Father’s Day (2021) was the day my world changed forever. After a celebration filled with family, food, and fun, a loud crash was the first sign that something was terribly amiss. We raced to find my oldest brother, Brandon, unconscious on the floor. As I waved first responders to our house, with my baby sister perched on my hip, I was filled with dread and the certain knowledge that our lives would never again be the same. Unfortunately, that prediction proved to be very true. While we’d always known of my brother’s connective tissue disorder (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome IV) and the ruptured aneurysms that it could cause, Brandon had never before had any significant issues; unfortunately, this was no longer the case. Thankfully Brandon beat the odds, that time around, and even two more that followed. Despite over twenty surgeries, countless treatments, and months of hospitalizations that rocked our world, his strength and resilience - along with his unconditional love and concern for others even in the midst of his own crisis, always had such a positive impact in my life. I don’t know that I’ll ever “overcome” losing Brandon, almost a year ago, after yet another long and courageous battle; but, I do know that I will always be a better person because of him. When slowly losing someone you love dearly, in my case a sibling that I fully expected to grow old with, the pain feels unbearable. My love and loss are deeply intertwined, each shaping the other in profound yet significant and meaningful ways. Within that deep sorrow lies the evidence of love’s true power and where there is grief there is great love, and where there is love, one can find the willpower to carry on with purpose even in the darkest of times. Like many, I’ve always drawn much of my strength from my family yet it’s my brother who forever changed my heart. Despite - or perhaps even because of - the medical challenges that he faced, he will always be a source of great inspiration to me. I will always be proud of him for being such a courageous fighter and while he may have left my side, he will never leave my heart. While the pain of loss may never disappear, honoring his life - and now his memory - has given me greater purpose and a drive to do better, to be kinder, to help more, and to love deeper. Much of my own willpower seems to come from finding meaning, even in life’s hardest moments, and working to turn tragedy into purpose - much like this scholarship in honor of your own sweet little brother, Brooks, I’m guessing - is important for all of us. And, even as my family is experiencing our greatest loss (Does loss ever end?), I know that the tremendous gains Brandon has given me will be lifelong. He has shaped my whole life’s purpose. He has helped me to be kinder, more patient, more gracious, and more empathetic than I think I ever could have been otherwise. He’s also led me to my future career in healthcare as I, too, am motivated to make a difference in the lives of others as a dedicated physician’s assistant. Kindness and compassion are essential for a better world and my college education, along with Brandon’s positive influence, will (fingers crossed!) allow me to make a more meaningful impact in our world. Just like my big brother, Brandon, I too possess the potential to positively touch lives in unheralded ways!

Father’s Day (2021) was the day my world changed forever. After a celebration filled with family, food, and fun, a loud crash was the first sign that something was terribly amiss. We raced to find my oldest brother, Brandon, unconscious on the floor. As I waved first responders to our house, with my baby sister perched on my hip, I was filled with dread and the certain knowledge that our lives would never again be the same. Unfortunately, that prediction proved to be very true. While we’d always known of my brother’s connective tissue disorder (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome IV) and the ruptured aneurysms that it could cause, Brandon had never before had any significant issues; unfortunately, this was no longer the case. Thankfully Brandon beat the odds, that time around, and even two more that followed. Despite over twenty surgeries, countless treatments, and months of hospitalizations that rocked our world, his strength and resilience - along with his unconditional love and concern for others even in the midst of his own crisis, always had such a positive impact in my life. I don’t know that I’ll ever “overcome” losing Brandon, six weeks ago, after another long and courageous battle; I do know that I will always be a better person because of him. When slowly losing someone you love dearly, in my case a sibling that I fully expected to grow old with, the pain feels unbearable. My love and loss are deeply intertwined, each shaping the other in profound yet significant and meaningful ways. Within that deep sorrow lies the evidence of love’s true power and where there is grief there is great love, and where there is love, one can find the willpower to carry on with purpose even in the darkest of times. Like many, I’ve always drawn much of my strength from my family yet it’s my brother who forever changed my heart. Despite - or perhaps even because of - the medical challenges that he faced, he will always be a source of great inspiration to me. I will always be proud of him for being such a courageous fighter and while he may have left my side, he will never leave my heart. While the pain of loss may never disappear, honoring his life - and now his memory - will give me greater purpose and a drive to do better, to be kinder, to help more, and to love deeper. Much of my own willpower seems to come from finding meaning, even in life’s hardest moments, and working to turn tragedy into purpose - much like this scholarship in honor of your own sweet little Hazel Joy, I’m guessing - is important for all of us. And, even as my family is experiencing our greatest loss, I know that the tremendous gains Brandon has given me will be lifelong. He has shaped my whole life’s purpose. He has helped me to be kinder, more patient, more gracious, and more empathetic than I think I ever could have been otherwise. He’s also led me to my future career in healthcare as I, too, am motivated to make a difference in the lives of others as a dedicated physician’s assistant. Kindness and compassion are essential for a better world and my college education, along with Brandon’s positive influence, will (fingers crossed!) allow me to make a more meaningful impact in our world. Just like my big brother, Brandon, I too possess the potential to positively touch lives in unheralded ways!

My longtime dream of working in the healthcare field stems from a deep inner desire I have always fostered to care for others in times of greatest need. As someone who grew up with severe childhood asthma myself, along with my siblings who have special needs, we were hospitalized many times throughout my formative years. Throughout each illness and often lengthy hospital stay, we were treated by a host of medical professionals who, collectively, helped me foster a great appreciation - and eventually love - for the healthcare system. Instead of treating each of us as just “another” patient, the medical staff consistently took notice of our interests and dedicated time to engage with us beyond a medical perspective. It was through their actions I learned that healthcare goes far beyond life-saving machines and IV drips. For even as a very young girl, I knew that when I was coughing, wheezing, and - quite frankly - feeling like I had an elephant sitting right on top of me, there were always people who would be ready to help me and to make me feel so much better. This was truly a breath of fresh air for me - in more ways than one! My hospital experiences had a profound impact on me because I now, finally, have a sense as to where my life was leading me - straight into healthcare. These experiences transformed not only my view of healthcare, but also my approach to academics. I no longer wanted to just float in school; I wanted to succeed and pass previous expectations. I cultivated my own academic rhythm, pouring my energy into working even harder in my high school classes. I had found my calling, and nothing would hold me back. I always knew I had an inner desire to be a change agent in my community, and I now know that there is no better way for me to make a meaningful difference in my community. Women are (especially) instrumental in healthcare and I am excited to be entering the field! I am looking forward to actively advocating for women’s health that will, hopefully, lead to the most positive of patient outcomes. Fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment is important and full inclusivity benefits everyone. And, now that my high school graduation is right around the corner, I am excited to start working towards my degree! My college journey is the next pathway that will allow me to meet both the educational and professional goals that will truly allow me to make a difference in the lives of those around me. I’m excited to pursue my BS in health sciences and, eventually, my masters degree in physician assistant studies. I’m hopeful that the Women in Healthcare Scholarship may be a part of the journey that will allow me to transform from a hopeful “kid”, who’s wanting to make a difference in the world, to a highly trained college graduate who is ready for the privilege of actually doing so. The gift of this scholarship would enable me to utilize my training as a tool to create positive change within my family and community. I am ready (and eager!) to make a difference and I know that, just like the medical professionals who have transformed my own life, I too, possess the potential to positively touch lives in unheralded ways. With your support, it’ll soon be my time to accomplish these dreams - and so much more!

Who is Sarah Kate Shook? Surprisingly, that’s one of the hardest questions for me to answer about myself! I do think I know what others might say. I can almost hear the conversation . . . Sarah Kate is a senior at Hampton High School who has two older brothers and a much younger sister. She twirls batons (often three at a time!) and she’s an honor roll student who still (secretly - shhh!) bakes cookies for her teachers. She’s quiet, but only until you get to know her, and she’s likely to surprise you with a snowball or two if you’re not watching carefully! Loved daughter? Proud sister? Strong Christian? Honor Roll Student? Responsible babysitter? Good friend? Yes, but there’s more to her story… Delving deeper, I do know that the love and connections I have with family, friends, and faith are my grounding foundations. I love God and connecting with the people around me in the neighborhoods, schools, and communities of my childhood - have always held an important role shaping my life. I’ve always sought to serve and contribute where I can, albeit often in little - yet always well-intentioned and well-meaning - ways, and I’ve learned that I’m the person who has benefited most from these efforts. One of my favorite volunteering roles has been as an after-school classroom assistant and now co-teacher, for the recreational classes at the local elementary school where my mom teaches. Girls’ Club, Boys’ Club, Games Galore, Crafty Creations, Slime Time Science. . . over the last eight years, we seem to have taught a bit of everything. I love being able to help plan and provide programming that keeps kids engaged, learning, and - perhaps most importantly - having lots of fun! I’ve also greatly enjoyed serving at church. Although I originally started volunteering as a children’s ministry worker in my little sister's toddler room, I’ve since spent time in many other classrooms! I’ve especially enjoyed working with kids in the special needs ministry and I’ve found great satisfaction in helping little ones maximize learning in his/her own special ways (These “little friends” have taught me a great lesson; it’s never one’s disabilities, but rather one’s abilities, that truly matter in life!). There have been lots of other “helping opportunities” that I’ve been privileged enough to have participated in throughout my high school years. . . coaching after school mini-camp twirlers, helping with food drives, being a buddy for kids with special needs, volunteer babysitter for a single working mom, helping neighbors both young and old. . . the list is long. Helping others is more a way of life in my family - embedded throughout our days, weeks, months, and years - rather than single isolated events. While, initially, I sought simply to make a positive impact in my community, these experiences have enriched my own life in unexpected ways. They’ve fostered a sense of purpose and meaning, inside of me, that has even steered me towards my future career serving others as a nurse! I’m hopeful that you will consider me for the Larry R. Jones Volunteer For Life Scholarship, to help enable my exciting journey! Mr. Jones was known for working tirelessly to help others and his empathy, compassion, dedication, and strong sense of altruism shone through in his interactions with others. I, too, try hard to embody these character traits by prioritizing the well-being of others and I also feel a strong “need” to make a positive impact in my community. Like Mr. Jones, I possess the potential to positively touch lives in unheralded ways!

My longtime dream of going to college to become a nurse stems from a deep inner desire I have always fostered to care for others in times of greatest need. Growing up with severe asthma myself, along with having siblings with special needs, we were hospitalized a great many times throughout my childhood. Throughout each illness and often lengthy hospital stay, we were treated by a host of medical professionals who, collectively, helped me foster a great appreciation - and eventually love - for the healthcare system. For me, even as a very young girl, I knew that when I was coughing, wheezing, and - quite frankly - feeling like I had an elephant sitting right on top of me, there were always nurses who would be ready to help me and to make me feel so much better. This was truly a breath of fresh air for me - in more ways than one! Successfully pursuing my collegiate studies will enable me to help others just like the nurses who had transformed my family’s medical experiences, so many years ago, I’ve always had an innate inner desire for serving, and I now know that there is no better way for me to make a difference in my own Western Pennsylvania community than to get busy working diligently - first, as a college student and later, as a compassionate and caring nurse! As my future patients’ first point of contact on the hospital care team, it will be up to me to care for physical ailments while also being present to provide the emotional and mental support that will allow for the most positive of patient outcomes. I’m hopeful that the Evan James Vaillancourt Memorial Scholarship will be a part of the journey that will allow me to transform from a hopeful “kid”, who’s wanting to make a difference in the world, to a highly trained college graduate who is ready for the privilege of actually doing so. In his 21 short years, Spc. Evan James Vaillancourt, was known for working tirelessly to help others and his empathy, compassion, dedication, and strong sense of altruism shone through in his interactions with others. I, too, try hard to embody these character traits by prioritizing the well-being of others and I also feel a strong “need” to make a positive impact in my community. While I was very disappointed that my own asthma disqualified me from enlisting in the Air Force, like my father and grandfather, I do know that I still will be in a position to serve others in a meaningful manner. Evan’s commitment to serving and protecting our country, in the United States Army, showed his courage, sacrifice, and strong commitment to our country. This is a part of his legacy that will always be remembered by those who loved him most. Thanks so much for considering me for the Evan James Vaillancourt Memorial Scholarship. I learned long ago, from the nurses that treated me during my own episodes of childhood asthma, and others that cared for my siblings, good healthcare goes far beyond life-saving machines and IV drips! A college degree is the pathway that will allow me to meet both the educational and professional goals that will let me truly make a difference in my community. Like Evan, I too feel that I possess the potential to positively touch lives in unheralded ways.

My longtime dream of going to college to become a nurse, and eventually a physician’s assistant, stems from a deep inner desire I have always fostered to care for others in their times of greatest need. As someone who grew up with severe childhood asthma myself, I was hospitalized a great many times throughout my formative years. Throughout each illness and often lengthy hospital stay, I was treated by a host of medical professionals who, collectively, helped me foster a great appreciation - and eventually love - for the healthcare system. For even as a very young girl, I knew that when I was coughing, wheezing, and - quite frankly - feeling like I had an elephant sitting right on top of me, there were always people who would be ready to help me and to make me feel so much better. This was truly a breath of fresh air for me - in more ways than one! Unfortunately, finances pose challenges for many families and ours is no exception. My dad left his systems administration job several years ago to stay home with my siblings who have disabilities (My brother Brandon is 24 - he is missing his right cerebellum and is in the end stages of a connective tissue disorder, Matt is 20 and he has a spectrum diagnosis, and Lily Grace is 3 and she has developmental delays). Financially this has been quite challenging for our family - especially with the additional medical and educational expenses that my family is facing. While I have always known that I would need to shoulder the majority cost of my college education, I am unwavering in my determination to overcome financial obstacles to reach my educational and career goals. Receiving the Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship would be an amazing, and much appreciated, gift that would assist me on my pathway to becoming a nurse by alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with higher education while also allowing me to focus on being a full time college student! I already know that the curriculum at Texas Tech University, the school that I am hoping to attend next fall, is very rigorous and the nursing program has a reputation for being extremely competitive. I expect the classwork to be both challenging and very time consuming. It would truly be a blessing for me to be able to focus solely on my studies and to not have to take on a campus job to help defray expenses. I’m looking forward to building a strong academic foundation that will enable me to, soon, be in a position to serve others in my community. I’m hopeful that the Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship may be a part of the journey that will allow me to transform from a hopeful “kid”, who’s wanting to make a difference in the world, to a highly trained college graduate who is ready for the privilege of actually doing so. I’ve always had an innate inner desire for helping others, and - for me - I now know that there is no better way for me to make a difference in my own community than by working diligently in college so that I can soon enter the healthcare field myself. Just like the nurses, physicians, and physician’s assistants who had transformed my own medical experiences, so many years ago, I too possess the potential to positively touch lives in unheralded ways. Thank you for your consideration and support with this exciting, and likely life-changing, scholarship award opportunity!

Growing up with “differently abled” siblings has taught me many invaluable lessons over the years. Yet, despite - or perhaps even because of - the challenges we’ve faced, my siblings have always been a source of great inspiration! I feel that I’ve learned much just from living life alongside them and I’ve long since discovered that it’s one's abilities, rather than disabilities, that truly define us all. To understand our challenges better, one would need to first better understand our family. My oldest brother, Brandon (24), has an end stage connective tissue disorder that, most recently, has resulted in several ruptured aneurysms along with a host of complications. Despite a stroke, in utero, that resulted in a missing right cerebellum, Brandon always has a positive mindset and an innate ability to make meaningful connections with everyone around him. My other brother, Matt (20), has an autism diagnosis yet also a knack for model making and a history knowledge that some of our highschool teachers seemed to envy! And, my much younger - and much adored - little sister, Lily (3), is demonstrating developmental delays that have resulted in delayed speech, communication, and socialization skills. Yet, Lily is making significant strides everyday and she has everyone wrapped around her little finger - especially me! My siblings seem to have infinite strength to persevere while working to overcome challenges; this has always had a positive impact on my life. While I wouldn’t trade my siblings for the world, there are many things that I do wish I could change about the world, for my siblings. Yet, in the process of helping to promote a pathway of acceptance and inclusion for them, I’ve found my own voice and the courage to use it. Despite being somewhat shy, I’ve learned to speak up, when needed, and I’m more empathic, patient, and resilient than I think I ever could’ve been otherwise. I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in others while also learning the value in celebrating the journey that life provides. I feel that I’ve a deeper appreciation for our inherent diversity and I’ve learned time and time again that, given the chance, we’re all capable of great things! My family’s journey has had many tough moments but stories like Jack Terry’s are very inspiring to me. As the youngest surviving prisoner of the Flossenbürg (death) camp, his whole family annihilated, young Jack (then Jakub) persevered. He overcame tremendous adversity and challenges as he faced the most difficult, unthinkable, obstacles imaginable - mass executions, forced labor, persecution, starvation, and death. Yet, despite heavy losses, Jack not only survived but he persevered and found great success in life! Liberated, as the youngest Flossenbürg survivor, Mr. Terry traveled to America where he learned English and worked as a geologist and later as a psychoanalyst Later, with a loving family of his own, Jack shared his story as a reminder of the terrible injustices committed to his family and millions of others. His determination and resilience enabled him to triumph. His book, his life, and his story are inspirations for us all! While medical issues continue to cause our family great worry, thankfully, we’re still together; and, my story has a silver lining too! For, while I’ve always had an innate inner desire to help my siblings, I now know that there is no better way for me to make a difference in my own community than by becoming a nurse. Like Jack Terry, I’m not letting the sadness in my story define me; I, too, will work hard to make a difference in the lives of others!

My longtime dream of becoming a nurse stems from a deep inner desire I have always fostered to care for others, in my community, in their times of greatest need. As someone who grew up with severe childhood asthma myself, I was hospitalized a great many times throughout my formative years. Throughout each illness and often lengthy hospital stay, I was treated by a host of medical professionals who, collectively, helped me foster a great appreciation - and eventually love - for the healthcare system. Instead of treating me as just another patient, the nurses consistently took notice of my interests and dedicated time to engage with me beyond a medical perspective. It was through their actions I learned that healthcare goes far beyond life-saving machines and IV drips. For even as a very young girl, I knew that when I was coughing, wheezing, and - quite frankly - feeling like I had an elephant sitting right on top of me, there were always nurses who would be ready to help me and to make me feel so much better. This was truly a breath of fresh air for me - in more ways than one! My hospital experiences had a profound impact on me because I now, finally, had a sense as to where my life was leading me - straight into the nursing field. These experiences transformed not only my view of healthcare, but also my approach to academics. I no longer wanted to just float in school; I wanted to succeed and pass previous expectations. I cultivated my own academic rhythm, pouring my energy into working even harder in my high school classes. I had found my calling, and nothing would hold me back. I always knew I had an inner desire to be a change agent in my community, and I now know that there is no better way for me to make a meaningful difference than entering the healthcare field. Now that my high school graduation is right around the corner, I am excited to start working towards my bachelor of science in nursing! A college degree is my next pathway that will allow me to meet both the educational and professional goals that will truly allow me to make a difference in the lives of those around me. I am hopeful that you will still consider me for the honor of the Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students award. I have always known that I would need to shoulder the majority cost of my college education and I am unwavering in my determination to overcome obstacles to reach my goals. Despite the financial constraints from growing up with two siblings who have disabilities, and one who is now in the end stages of a connective tissue disorder, family, faith, and service to others has been - and will always continue to be - guiding beacons in my life. I’m excited to pursue my nursing education! As my future patients’ first point of contact, on the hospital care team, it will be up to me to care for physical ailments while also being present to provide the emotional and mental support that will allow for the most positive of patient outcomes. The gift of this scholarship would enable me to utilize my training as a tool to create positive change within my family and community. I am ready to make a difference and I know that, just like the nurses who had transformed my own life, I too, possess the potential to positively touch lives in unheralded ways.