease the strain of a college tuition that my parents were willing to take on. In 2004 my father was in an accident at work which caused him to lose his leg. Since the accident he has not been able to go back to work. And now Kids' Chance has given me an opportunity to expand my knowledge, which is what my father has always wanted. I can't thank Kids' Chance enough for their support and scholarship. I hope to one day be able to change someone's life, just like everyone at Kids' Chance has changed mine.
Sincerely,
Joelle Sanphy
August 19, 2008
Dear Kids' Chance:
I would like to thank you very much for the scholarship I received for college for the year 2008-2009. I was eligible for Kids' Chance because my father was killed when he was driving a milk truck 2 years ago. For some unknown reason his tanker rolled over while going around a turn. He traveled this road all the time and I do not think anyone truly knows what happened.
Things have been tough since my dad died and your scholarship will help me greatly reach my goal of graduating from Ohio Technical College. I am truly grateful for all your assistance.
Sincerely,
Travis Snook
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania,
The money that was provided to me through your scholarship has helped me immensely throughout my college career. I am now a senior at Bloomsburg University and in May I will be graduating with degrees in Audiology and Speech Pathology and Spanish. Because of the financial help I receive through your scholarship, I am able to spend less time working and dedicate more of my time to academic clubs and community service. At this time, I am the president of Bloomsburg University's Spanish Club (Heightening Awareness By Learning About Spanish) and I am the treasurer of the Bloomsburg Chapter of the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association.
Thanks to the Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Scholarship, I have had many wonderful opportunities over the past three and a half years. During the summer of 2007, I had the amazing experience of studying abroad in Valladolid Spain. This past summer, I participated in an undergraduate internship in Pediatric Speech Pathology at Geisinger Medical Center. During my internship, I learned more about Speech-Pathology than what could ever be taught in a classroom. Although my internship was a great learning experience, there were many expenses involved. Your scholarship was very helpful in paying for these expenses, and I am extremely thankful.
After I graduate from Bloomsburg, I will be attending graduate school for two years to earn my master's degree in Speech Pathology. Therefore, I am currently researching graduate programs and sending out applications. Again, I would like to thank you for making my college experience a wonderful one!
Sincerely,
Lauren Sones
August 27, 2008
Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania,
I became eligible for this scholarship when my father was killed on the job as an iron worker in 1999. With the help of your scholarship and continued support throughout the years, I can focus on pursuing my education rather than paying for it. Your support of my family is greatly appreciated, and the money that your scholarship provides has alleviated much of the financial distress associated with a college education. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Last spring I finished another semester as a civil engineer and decided to concentrate on environmental issues within the major. Over the summer I was awarded a research grant from the National Science Foundation to find sustainable solutions to the problems surrounding Brazil's drinking water. I spent two months at the University of Pittsburgh and one month in Campinas, Brazil working on the project with a PhD student. Now, with the help of your scholarship, I am back at the university to begin another fall semester.
Jacquelyn Speakman
August 6, 2008
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania, Inc.,
I am so grateful and blessed by your decision to award me the “fresh outlooks, better outcomes” Scholarship for the second year in a row. I appreciate Eastern Alliance Insurance Group's grant to make this scholarship possible.
As I head into my third year of college, I understand my finances better and what that means I will owe after I graduate. Awards such as those provided by Kids' Chance help more than those who donate to them probably ever realize.
I spent this summer working at a Christian Bible Camp called Seneca Hills as a counselor to kids ages 6 through 18. Some kids can only come by way of scholarships and they appreciate the experience that much more. Counselor compensation is hardly anything compared to what I made working two jobs last summer, but sharing the word of God with kids and bonding with co-counselors my age has made it a much more fulfilling experience than I've ever been a part of before.
I was worried about tuition for this coming fall, but I took the opportunity God offered through Seneca Hills and I do not regret it. I believe the Lord provides for those who seek to serve Him and He did through your scholarship for my education this year at Duquesne University.
Thank you so much for your investment in my studies; I was overjoyed by your decision to renew my scholarship.
Sincerely,
Brittney Stuck
August 17, 2008
Dear Kids Chance of Pennsylvania,
I would like to thank you again for awarding me a scholarship for the second year in a row. This scholarship will again aid me in my financial needs for this school year. I will again not have to worry about any financial needs which will allow me to focus on my studies.
I will be taking the PCAT test which is similar to the MCAT this year for pharmacy school, so I will be very busy and studious this semester. I cannot tell you enough how grateful I am to be receiving this scholarship again. I have also attached a photo of myself to post on the website. Thank you again and I will keep you in touch with my academic and extra-curricular activities during the year.
Sincerely,
Samantha Turk
August 19, 2008
To: Suzanne M. Emmet, President
I would like to take this opportunity to that Kids' Chance so very much for the $2000 scholarship grant which I was awarded. This money will help me in my pursuit of becoming a Chiropractor and helping others in their need.
With Sincere Love & Gratitude,
Amy Wagner
Dear Kids' Chance,
I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to receive your scholarship for this academic year! Your scholarship has paid off the last bit of tuition that was going to have to come out of my pocket and allowed me to continue on to college this year! Ever since my dad hurt himself by falling off a roof at work a few years ago, I always wondered how I was going to be able to pay for ALL of college. Now, thanks to you, the final gap in my tuition has been filled, and I no longer need to worry for the rest of the year. This scholarship has really taken a financial load off of me, because now I won't need to take out ANOTHER loan to help pay! I cannot thank you enough!
I have finally settled into college, and I really like it. It took me a bit to change over to the college atmosphere. It is so much more independent and difficult than high school was! I am really looking forward to having a great year here at Pitt, and so far, everything is going really well.
Thank you again!
Charles Bowman
Dear Kids’ Chance and Universal SmartComp:
Thanks to the generosity of Kids’ Chance and Universal SmartComp, I am well on my way to achieving my lifelong dream of becoming a physical therapist. I am currently completing my junior year at St. Francis University that will allow me to graduate in 2011 with a doctoral degree in physical therapy. I am proud to have earned dean’s list recognition for the past four semesters.
At the end of the semester, I will have met the educational requirements outlined by Saint Francis University to receive a minor in Spanish. The ability to speak Spanish as a second language will be an important skill to allow me to effectively communicate with patients of Hispanic background that I will encounter in my profession. I have met the eligibility requirements to be inducted into Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Honor Society in the fall of 2008.
I am currently serving as Vice President of Public Relations in the Physical Therapy Organization on campus and initiated the formation of a club exclusively for commuting students, where I serve as the current President. After classes, I am able to assist in both the Outward Bound Office and the Counseling Center as part of the work-study program. These jobs allow me to develop administrative skills that will be important in my future practice.
I am looking forward to beginning the professional phase of the physical therapy program in June 2008. This summer we will learn human anatomy through the completion of a cadaver dissection and will learn the fundamentals of physical therapy through the completion of an intensive eight week summer course load. I am extremely optimistic about furthering my understanding of physical therapy in this specialized period of the curriculum.
Due to the unexpected and catastrophic death of my father in 1997, I significantly rely on financial aid and student loans to help finance my education. Receiving this scholarship will help reduce my financial burdens and will alleviate some of the economic stresses that I will face upon graduation. I am extremely grateful for the support the Kid’s Chance scholarship has provided in the past. Receipt of this award motivates me to continue to strive for academic excellence and personal growth. I respectfully request your continued support in the 2008-2009 academic year.
Respectively,
Britta E. Albright
Dear Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania,
My mom and I would like to thank Kids’ Chance for the scholarship that was provided to me. This helps defray some of my schooling costs.
In April of 1996, I lost my father due to a fatal truck accident while working on the job.
Since then I graduated high school in 2004 and am currently attending Mansfield University, with my major in music education and a minor in Business. I’m a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha, which helps out the Special Olympics, S. June Smith Center and other community events.
Once again I would like to thank you for the help you have provided for my education.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Monaghan
Dear Kids’ Chance,
Thank you so much for the generous donation of the scholarship that you have provided me for my college education. It’s so hard for me to put into words what this money means to our family in our present financial circumstances. You have no idea how grateful I am to receive your generous scholarship. This money that you have once again provided for me has gone towards another year of my academic studies and freed my parents (and me) from financial troubles.
Every year I write you a thank you letter and every year I sit here attempting to elaborate on my gratitude I feel deep inside me towards your organization. So once again my family and I thank you for another academic year that you have helped support.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gorman
To Kids’ Chance & ACE Charitable Foundation:
With the recent conclusion of the fall semester of my junior year at Bloomsburg University, I would like to update you on my current academic status and the extra-curricular activities in which I participated in throughout the semester. I still hold a dual major in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology and Spanish, and I completed the semester on the Dean’s List with a grade point average of 3.53. As part of my Clinical Observation class, I had several opportunities to observe Speech-Language Pathologists working in hospitals and schools in the community. These observation experiences greatly enhanced my interest and understanding of the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
During the semester, I participated in two student organizations on campus, NSSLHA (National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association) and HABLAS (Bloomsburg University Spanish Club). I was also able to gain additional Spanish speaking experience by translating Spanish for nurses at a migrant worker camp. Along with being involved in academic extra-curricular activities, I continue to work in the Bloomsburg University Department of Nursing as a student secretary.
With the spring semester quickly approaching, I am currently arranging a summer internship in the field of Speech-Language Pathology and researching graduate programs where I will be able to continue my education.
I would like to thank you for significantly helping me to achieve my collegiate goals! Your scholarship is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Lauren Sones
Dear Kids’ Chance of PA and ACE Charitable Foundation,
Thanks in part to your generosity, the first semester of my sophomore year went relatively smoothly. This semester was my first in the School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Classes were difficult, to say the least, but I learned that I enjoy being challenged. Also, I am beginning to understand how to handle the workload associated with my major. I anticipate using my spare time to join new clubs or societies on campus this upcoming semester.
Additionally, I am really looking forward to my Intro to Environmental Engineering course next semester. Hopefully, it will get me excited about environmental engineering as a possible concentration. I am also considering Pitt’s newest concentration in sustainability as a career path. Thanks again for your generous scholarship that allows me to pursue a solid education.
Sincerely,
Jacquelyn Speakman
Dear Kids' Chance of PA and Eastern Alliance Insurance Group,
I am excited about being halfway through my college education. Two years down, two more to go. I just finished my sophomore year at Duquesne University where I am double majoring in economics and international business. It was an extremely challenging year. I had courses like accounting, business law, quantitative analysis, micro and macro economics. This coming year I am enrolled in courses more centrally focused on economics.
I am a member of Duquesne's Division 1 Women's Rowing team and we had another great year. At least some of our boats placed in all the regattas we attended, despite tough competition.
I also wanted to extend a thank you for inviting me to speak at your contributor recognition event in Hershey. It was great to meet the people who make my scholarship possible, and it was very cool you had the founder of Kids' Chance there. He was charismatic and funny, and I enjoyed talking to him.
I really appreciate the scholarships I have received these last two years. I worked last semester while studying for classes and still rowing and it was very difficult. School is demanding in itself, but all together it was nearly impossible. This experience has made me that much more thankful for Kids' Chance and the organizations that donate, such as the Eastern Alliance Insurance Group. Thanks so much.
Sincerely,
Brittney Stuck
Dear Kids’ Chance and Ace Foundation,
I am honored and pleased to receive notification that I am a scholarship recipient for the 2006-2007 academic year. It is with deep gratitude that I accept this scholarship. Your confidence and willingness to support my education endeavors are greatly appreciated.
I am entering my sophomore year at St. Francis University working towards a doctoral degree in physical therapy. The program extends for six years and three internships. This summer I was able to secure a job at Altoona Arthritis. The experience helped me gain a better perception of the operations in a clinical setting, gave the opportunity to directly assist patients, and gain a deeper understanding of those who suffer from pain and immobility due to arthritis and other debilitating diseases.
I rely on financial aid and student loans to help finance my education. Receiving this scholarship will help reduce my financial burdens and I am extremely grateful for the support this scholarship provides. Receipt of this award motivates me to continue to strive for academic excellence and personal growth.
Once again, thank you for supporting my education endeavors. Your benevolence truly makes a difference. I hope that Kids’ Chance and the Ace Foundation can continue their generous contributions and investments in the futures of students like me.
Sincerely,
Britta E. Albright
Dear Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania,
I would like to thank Kids’ Chance for awarding me a scholarship for the 2006-2007 school year. I am attending Indiana University of PA. I plan to apply for a job on campus I am eligible for the work-study program.
I worked throughout the summer and saved money to assist me with paying for my education. This award will help pay for my books and other expenses. My Father was disabled in 1995 due to an accident while working on a drilling rig.
My brother, who is a junior this year at YSU, has also been awarded the scholarship since he started attending YSU. Receiving this scholarship will ease the financial burden for myself and my family. It will help me in my pursuit of a career in the Criminal Justice/Law system.
In closing, I want to extend my gratitude to your organization.
Sincerely
Jesse H. Riffle
Dear Kid’ Chance of Pennsylvania,
My name is Kevin Gorman, and I am writing to you with gratitude of your most generous scholarship. My family is currently putting five different people through college at different institutions and different levels of education-this donation toward my academic success will be well needed and appreciated on behalf of my family and I. I am a junior at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where I am an English Education major. This money will go toward my school tuition, which will allow me to have more time to put toward my studies and not attempting to raise money for that tuition.
Currently at IUP I have a 3.42 GPA with 55 credits. I also took two summer courses at HACC that will count for six credits toward IUP. Maintaining above a 3.0 GPA is a requirement for all education majors, but my personal GPA to uphold is a 3.4 and make Dean’s list every semester from here on out. I will have a job while attending school, so this scholarship will help. I appreciate organizations like yours that provide opportunities for all students to have a chance at a superior future. Thank you for your kindness toward my education: it will be used for a good cause.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gorman
Dear Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania, I wanted to thank you for the scholarship I received last year and let you know how my first year at college went. The scholarship I received from Kids' Chance lessened the financial burdens of my freshman year at Duquesne University. I just finished with a 3.5 GPA and am a proud member of Duquesne Women's Rowing team. Joining Duquesne's crew team was a big decision and a huge commitment, but it was a great way to meet new people and represent my college. My first year was challenging, but a blast. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Economics and International Business. Now that I have most of the University core classes out of the way, I'm really excited about learning concepts and knowledge that will directly benefit my future career. Again I'd like to thank Kids' Chance for the generous scholarship I received to further my education. It is organizations like yours that make all things possible. Thanks!
Brittney Stuck
I would like to thank you for the very generous scholarship awarded to me for the 2004-2005 school year.
In October of 1998, my father, a union carpenter, was involved in a scaffold collapse that left him with permanent damage to both knees. Due to the injury, my father has undergone several knee operations and cannot continue in the construction trade. This has put an enormous burden both emotionally and financially on my family.
Your grant has enabled me to continue my education at Widener University where I am a criminal justice major and a member of the men's lacrosse team. The Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania, scholarship helps me to make the tuition more affordable and eases some of the emotional strain on my parents and me.
I cannot say enough how important the grant is and how much I appreciate and value it.
Sincerely,
Harry Sankey, Jr.
January 18, 2005
Dear Kids' Chance of PA Inc.,
I just wanted to check in to let you know how my school year is progressing. The first semester went well. I am majoring in Criminal Justice, a field that is very challenging, and accumulated a 3.44 GPA. Hopefully next semester will go as well.
Lacrosse practice is due to start. The team has high hopes of having another winning season and will strive to win the M.A.C. Division and complete in the N.C.A.A. tournament in May.
I want to thank you again for your help in making my attending Widener University possible. Your grant really helps my family and me.
Harry F. Sankey
December 2004
Dear Kids' Chance and ACE Foundation,
My name is Dominique D'Angelo. I am from McDonald and attended Canon-McMillan School district. My father was a coal-miner and died when I was ten of a work - related accident. Going through middle school and high school without one of my parents was very difficult, but I overcame the hardship with a goal in mind: my future.
When it came time to apply to college, I was very concerned about tuition. I was ecstatic to have been accepted to my first choice school, California College of the Arts but was intimidated by the costs. Receiving this scholarship reassured me in two ways - one, that me and my mother and could afford the tuition at CCA and two, that everything happens for a reason. The death of my father made me who I am today: a hardworking, passionate, spiritual, down-to-earth person. It was a tragedy, but I was reassured that not only my hard work in my school and extra-curricular activities but my pain and suffering were repaid in full. I am at midterm point and couldn't be happier. My classes are challenging, thoughtful, invigorating, and infinitely enjoyable. I am doing well in all of my classes - I couldn't ask for more right now!
As of right now, I am undeclared as far as majors go but next year I will enter the individualized major program at CCA. I will then work closely with my advisor to chose right classes for the major I will personally design - the defining characteristic for why I chose to attend CCA. I am thinking of combining sculpture, metalworking, and possibly glass. Receiving this scholarship has put both my mother and me at ease. I can concentrate fully on working hard and putting in all the hours necessary to study and complete my art projects. My mother is also more comforted that we will be able to pay for the best education I can receive, which I feel I am receiving at CCA. I cannot thank Kids' Chance and the ACE Foundation enough for the opportunity they gave me by awarding me this scholarship. When first semester grades come out, I guarantee that you will be reassured that you made the right decision.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much,
Dominique D'Angelo
December 27, 2004
Because of a back injury he sustained while working in a factory and the numerous health problems that followed after, my father has been unable to work for several years. However, thanks to the generosity of Kids' Chance of PA and the ACE Foundation, I have been able to have a successful, enjoyable college experience thus far. Now that I've had some time to recover from a rigorous semester's worth of papers, exams, and other academic duties, I thought I would take a moment to share what I was up to during the fall 2004 semester at Lock Haven University.
I am currently a junior at LHU. This past semester, I decided to challenge myself academically by taking on 18 credits, rather than my usual 15. The majority of the classes I was enrolled in were English courses that tied in to my major of Secondary Education with a concentration in English. Although the extra class and additional work made for an extremely busy and often stressful semester, I was able to do very well in all my classes and earn a 3.9 grade point average overall.
On top of my academic responsibilities, I remained an active member of the LHU honors program. To fulfill my requirements for the program, I took part in an online creative writing group and a weekly forum dedicated to discussing international issues and increasing political, economic, and global awareness. I also turned my work on the university's literary journal, The Crucible, into an augmentation project for which I received honors credit.
As a Crucible editor, I was responsible for collecting poetry and short story submissions from LHU's student writers. Once the deadline for submissions had passed, my fellow editors and I, with the help of our staff, read each submission and decided which pieces would be included in this year's journal. After the selection process was complete, we collaborated with the designers to set up the layout of the journal and choose what graphics and black and white photos to include. The extensive editing and publication of The Crucible will not take place until the spring semester, but so far working on the journal has been one of the greatest learning experiences of my college career.
These are just a few of the activities and organizations in which I played a role during my fall semester at Lock Haven. As I stated earlier, it was an extremely busy semester for me, but the benefits of my hard work and experiences will have invaluable effects on my life and career. I owe much of my success to the kindness of Kids' Chance of PA and the ACE Foundation. Thanks to these two outstanding organizations, many students, including myself, are able to reach their full potential and academic success with considerably fewer financial worries. My family and I are immeasurably grateful to those who have given me the chance to make the most of my education. Once again, I thank you, and I look forward to sharing more of my experiences with all of you in the spring.
Sincerely,
Jessica B. Hammond
My dad was fatally injured in a work-related accident. Aside from the pain and stress that my family felt while dealing with his death, we also had to worry about paying for college. At one point, there were four of us attending college. The costs were astronomical. How were we, a single-income family and mother, supposed to support four children throughout college? It seemed impossible.
Kids' Chance has helped reduce our financial burdens and stress tremendously. They always keep my family in mind, and have awarded my sisters and me generous scholarships each year. In the past, I have used the scholarship money to help pay for books and other necessary materials. I have been very grateful to Kids' Chance for their help and support through a very rough time in my life.
This year, the ACE Foundation has provided a grant scholarship to match the award from Kids' Chance. This unexpected award has helped me in a major way. I can't begin to explain how their kindness has allowed me to focus more on my studies and less on the financial responsibilities that arise each year. It helps to think that the ACE Foundation and Kids' Chance care enough to help my family and those in similar situations. The award is being used to help pay for my room and board, books and materials, and the everyday cost of living and attending a large university. Thank you, Kids' Chance and the ACE Foundation, for your unspeakable compassion and benevolence. I hope that one day I am able to repay you.
With Gratitude,
Sarah Speakman
Dear Kids' Chance,
I became eligible for the Kids' Chance Scholarship last spring. My dad was injured at work a few years ago and from his resulting disability, he is unable to work. Money in our household was tight, and I was worried that I wouldn't have enough to go to college. Fortunately, with the help of my Kids' Chance Scholarship I am half way through my first semester of college and with my good grades I'll be able to graduate and have a successful life!
Heather Brannen
I want to whole-heartedly thank Kids' Chance of PA for the scholarship grant I was recently awarded. My Father was hurt in a catastrophic accident at his place of employment in 1984. He has been disabled and unable to be employed since then. Furthermore, because of his situation concerning Workers' Compensation, my chances to attend college were very limited. Then I read and article concerning "Kids' Chance."
My family & I reluctantly obtained all the required materials to apply for assistance from your organization...figuring there wasn't a chance of being awarded anything. Therefore, you can't imagine how excited and proud I was to be chosen for your scholarship award.
I am presently enrolled in the Engineering curriculum at Youngstown State University. Without you help, I may not {probably not} have been able to attend. I now realize I have a chance. Furthermore, I now truly understand the meaning of the word "chance" in the Kids' Chance!
Thanks again. I will try to live up to the Honor and Privilege of the Award presented to me.
Respectfully,
Roy L. Herr, Jr.
Thanks so much for your generous contribution to my student education. It's your foundation with its selfless deeds that gives kids like me a chance for a prominent future. You've given me the inspiration to succeed both at school and life.
Sincerely,
Kevin Gorman
My parents and me would like to thank you for providing me with the $1,000.00 scholarship to attend East Stroudsburg University. My father was injured in a work related injury in June 1989. Since that day all of our lives changed drastically. In 1996, both of my parents decided to attend college for the first time. My father graduated Magna Cum Laude in August 2000, with a bachelor degree in Elementary Education, while my mother graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor degree in Social Welfare. Even though my father continues to have on going medical problems as a result of his work related injury he now teaches 7th grade science in the Hazleton Area School District. My parents have continually stressed to my younger sister and myself the importance of an education and Kids' Chance is helping to ease the financial burden making it easier for me to obtain my educational goals.My family would like to thank you once again for the $1,000.00 scholarship. I look forward to beginning my freshman year, and will always be grateful for the assistance you have provided.
Sincerely,
Joseph Kringer Jr. and Family
I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania scholarship Award.
In April of 1993, my dad sustained a serious back injury while at work. He has not been able to work since this time, which has caused economic hardships for my family. Both my older brother, Stephen, and I have benefited from your generosity. Stephen graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University in May 2003. He is employed as a therapist with the Youth Advocate Program, Frackville, PA.
I have maintained a better than a 3.0 GPA during my college years; and this spring semester was named to the Dean's List at Bloomsburg University. I will graduate in May of 2005 with a degree in Elementary Education. I will start a practicum in September in the Berwick, PA School District; and will student teach there in the spring of this year.
Thank you again for all you have done to help my family and myself with the financial burden of a college education.
Sincerely,
Garrett Kurtek
Dear Kids' Chance of PA.,
This is my second year in which I have been chosen for a Kids' Chance Scholarship of $1,000.00. I am in my third year of college at West Virginia Wesleyan. I have been working diligently in my studies to achieve my degree in Sports Medicine. There are obstacles that one has to face and one is never always prepared. But with good decision making, I've overcome them and continue to strive for excellence in my major.
I am in Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and was elected for the grand marshal position. I am also employed by the college as a RA (resident assistant). I do my clinical hours working with the organized sports on campus, i.e. football, tennis, soccer.
My father was in a motorcycle accident in 1978 on his way to work and sustained serious injuries especially to his right leg. He has encountered many surgeries and complications that have required him to be on permanent disability. Nonetheless, he has remained upbeat and plays an important part in my life.
In closing, I want to thank you for the monetary gift which is greatly appreciated and will help defer some of the cost of my education.
Sincerely yours,
Kevin R. Kear
Dear Kids' Chance of PA.,
I am honored to have been chosen as a recipient of a $1,000.00 scholarship from this organization. The monetary gift is much appreciated and will help decrease the cost of my education at Penn State Altoona campus. I am currently a freshman, in the architectural engineering program, and will strive to work very hard in achieving my goal.
I was eligible for this scholarship because my father had a serious motorcycle accident in 1978 which has left him on permanent disability. He had sustained serious right leg injuries and encountered numerous operations which are still ongoing. Through all this, he remains optimistic and has encouraged me to obtain an education by learning by my mistakes and using my strengths to achieve my goals.
As you all know, the cost of education is exuberant today. I just want to thank you for taking the time to review the application and choosing me as one of the recipients.
Sincerely yours,
Brandon J. Kear
I want to sincerely thank you for the support Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania has given me during my college career. As I begin my senior year, my future is beginning to take shape, and I'm excited about it. Thanks to the support of Kids' Chance, I've been able to enjoy a successful college career that will conclude in May of 2005. I feel lucky and privileged to receive the scholarship, and look forward to graduating. After losing my father in an automobile accident in 1992, my mother and I were left with the support of only each other. My mother has made many sacrifices over the years to give me the opportunity to succeed, and Kids' Chance has helped ease that burden on both of us.
Currently, I'm excited about my future and the experience I'm gaining. This fall, I'm continuing an internship from summer that is allowing me to explore more within my field of computer science. Hopefully, with an excellent education and solid experience, I can transition into the workforce and achieve all my hopes and dreams. It has been anything but an easy road to this point, but I have met the adversity head on and succeeded. My past experiences, academically, professionally, and personally, with surely help me in my future endeavors.
For all of the support Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania has given me, I want to sincerely thank you. I'm sure I echo others' sentiments when I say I'm truly grateful.
Sincerely,
Walter J. Chesla
November 2004
Dear Kids' Chance and ACE Foundation,
I would like to thank you for naming me as an ACE Scholar and express my gratitude for the scholarship I am receiving. This financial assistance has made a huge difference in my educational experience, and really helped me to pursue my academic goals. I've always set high expectations for myself and especially my education, and I was afraid that financial trouble would prevent me from realizing my goals.
The honor of being named a recipient of the scholarship is amazing, and this scholarship really has opened up a world of opportunity for me. With the financial assistance of this scholarship, I was able to accept and attend my first-choice college, Boston University, and pursue my interest in international relations/foreign languages. Boston is an amazing college city, and I am thankful to be able to spend my college years in this thriving cultural city. In addition Boston University is the perfect school for me, with its strong international relations, language, and study abroad opportunities.
Next year, I will be taking advantage of the excellent study abroad programs, spending a semester in Paris, which is one of my biggest dreams. Not only will I be perfecting my French and taking classes with French university students, but I will also be tackling an international relations-related internship, all in the beautiful city of light. However, these opportunities would not be open to me without the help of this scholarship.
I sincerely would like to thank the ACE Foundation for selecting me as a recipient of this scholarship, as it means so much to me and for my academic career. I am honored to have been chosen for this scholarship, and to have this opportunity to pursue my academic dreams.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Wagner
In April of my sophomore year in high school, tragedy occurred in my family. While my father, who I adore, was working at his sign-repairing job, he fell and was critically injured. My college education seemed to be in jeopardy now because of the costs for the medical bills.
I am now a freshman attending Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I am majoring in Biology and hope to continue on to medical school. It was through the scholarship from Kids' Chance that I would have any chance to do any of these possible things. It has tremendously helped both financially and mentally, knowing things will be ok. I would like to become a practicing physician so that I may one day help someone just like the committee has helped me.
-- Danny (Daniel) DeGrazia (ACE Charitable Foundation Kids' Chance Scholar)
I want to first
say THANK YOU for giving me money toward
my college education at Mansfield University
in Pennsylvania. I am on the football
team-I go to practice everyday and get
beat up but enjoy it very much. This
past semester I received a 2.0 which
for me is pretty good--hopefully next
semester I will do better. I'm majoring
in Environmental Science and I'm hoping
to do some work with water checking and
fisheries. I enjoy the outdoors and love
to be busy.
Thanks again and I hope you can continue
helping me with my education. -- Shane
R. Hesser
|
I became eligible for a Kids' Chance scholarship because my father suffered a spinal cord injury at work in 2002. He worked construction and fell off of the scaffolding. Because of the fall, he fractured C-3 of his spinal cord and crushed T-4 and T-5 of his spinal cord. He is now a quadriplegic with no movement from the mid-chest down and has limited movement of his arms and hands. He needs constant care and because of this my mother no longer works.
This scholarship will help
me pursue my dreams of going to college
and majoring in communication. Thanks to
the scholarship I will be more focused on
my grades. I am grateful that you choose
me to be a Kids' Chance ACE Charitable Foundation Scholar.
-- Mary Beth Dipko,
(ACE Charitable Foundation Kids' Chance Scholar), Portage, PA
I lost my father in a logging accident in 1994. I am the oldest of three children. I am starting my freshman year in college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, pursuing a career in nursing. I am honored to receive this Kids' Chance scholarship to help me achieve my goal of becoming a nurse. I can only hope that this scholarship is available to other students that have also suffered the death of a parent, helping them know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much for making it possible for me to continue my education and build a future. -- Chelsey Padasak, Johnsonburg, PA
I am truly grateful for
receiving this award and I assure you it
will be used in good faith toward my education.
My father is presently on disability and
with the rising cost of college tuition,
the scholarship received will help defer
some of my educational costs. By receiving
this award, I am able to continue my studies
at West Virginia Wesleyan College and pursue
my goal in Sports Medicine.
Again, thank you -- Kevin
R. Kear, Greensburg, PA
My father has not worked in ten years. He had an accident at work - a channel hit him in the back of the neck. Immediately he started complaining of headaches, numbness in his hands and arms, and severe neck pain. The doctor said he had ruptured discs in his neck and would not be able to work again unless on light duty. My father has had several surgeries that have proven to be unsuccessful.
This scholarship will allow me to attend another year of college. This means one step closer to reaching my dream of becoming a veterinarian. -- Deanna Staul, Sharpsville, PA
I'm a sophomore at Muhlenberg
College; a computer science major. I have
to put a lot of time into studying for computer
science. It's like learning another language,
albeit a computer language....All in all,
I believe college is helping me grow into
a person who can contribute something to
the world. It's not easy being a college
student in this day and age, but Kids' Chance
has helped make it easier for me. With sky
rocketing tuition costs, and expensive books,
I not only have to worry about getting the
best grades I can, but I also have to worry
about paying for those grades....Thanks
to Kids' Chance, I can worry about studying
more, and stop worrying about where I'm
going to get the money to pay for my education.
-- Walter
J. Chesla, Shenandoah Heights, PA
September 22, 2003
Thank you very much for
your recent scholarship award. I greatly
appreciate Kids' Chance kindness and generosity
in helping with my college expenses. I
am currently a junior at Bloomsburg University
majoring in education.
Thank you again. -- Garret
Kurtek, Pottsville, PA
|
About four years ago, my
father had a serious work injury that required
a knee replacement. With my father out of
work and two out of five siblings going
to college this year, we knew we would financially
struggle to come up with the tuition money.
My brother applied as well, and we are now
both proud recipients of the Kids' Chance
scholarship. It will immensely help with
our college costs and make our financial
struggles a lot easier. We are truly thankful
that you have chosen us, and hope that many
other families like us will take advantage
of your wonderful program.
-- Catherine
Donnelly, Philadelphia, PA
October 2003
I'm writing this thank
you in appreciation for your generous and
thoughtful donation which will benefit
my funding for school. It was a kind-hearted
deed, which I have greatly acknowledged.
Once again, thank you and God bless...
-- Patrick
Kennedy Gorman, Mechanicsburg, PA
|
September 2003
I became eligible for the
Kids' Chance scholarship because of my dad's
disability. He hurt his back at work when
I was little. I also think I was considered
because of my academic achievements and
my extracurricular activities. This scholarship
is a blessing to me because college is so
expensive and I don't have to worry about
paying the grant back after I graduate.
It's hard because I have to support myself
through college not only by working but
also by trying to pay off some of my student
loans. Without this scholarship it would
have been difficult for me to further my
education.
I am currently a freshman
at Wilkes University, majoring in English
and Secondary Education. I participate on
the newspaper staff and student government,
and I volunteer for Big Brother & Big
Sister. College has been a new adjustment
for me, but I love it!
Thank you very much.
Sincerely -- Alicia
Demer, Susquehanna, PA
September 2003
I was eligible
for the Kids' Chance scholarship due to
the tragic death of my father in 1996 following
a work-related accident. Our family was
left struggling after my father's death,
as my mother is not physically able to
work. Despite the hardships, I continued
to work hard in school and focus my heart
on my education, setting high goals for
myself. I will be attending my first year
of college at Boston University, and plan
to double major in international relations
and French. My family cannot afford the
expensive costs of a college education,
and I am extremely grateful to have been
chosen to receive this scholarship, since
it will enable me to pursue the higher
education that I so desire.
-- Elizabeth
Wagner
(ACE Charitable Foundation Kids' Chance Scholar) Philadelphia, PA
June 2004
Last year, I was chosen as ACE Charitable Foundation Kids' Chance Scholar. Thanks to the generosity of these two organizations, the 2003-2004 academic year was not only the most memorable time of my life, it was also the most successful and rewarding part of my college career thus far.
During the fall 2003 semester, I took advantage of the international exchange program offered by my school, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. As a future high school English teacher, I understand that it is not only important for me to be well read; I must also be comfortable with cultural diversity and able to function in unfamiliar situations. By spending three months living and studying in Dublin, Ireland, I was able to interact with people from all over the world while increasing my subject knowledge by taking courses in Shakespeare, British Novel, Poetic Criticism, and 20th Century Irish Literature. In my free time, I was able to travel around Ireland and take a trip to England. During my travels, I experienced firsthand sites of both cultural and scholarly significance (for example, I was able to fulfill my lifelong dream of visiting Salisbury, England, the home of the legendary Stonehenge). Although my time abroad was full of personal and academic challenges, I was able to gain valuable world experience, form countless memories, and earn a 4.0 grade point average. If not for the aid of ACE Charitable Foundation and Kids' Chance, this beneficial step toward bettering myself and reaching my career goals might not have been possible.
Shortly after I returned from Ireland, the spring 2004 semester began. As a sophomore in the Lock Haven University secondary education program, the time to officially begin my training as a future educator had arrived. In order to produce dedicated and effective teachers and meet the high standards required by the state of Pennsylvania, the LHU secondary education program involves a great deal of time and hard work. Along with enrolling in courses in teaching methods, educational media, and classroom management, I was required to spend approximately sixty hours in various high school classrooms observing and assisting the teachers as well as writing and teaching my own lesson plans. In addition, I was also enrolled in three general education courses and actively involved in the LHU English Club and the Honors Program. In spite of my challenging and sometimes frustrating schedule, I enjoyed my classes and the time I spent in the high schools.
My desire and determination for becoming a teacher increased as I became more comfortable in front of a classroom and more confident in my abilities as both a student and a teacher-in-training. By the end of the semester, I had gained a considerable amount of crucial experiences and knowledge, earned another 4.0 GPA, and I was one step closer to becoming a successful English teacher, thanks once again to the generosity of ACE Charitable Foundation and Kids' Chance.
In conclusion, I thought I would mention, as a somewhat humorous and rather symbolic note, that I wrote the rough draft of this letter on a piece of paper from a scrap bin in the envelope factory where I am working this summer. As many of my co-workers who work there full time are fond of telling me, working at the factory will inspire me to work even harder when I am at school, just so I won't have to return to the factory once I graduate. Although factory work is as noble and necessary as any other career, it is not the way I plan to spend my life. Thanks to Kids' Chance of PA and ACE Charitable Foundation, I was able to make the most of the past academic year and pursue my goal of becoming a high school teacher to the fullest. As I have said before, expressing the full extent of my gratitude toward the organizations that have made my success possible is extremely difficult; however, I hope that by sharing the events of the past year I was able to show what a tremendous impact Kids' Chance of PA and ACE Charitable Foundation have had on my life.
Once again, thank you.
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August 28, 2003
Mr. Case,
I found out about the Kids'
Chance scholarship from my father's lawyer.
My father suffers from diabetes, and he
has had two heart surgeries (including a
triple bypass) and 3 back operations. Needless
to say, my father has been unable to work
for several years. He receives disability
compensation, and we are able to get by
with that money and the money from my mother's
job; however, paying for college has been
a challenge. Although we do not make enough
money to cover my college expenses, I have
often been turned down for grants and scholarships
because my family does not display enough
need. Therefore, when I received the letter
from Kids' Chance my parents and I were
extremely happy and grateful.
The letter I received said
that, along with financial need, the chosen
scholars also displayed "exceptional
academic potential." During my senior
year in high school I was the president
of the National Honors Society and I graduated
as the valedictorian of my class. Last year
was my first year of college and I was enrolled
in the honors program at Lock Haven University.
I took four honors classes and participated
in numerous honors activities along with
my regular classes. I had a challenging
schedule that required a lot of hard work,
but I managed to end the academic year with
a 3.9 grade point average.
It is difficult to explain
just how grateful I am to receive this scholarship.
The money will pay for a large portion of
my tuition and expenses and has thus brought
me a lot of peace of mind. Along with the
present assistance the scholarship will
offer, it will also influence my academic
and professional future. I am currently
a Secondary Education major with a concentration
in English and this grant will help me achieve
my goal of becoming a knowledgeable and
experienced educator.
Thank you so much.
Jessica
B. Hammond,
(ACE Charitable Foundation Kids' Chance Scholar) Lock Haven, PA
Cecilia Diefenderfer
Cecelia is
a junior at Kings College majoring in Biological
Science. She is currently preparing to take
her MCATS for medical school and is interested
in pursuing OB/GYN or Emergency Medicine.
A member of the Pre-Med Honors Society and
a member of Chi Alpha Epsilon, the National
Honors Society for her high level of academic
achievement at Kings College, she is a student
tutor for advanced science courses. Cecelia
has also become a certified E.M.T. and works
for a local ambulance company, is an R.A.
in her dorm and this past winter was a ski
instructor at Montage Mountain.
Robert
Diefenderfer
Robert graduated in May from Wilkes University
with a B.S. degree in Computer Information
Systems with a minor in Business. A member
of the Honor's Society, Robert has worked
in a co-op placement the last two summers
at PP&L. He is currently seeking a job
related to IT software and web design/networks.
Robert has been active with the baseball
team at Wilkes and is now a member of the
Golf Society. Click
here for Robert's letter to Kids' Chance.
Tom Diefenderfer (former
recipient)
Tom has completed his studies at Dickinson
College and is employed in a very lucrative
career at Lutron Electronics, Inc. He is
getting married in May 2003. Kathleen Gorman
(former recipient) Kathleen graduated from
Bloomsburg University and is currently working
in two Reading area school districts with
adolescents and pre-adolescents who have
social, emotional and behavioral difficulties.
She has been offered 2 other positions with
better pay and benefits, but she is committed
to continuing to work with the kids with
whom she has made a bond.
|
Maggie Gorman
Maggie is
a junior at Almira College, majoring in
psychology with a minor in art therapy.
She is already looking into graduate programs
in Clinical Psychology and Art Therapy.
With a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.8, Maggie
was named to the National Dean's list. This
summer, in addition to a psychology internship,
Maggie will be one of 10 students going
to Paris, France for a special 6-week course
in art therapy. She plays third base for
the college softball team.
|
Andrea McClellan
I have been awarded Kids' Chance Scholarship
in both 2001 and 2002. I am currently
a sophomore attending Slippery Rock
University in Slippery Rock, PA and
am majoring in music therapy. In the
past year at Slippery Rock University
I have been accepted into the Honors
Program for the school year 2003-2004.
I also attained Dean's List in the
Fall Semester of 2002 with a GPA of
4.0. Some of my musical highlights
include being chosen as a participant
in the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate
Band, which was held at Mansfield University,
February 28 through March 2, 2003.
I have also participated in Marching
Band and Wind Ensemble and have accompanied
a fellow student during her recital.
I recently returned from attending
the Mid-Atlantic Music Therapy Conference,
which I found to be a very enlightening
experience. I am a member of Sigma
Alpha Iota, a professional women's
music fraternity. I am also a member
of Phi Sigma Sigma, a social sorority,
and have recently been elected Scholarship
and Alumni Chair.
|
Christopher McClellan
I graduated this year from Penn State with
a major in biochemistry and molecular biology.
I have accumulated a 3.61 G.P.A. over my
four years at the university, and I am also
a member of the Golden Key Honor Society
and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
I plan to attend the University of Maryland
to seek a doctoral degree in cell biology
and molecular genetics. During my senior
year, I performed undergraduate research
into the mechanism of why cells kill themselves
and what happens when that process goes
wrong, such as in cancer. Click
here for Chris' letter to Kids' Chance.
|
Harry Sankey
I am currently a freshman at Widener University
located in Chester, PA. My declared major
is pre-physical therapy. So far I find the
program very challenging. I am also a member
of the men's varsity lacrosse team and at
this time, we are ranked number twenty-one
among division three schools in the nation.
Amanda
Speakman
I graduated this May from the University
of Pittsburgh. My classes this year ranged
from Business
Law and Auditing to Introduction
to Performance,
and I am also involved in several extracurricular
activities. I serve as Treasurer of the
international academic honors fraternity,
Beta Alpha Psi, for accounting, finance,
and information systems' majors and I am
a student affiliate of the Pennsylvania
Institute of Certified Public Accountants
(PICPA). This summer, I plan to sit for
the CPA exam as I have accepted a position
with a Big Four firm beginning this fall. Click
here for Amanda's letter to Kids' Chance.
Julie Speakman
I am currently a junior attending the University
of Pittsburgh. I am pursuing a double major
in the fields of biology and psychology.
This year has been a wonderful yet challenging
one for me. Right now I am on a voyage of
discovery around the world on the Semester
At Sea program. Myself and approximately
700 other students have been on a ship for
three months taking various classes and
studying the different peoples and cultures
of countries such as Cuba, Brazil, South
Africa, Tanzania, India, Japan, and South
Korea. So far it has been an amazing experience
and is teaching more than I could ever learn
from a book.
In the fall semester I will return to my
regular classes at Pitt. In particular,
some courses that I have taken that have
proven difficult, yet very rewarding are Organic
Chemistry 1
and 2, Biochemistry,
and Population
Biology. Also,
some classes I am enrolled in on Semester
At Sea, including Animal
Behavior and Global
Ecology are
extremely enjoyable. These classes provide
an opportunity to study the concepts of
each class in real context all over the
world.
Aside from taking class, I am involved in
some extracurricular activities. While in
Pittsburgh, I volunteer in the Child Life
Department at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
On top of this, I am a teaching assistant
and tutor for an Organic Chemistry 1 class.
On Semester At Sea, I am involved in Students
of Service and two fitness challenges. I
also participate in the Vicarious Voyage
program where I am responsible for communicating
with middle school students throughout the
trip and teaching them what I have learned
on my journey through each country.
This summer I will be applying to medical
school in hopes of starting as a student
next fall. In the future, I hope to graduate
medical school and go on to become a pediatrician.
|
|
| From
left to right: Sarah-20, Shannon-20, Jacquelyn-15, Julie-21, Amanda-22 |
Sarah Speakman
My sophomore year at the University of Pittsburgh
presented me with many questions. I started
at Pitt in the School of Business, and I
had planned on majoring in accounting. However,
that might change. This year, I was able
to talk to some people in the Marketing
Club and it caught my interest. I am already
a part of the Women in Business Club and
the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified
Public Accountants (PICPA), and the Pitt
Tennis Club. Next semester, I plan on joining
the Marketing Club to help me select my
major. But how do I decide?? Hopefully by
broadening my perspective and joining a
few more organizations, I will be able to
choose.
The assistance we receive from Kids' Chance
helps relieve some of the financial stress
of attending college, despite my indecisiveness.
I'd like to thank Kids' Chance for helping
our family.
Shannon Speakman
I am currently a sophomore at the University
of Pittsburgh. I am enrolled in mostly business
classes, from the tough Managing
in Complex Environments and Quantitative
Methods to
the simpler Environmental
Geology. As
of now, I intend to major in marketing and
become a fashion retailer buyer. Although
this changes often, I think I may have found
what I really would enjoy doing in the future.
This year has not only been one of great
achievements, but also of great challenges.
However, I would not trade it for anything.
This is exactly where I want to be at this
point in my life.
I would like to personally thank Kids' Chance
for their continuing support and for the
opportunity to continue my education. Thank
you again for supporting our family!
Looking back on
an instance of life and taking something
positive from that can define reflection.
As the moment of graduation approaches
the use of reflection allows one to realize
their accomplishments. For the past four
years, at Wilkes University, I have taken
the time to put a value on my education.
Some may confuse the value to be the
tuition paid, but the true value comes
from what one has learned during their
tenure at school.
On a personal level I have seen myself
grow in both body and mind. This growth
has come via the classroom and through
sports. On the sports field I have valued
the roles of leadership, endured the trait
of perseverance, and overall achieved success
in all situations that have faced me. The
classroom is where I have honed the skills
that I will be using to achieve success.
Wilkes University has taught me the necessary
traits needed to cohesively work with others
and achieve a common goal. The overall
personal success that I have been able
to reach is credited to the opportunities
that many have provided me. The scholarship
awarded to me by Kids' Chance has been
instrumental and important in allowing
me to complete my four years of college,
overcome a loss, and become the successful
graduate that I will become on May 17,
2003. THANK YOU!
-- Robert Diefenderfer
I am a graduating
senior at the University of Pittsburgh.
As a senior accounting major, this year
has been both extremely exciting and
challenging for both my family and me.
Upon graduation I plan to sit for the
CPA exam as I have accepted a position
with a Big Four firm, beginning this
fall.
As my undergraduate college career comes
to a close, it is amazing to think of all
the people who have helped along the way.
With my mom as the only parent in the household,
and with four daughters in college at the
same time, any assistance provided to us
is more than greatly appreciated. I would
like to thank Kids' Chance for helping
my family!
-- Amanda Speakman
Four years ago, when I
was getting ready to start college at Penn
State, I was looking for a way to pay for
my education. Unfortunately, my father
was the victim of a back injury at his
workplace. He was eventually forced to
take disability retirement, much earlier
than was expected. This circumstance left
our family with little money to pay for
a college education. However, with the
Kids' Chance Scholarship, I was able to
attend college. This scholarship allowed
me to concentrate more on studying than
working a job and to perform research in
a laboratory.
I graduate this year from Penn State with
a major in biochemistry and molecular biology.
I plan on attending the University of Maryland
to seek a doctoral degree in cell biology
and molecular genetics. This year, I have
performed undergraduate research into the
mechanism of why cells kill themselves
and what happens when that process goes
wrong, such as in cancer.
All of this may have not been possible,
were it not for the aid given by the Kids'
Chance Scholarship. This scholarship has
regularly paid for a significant percentage
of my tuition and fees. If it had not been
for this scholarship, I would probably
have had to work a job during the school
year instead of just during vacations,
leaving less time to study. Therefore,
it is easy to say that the Kids' Chance
Scholarship has allowed me to have the
success I currently enjoy.
August 6, 2008
Dear Ms. Duffins
REF: Rachel M. Sexauer
Rachel just received a letter from Clarion University that she made the Dean’s List. She has always been a hard worker and this is a great accomplishment for her first semester in college. Your organization's help has made it possible for Rachel to achieve her educational goals.
Rachel has been active in the Circle K volunteer organization at Clarion and this year she will be receiving the PA Life Time Membership award for all the volunteer work she has done within the Baldwin-Whitehall School District High School PTA. We are very proud of her.
Our family is doing the best it can under the circumstances. The therapy and recovery for Rachel’s father is a slow one but with prayer things will get better. During such hard financial times, I would like to thank you and all your donors for the wonderful support that is given to all the children facing a family crisis.
Sincerely,
Theresa Sexauer
Re: Brittney and Matthew Stuck
Dear Kids’ Chance,
On behalf of my wife and myself, I would like to thank you again for the very generous scholarships afforded to our children, Brittney and Matthew. Brittney has been most fortunate to acquire the support from Kids’ Chance throughout her academic career at Duquesne University. Quite honestly, it would have been nearly impossible to meet tuition and related costs and fees at Duquesne without your help. After struggling to meet financial obligations with Brittney, we were somewhat relieved that Matthew had chosen a state university as opposed to a private college to help alleviate some of the financial burden not only on himself but also on us.
Over the summer Brittney worked at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and continued employment there throughout the fall semester. Despite a heavy course load at school and working two days a week, she also managed time to do volunteer work through Americorpse. She has a commitment to them of 450 hours, which she hopes to complete by the time she graduates. Academically, Brittney has earned a 3.6 GPA last semester. We have seen a level of maturity and a commitment to serve others grow over the course of the last four years. This selflessness was again displayed when she volunteered to work at a local food bank before Christmas. We our very proud of the young woman Brittney has become.
Matthew has acclimated himself to the rigors of a collegiate athlete at Bloomsburg University. His love of sports takes up a lot of his time, but we continually stress to him the importance of maintaining good grades. He has made new friends and has gotten involved in new activities. One of his favorite activities this fall was participating in a Outdoor Club which kept him busy on weekends camping, kayaking, hiking and rock climbing.
My wife and I both know there are many people behind the scenes at Kids’ Chance that make these scholarships possible. Often times those people, organizations, partners and foundations go unnoticed; yet work tirelessly for this cause. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those donors and sponsors and to let them know they are truly making a difference in children’s lives. Thank you again, and Happy New Year to all.
Sincerely,
Mike and Barb Stuck
I would like to thank
Kids' Chance for the scholarships given
to my children Thomas, Robert and Cecilia.
With the help of Kids' Chance, Tom has
completed his studies at Dickinson College
and is employed in a very lucrative career
at Lutron Electronics, Inc. Robert is a
senior at Wilkes University and will be
graduating with a B.S. degree in Computer
Information Systems with a minor in Business.
Cecilia is a junior at Kings College majoring
in Biological Science looking to continue
her education in medical school in hopes
of becoming an OB/GYN physician.
Kids' Chance has helped my children achieve
their life pursuits and fulfill my dreams
of their receiving a college education,
which after the death of my husband/their
father, I was not sure was possible. The
Kids' Chance scholarships....have tremendously
defrayed the expensive education costs.
With the generosity of Kids Chance and
the grace of God, my children have been
given the opportunity to have a chance
at successful careers.
--
Mrs. Cecilia Diefenderfer
(Husband fatally injured in a work related
accident)
I
have four daughters who have had the good
fortune of receiving Kids' Chance scholarships.
All four attend the University of Pittsburgh,
main campus. My oldest will graduate this
year, with an accounting degree. My second
oldest is a junior who is taking pre-med
to become a pediatrician. My third and
fourth are twins in their sophomore year.
One is also majoring in accounting, the
other in business.
Kids' Chance has played an important role
in their education. They've helped relieve
some of the stress of paying for a higher
education, allowing them to focus more
on their studies. The girls were so excited
this year to once again have Kids' Chance
on their side. They used the monies allotted
to them to purchase their books and aids
for their studies. We hope in the future
to contribute to Kids' Chance, enabling
us to help ease the financial burden of
future needy students.
--
Mrs. Rosalind Speakman
(Husband fatally injured in a work
related accident)