Congratulations to the 2017 recipients:

Brianna Kelley of Lawrenceville, GA, will attend the University of Iowa where she will pursue her doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Brianna is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key International Honor Society, Sigma Alpha Lambda, and Phi Theta Kappa. She tutors at risk students in math and science, speaks to students about having a disability, and is a member of the Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee. In her essay, Brianna says, ‘I have never let Moebius syndrome or doctors define who I am and what I can accomplish. I had cochlear implant surgery and my goal is to improve speech production and quality of life for all individuals living with hearing impairment.’

Mike Gonzalez of Bridgeview, IL, will attend Northern Illinois University majoring in Rehabilitation Services. Mike worked hard to attain the rank of Eagle Scout and is an Argo Ambassador helping students with special needs in his high school. He is in the marching and jazz bands, on the varsity bowling and tennis teams, and is a member of National Honor Society.  Mike states in his essay, ‘Growing up, I had to have many surgeries on my feet to be able to walk. . . to fix my clubbed feet. I never let my ‘disability’ take the best of me and always fought through to earn what I deserved. I want to be able to help people get through their obstacles in life just like those doctors and nurses did for me. I want to be there for other people.’

Dominque Piotrowski of Fairport Harbor, OH, will attend Lake Erie College where she will major in Equine Therapy. She is on her high school honor roll, merit roll, was named Student of the Year, and mentors children with disabilities at her church’s Camp Koinonia in the horse riding program.  She has gone through 10 procedures to improve her quality of life and is an advocate for the Many Faces of Moebius. Dominque volunteers for the Cancer Relay for Life in honor of family members. In her essay Dominque states, ‘Constant bullying at school and teachers telling me I could not accomplish the goals I set, kids teasing me and defending others with disabilities made me stronger. After getting my Bachelor’s in Equine I will continue my education in youth ministry and will own and operate a horse ranch/camp using riding skill sets to improve people from all walks of life.’

2016 Recipients