Carolyn Craddock Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Stephanie Craddock
$1,200
1 winner$1,200
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 17, 2025
Winners Announced
Jul 17, 2025
Education Level
High School
1
Contribution
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Diagnosis:
Type 1 diabetes
Background:
Volunteering experience and extracurricular involvement in sports, clubs, etc.

Carolyn Craddock was a beloved daughter who was fierce and kind in her short life but sadly passed away too soon.

Carolyn’s kindness touched everyone—young and old, and even the many animals she adored. She was widely known for her inclusive spirit, whether at work, in school, or in any social setting. She embraced diversity and welcomed others without judgment.

To her friends, she was fiercely loyal and always sought out the good in people. Her circle of friends reflected her open heart—spanning all walks of life. She often stood up for those facing adversity, never hesitating to lend her voice or support.

Carolyn was deeply passionate about health and wellness, and she dedicated herself to educating others on its importance. She championed good nutrition, regular exercise, and making positive lifestyle choices. Much of this stemmed from her desire to raise awareness about Type 1 diabetes, a cause close to her heart. She worked tirelessly to dispel stereotypes and was a powerful advocate for the T1D community.

Her work ethic was unmatched. While still in high school, she succeeded in college-level courses, held one or two part-time jobs, maintained a consistent gym routine, and competed at the highest levels in her horse showing discipline—all simultaneously. Carolyn approached every challenge with determination and drive, always pushing herself to be her best.

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Carolyn Craddock by supporting students who have also faced challenges due to diabetes.

Any high school senior who is a type 1 diabetic may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have volunteering experience and extracurricular involvement in sports, clubs, etc.

To apply, tell us what challenges you have overcome due to diabetes and how you exemplify Carolyn’s characteristics.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published February 19, 2025
Essay Topic

Tell us about how you have overcome challenges related to your type 1 diabetes. Carolyn was fierce and kind. Please share examples of how you exemplify these characteristics.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Madison Kaylor
Hilliard Bradley High SchoolGalloway, OH
Carolyn and her mom probably do not remember me or my family, but I will forever remember her. I was a very newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic playing in one of my first volleyball tournaments since being released from the hospital. I was so nervous; I did not want to pass out or get sick or let my team down. Then I looked over and saw another player wearing a device… could it be another player with T1D? We approached her and her mom with hopeful hearts. The kindness we were met with is a memory that will last forever. Carolyn answered every question with a smile, she made me feel like I was not alone. I know her mom did the same for my mom, sharing her contact information and encouraging words. We are so grateful for all the kindness that day. Similar to Carolyn, fierce is a word that my parents use to describe me as well, fiercely loyal to my friends, fierce in competition (13 varsity letters), and fiercely dedicated to my studies (cumulative GPA of 4.3 with multiple CCP courses). But being a T1D comes with many many daily challenges. Managing blood sugar levels during multi-day tournaments can seem impossible at times. However, one of the most significant challenges I have faced was my freshman year with the varsity volleyball coach. She didn’t understand Type 1 Diabetes and did not seem to want to learn. She would make comments like “your diabetes is giving me an ulcer” or “your insulin pump makes me want to puke”. She also implied that when I needed to sit out because my blood sugar was low, I was being lazy or “faking it”. As a freshman who was nervous to be on the court with 18-year-old seniors, this caused a great deal of anxiety. However, I stayed dedicated and continually tried to politely educate her about being a Type 1 Diabetic. I am not sure that she ever completely understood, but the comments lessened, and I earned my varsity letter. Another way that I exemplify Carolyn’s characteristics is through my volunteer work with children with disabilities. I have, for the past 4 years, volunteered with children with disabilities in a variety of ways including Miracle League/Buddy Ball, at the Hilliard Preschool (for children with learning disabilities), and with Best Buddies. Best Buddies is a program at my high school for students with mental and physical disabilities where I have the privilege to help teach students life skills and other academic work appropriate to their level of understanding. As a trusted peer role model in the program, I am able to attend special events such as Best Buddies Prom and field trips with the students. One of my favorite events is field day where students from Best Buddies program across the Hilliard school district come together and all the activities are modified to maximize the number of students with different disabilities that can participate. Being able to help students with disabilities play sports and seeing the joy on their faces is a cherished high school memory. However, my favorite part of participating in the program is the daily interactions with the students one on one. For example, Mattie, who is nonverbal, often lightens the mood in the classroom by snorting like her favorite Peppa Pig character. I, however, have gained so much more from working with the students than I have given. The students have taught me to always have a positive attitude and to never give up. The students in the classroom are truly my role models.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 17, 2025. Winners will be announced on Jul 17, 2025.