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First Place: Janet K Wendel Scholarship
$5,000
Annette Knuckles
Annette is currently a student at Thomas More College pursuing her Bachelor of Business in the accelerated learning program (TAP) for working adults.
By the age of 21 Annette had entered into her second marriage and had her third child. It was an abusive marriage which drove her to use drugs and alcohol as an outlet from reality. After hitting rock bottom a few times she figured out that "I was going to either die or end up in jail." She realized she needed to change her life. She joined AA and is proud today to be close to ten years of continued sobriety. Her hope is that by sharing her story with others "it may be an inspiration because everyone has the opportunity to change, they just have to want to."
Annette is a single mother of three children, ages 17, 15 and 12. Annette's journey toward higher education began 3 years ago when she studied for and received her GED. Annette has worked hard at Thomas More and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. She will receive her Bachelor of Business degree next year and plans to pursue an MBA.
Annette's sponsor said, "Annette is a capable student and driven to do well. She definitely has the potential for success and will complete what she starts."
She is an active member in the community and is currently the Treasurer of the Ludlow Youth Football Organization.
Second Place: National City Scholarship
$3,000
Vickie Martin
Vickie is a mother of six children (two married sons, one engaged son, and three teenage daughters). Vickie's oldest daughter, Teisa has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, her daughters Teira and Trista both have cystic fibrosis and Trista has several other health problems. Vickie is a victim of multiple sclerosis. Despite contending with the multiple and complex medical conditions of herself and her children, she is intrinsically motivated to succeed.
Vickie is pursuing an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at Brown Mackie College. Vickie's objectives are to combine what she knows about pharmacy (having 12 years of experience) and what she is learning in the Criminal Justice degree program to teach teenagers the dangers of drugs and how drugs can ruin both their own lives and the lives of their families.
Her sponsor describes Vickie as "a learned optimist and one who stays determined despite any obstacles she encounters. She is a shining example of how anything in life can be accomplished with determination, no matter what adversities life presents us."
Vickie is one of the founding members of the Lambda Alpha Epsilon student organization and currently serves as the president of the organization.
Second Place: Ernst & Young/EWI Joint Scholarship
$3,000
Joy Lake
Joy is a single mother of five children ages five to nineteen. She is pursuing a degree from Brown Mackie College as a Medical Assistant. From a young age Joy knew she wanted to touch other people's lives and help them in some capacity.
It wasn't until Joy was in her late thirties that she realized she could and should pursue her dream. She enrolled in Brown Mackie where she maintained an A average until last September when she suffered a stroke leaving her left hand paralyzed. Not to be stopped, she taught herself to write with her right hand and pressed on!
Joy wrote in her application, "I am stronger today and more determined than I have ever been. I can now write with my right hand and will continue to make excellent grades now that I am over this hurdle. Any other hurdles that may come will be met with that same attitude."
Joy's sponsor said, "Her positive attitude and strong will is what is enabling her to achieve her goal for Medical Assisting."
Third Place: Keating Muething & Klekamp Scholarship
$1,000
Janice Williams
Janice Williams had always dreamed of going to college after she retired. In 2005 after working eighteen years for Cincinnati Public Schools as a night custodian and preparing for retirement, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After going through the full cancer treatment and resting for a period she decided not to go back into building maintenance, but to instead, pursue her life-long dream to go to college. Janice enrolled in Cincinnati State in the culinary arts program. She maintains a 3.133 grade point average and expects to graduate in June 2008. Her goal is to be a Personal Chef.
As a widow with six children, she has had a rough way to go, but she says, "I am in it to win it. In my mind I expect to fall at times, feel defeated at times and in my body, I expect to feel tired, but in my heart I will always feel like I am a winner."
Janice's sponsor said, "Ms. Janice (as everyone calls her at Cincinnati State) has overcome adversity and has not only persevered, but excelled."
Janice is active in her church, has served as a Sunday School teacher for the past seven years teaching Kindergarten and six-year-olds.
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