2024 Winners:
Isabella- Georgia Recipient- In memory of William Matthew Lewis
Isabella lost her father unexpectedly a few years ago. Having been the one to find him, several days after his passing, she carried additional emotions that added an extra layer to her grief. She has worked through those emotions as she makes plans to attend Valdosta State and graduate with a degree in Health Science. After that, her goal is to go to North Georgia University and obtain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Rashawn- South Carolina Recipient- In memory of Sam Randazzo
Rashawn received the news that his father had died early one morning. It just so happened to be the morning after he had played his best J.V. basketball game, and was still on a high from the win. He remembers that his father wanted him to be academically sound, so that he could create more opportunities for himself. Because of this, he maintained his education while pursuing basketball, track & field, and cross country. He wants to create his own memorial scholarship in memory of his dad that focuses on fire safety and build a community center to keep youth engaged through sports recreation. He will be attending Francis Marion University and wants to focus his career on Sports/Business Management.
2023 Winners:
Rebekah- Georgia Recipient
Rebekah’s brother, Tommy, died at the age of 16 during the middle of his basketball game. Because of his unexpected death, Rebekah has to continue to monitor her own heart health. She stated that her brother’s death has caused her to fear her own mortality, and has caused her to struggle emotionally, as well. Rebekah will be attending Columbus State University and wants to eventually become a veterinarian. She would also like to bake part-time, as she loves baking as a hobby.
Turner- South Carolina Recipient
Turner’s mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in fall of 2020 and passed later that year, in November. Turner stated that the loss of his mother has made him prioritize spending time with loved ones and friends, and treasure the little moments because life is very fragile. Turner plans on obtaining his Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and then attend law school to pursue his J.D. Turner’s career ambition is to be a Solicitor, and eventually either serve in Congress or in a state office.
2022 Winners:
Summer- Georgia Recipient
Summer’s father died from pancreatic cancer when Summer was in middle school. The time he was in Hospice weighed heavily on her, as she watched him get sicker, and she misses watching horror movies and celebrating birthdays with him. She is one of five kids and wants to become a physician’s assistant. She has worked tirelessly toward this goal and wishes her father could see how far she has come.
Summer will attend Mercer University and take steps toward her goals and continuing to make her father proud.
Chloe- South Carolina Recipient
Chloe was a “mama’s girl” after growing up with just her mother for many years. Her life was changed when she lost her mom to COVID-19. In the span of three days, she also lost her grandmother to the same illness. Chloe is a proven hard worker and spent a lot of time helping care for her mother, while also working a part-time job and attending school.
She will continue this dedication and work while attending Limestone University to become a secondary level biology teacher. Chloe has shared that she knew her mother would want her to become the person she has always dreamed of, and she is doing just that.
Elissa- South Carolina Recipient
Elissa never believed that her father wouldn’t make it to her high school graduation, until he died from COVID-19. At that time, she made a promise to her dad and herself that he would continue to live on in everything she does. She worked part-time while also earning her patient care technician license.
Elissa wants to start working in a hospital while continuing her degree at the University of South Carolina in Aiken. She wants to keep training while becoming a Registered Nurse, either in Labor and Delivery or the NICU. She believes in this position she can fulfill her mission of making a difference in this world, in memory of her dad.
2021 Winners:
Pattrick- Georgia Recipient
Pattrick will be attending Georgia Southern University and has dreams of one day becoming a Marine.
Pattrick lost both of his parents at a young age and has always stated that he wants to push himself to make his parents proud. His work ethic is unmatched and he refuses to quit pursuing his dreams because he doesn't want to let his parents down. He's even gone as far as working 4 jobs, while managing football and school, to help his aunt who is raising him and his sister.
Macy- South Carolina Recipient
Macy will be attending Clemson University in the Honors College. Her goal is to pursue a degree in accounting and economics, and find a job she loves in this field.
Macy lost her father May of 2019 and it showed her just how finite life is. In fact, she spent a lot of time considering her career path after the death of her father, and decided to go in a completely different direction than she thought she would be. Macy stated that grief has been a rollercoaster and that her dad's death changed the way she saw the world and the people around her.