2024 MJS Turnaround
Scholarship Recipients
Kacey was in and out of the foster care system in 10th grade. Their mother was facing some of her own struggles which forced Kacey to quickly become an adult. They identified and addressed their own mental health needs a the early age of 15. Kacey went from angry and sad to one of the most respectful, happy, smiley young people. Kacey joined the band, participated in the play and musical. Kacey changed the trajectory of her life. Kacey plans to attend college at Shippensburg University to major in psychology.
Elizabeth “Lizzie” experienced many health struggles in high school, particularly her junior year. Despite having strong academic abilities, Lizzie’s grades dropped due to missing school while she attended doctors appointments. She got behind in credits and had to do summer school, but was unable to attend the lats few weeks of school due to her medical issues. At the start of her senior year, Lizzie decided nothing would get in the way of her graduating. She attended school, often in pain, taking 10.25 credits to recover her lost credits. Lizzie plans to attend Empire Beauty School to be come a cosmetologist and open her own salon.
Kathy struggled with desire for college due to not being encouraged to pursue her dream due to financial restrictions. Kathy worked had and committed herself against the odds and began taking AP courses and excelling. Upon graduation Kathy plans to attend Elizabethtown College to major in computer science.
Kylie’s mother passed away when she was in 6th grade. She did not allow herself to grieve until high school and often visited the nurses office, appearing sad. She needed a lot of support. She found a support system in high school and is graudating, a smiling senior involved in may clubs including Link Crew, Trojan Buddies, Mini-Thon and yearbook. She would like to attend college to study pre-med.
Odren struggled to come to school each day. He moved out on his own. He still comes to class with a positive, uplifting spirit. He plans to attend college to become an oncologist.
Silas was diagnosed with autism when he was in elementary school. He struggled with the challenge of adapting socially to the new environment in high school. Silas started to see his autism as a trait rather than a disorder and realized that people didn’t think any differently of him. He had the lead role in the high school musical in the spring and thrived with having to memorize lines and sing solos in front of an auditorium full of people. Silas plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology to study Video Game Design.
Olivia was raised by her grandparents for most of her childhood. Both of her parents died before she was 13. At 15 her grandmother also passed away, leaving her in the care of her 87 year old grandfather. Despite the trauma in her life, coupled with COVID lockdown, Olivia kept her spirit and found her way to be hopeful about writing a better story for her future. She finished her senior year taking AP classes and succeeding. Olivia wants to study psychology so she can help others with their struggles.
Taylor faced many challenges as a student. Her mother was a single parent who was in and out of prison over the years forcing Taylor to live with friends, and, at times, be homeless. Taylor persevered through times when she had to drop out of school activities due to her lack of a home. She lived out of a bag at friend’s houses. The music program was her saving grace and has been a lifeline for Taylor keeping her linked to her school family and positive influences. Taylor plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania or another 4 year university to study psychology.
When Danielle was 13 her brother passed away when he was 16. This took a very big toll on her life. He was not just her brother, but her best friend. She decided to continue living through him for him. Since her brother was not able to graduate and pursue a career her goal is to do this for him. Danielle plans to attend Messiah University majoring in Pre-med.
Cecret started high school the year the world shut down for COVID. Her lack of school supports during COVID impacted her. She started her 10th grade year with not enough credits to move to 10th grade, but persevered, working hard and improving her grades. She started her Junior year caught up on credits and out of virtual school. She finally started to open up to adults about her ability to read and was connected with a reading specialist. Within a few short months, Cecret soared. She was confident and building relationships. Her support system helped her identify her challenges and overcome them and she is planning on attending Empire Beauty School to get her license in cosmetology.
Mohamed “Mo” struggled with the transition from middle school to high school and then COVID hit which made it extra hard for him. He only earned one credit his freshman year. He started his turnaround and took summer school classes and attended after school academic programs to help improve his grades. He became part of Susquehanna’s pilot partnership program with Harrisburg University NuPath’s program focusing on Computer Science and Information Technology. Mo hopes to attend Harrisburg University, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology or Penn State Harrisburg.
MJS ACHIEVEMENT FOUNDATION
The MJS Achievement Foundation’s mission is to provide economic assistance to high school students who are attempting to become productive, self-sufficient members of society.