“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
~ Henry Ford
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
~ Henry Ford
The MJS Turnaround Scholarship started in 2017 to award four outstanding high school seniors who turned their lives around after a difficult situation. The feedback was so positive that in 2018, we decided to award all eleven public high schools in Dauphin County. Thanks to generous donations and overwhelming support from friends, family and the community, we are now handing out $48,000 each year to deserving students!
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
The Turnaround Achievement Scholarship recognizes graduating seniors from each of the Dauphin County’s senior high schools who have turned their lives or their situations around during high school and are now pursuing a post-secondary education.
Since the Scholarship’s inception, in 2017, 60 graduating seniors had received the MJS Turnaround Scholarship for a total of $125,000 in scholarship awards.
The Scholarship began in 2017 by awarding four seniors, each with a $1,000 scholarship and has grown to recognize seniors at all 11 Dauphin County High Schools, plus two JT Dorsey Foundation Nominees who are each awarded $4,000 in scholarship funds paid to the post-secondary institution of their choice.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Scholarship is a nomination based scholarship. The student should be nominated by school staff and faculty based on the eligibility requirements. The nomination form should be completed and submitted on-line for approval by March 31st of each year.
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.
2025 MJS Turnaround Scholarship Recipients
Graci Madsen is from Central Dauphin High School and was nominated by Janelle Bushong. At the beginning of high school, Graci was diagnosed with a learning disability. Her grades were struggling, and she was embarrassed. Graci said that she decided to stop feeling sorry for herself and own her issue. She got the support she needed and started to excel. She went from a kid who hated school to one who has chosen education as her future career. Mrs. Bushong was Graci’s IEP advisor and she pushed Graci to realize that she had the skills she needed to be successful. Mrs. Bushong said, “Graci found her niche helping in the special education classrooms which is where she found her self-confidence.” Graci plans is attending Temple University in the Fall of 2025 and plans to study special education.
Alexis Sturgeon is from Central Dauphin East High school was nominated by Katie Ulrich. Alexis struggled through some unhealthy relationships while in high school leading her to psychosis and thoughts of suicide. Thankfully, she started therapy. She says, “I realized no one was coming to save me what happened and that I needed to get up and get my life together.” She started focusing on positive relationships and loving herself. Alexis thanks her counselor, Mrs. James for standing by her side and always listening. She says, “without Mrs. James I never would have graduated high school!” Alexis plans to attend HACC for Mechanical Engineering and finish her degree at Penn State Harrisburg. She will also continue her job at Pennsylvania’s Materials and Testing Lab where she just became a Technical Assistant, thanks to Mrs. James. Mrs. Black, a counselor at CDE commented, “In my twenty years as a school counselor, I have not encountered a success story to quite match Alexis’s mental health struggles…I am so proud of the person she has become; the road was an uphill battle, and she conquered it.
Alex Schreiber is from Halifax High School and was nominated by Jennifer Gutierrez. Alex had self harm challenges in 9th grade and through a hospital they were in found out that they had autism. After the diagnosis they were able to get resources to regulate their behaviors. Alex also found out they had health diagnosis that caused dizzy spells and fainting. Alex started falling asleep in class which took its toll on their grades. After a sleep study, Alex found out they have narcolepsy. They still struggle with this because they can’t get medication until they turn 18. Through medical care and therapists, Alex found the support they needed to get the resources needed to overcome all of their medical diagnoses. Alex chose to rise above all their challenges and is on the path to success. After graduation Alex plans to attend Kutztown University to major in social work and minor study psychology.
Gideon Fasanya was is from Harrisburg High School and was nominated by Domineak Commodore. Gideon moved to the states from Nigeria in 2021. Everything was new, including the way of life and education. Gideon says, “moving to America was tough, but I kept trying, asked for help when I needed it, and stayed positive. Having good people around me helped me do my best. Gideon became the team captain and in charge of NJROTC. He was a multisport athlete. Domineak says of Gideon, “Gideon has been a leader at Harrisbug High School, John Harris Campus. He has made an impact on the school that will last for years after he graduates.” Gideon plans to attend a four year college/university to study Business Administration and wrestle in college. Gideon says, “In the end, my goal is to work hard, keep learning, and make a difference through real estate and community service.”
Aiden Bickley is from Hershey High School and was nominated by Chelsea Mohn. Aiden’s mom passed away when Aiden was in 9th grade after a battle with cancer. After his mom passed, unfortunate circumstances led to Aiden losing his home. He was constantly switching schools and failing classes. He found a place to stay through newly forged relationships with extended family. He entered Hershey High School his senior year listed as a junior due to credits he was missing through his struggles. Thankfully, he found the support he needed and made up his credits, excelled on the wrestling team and graduated as a senior. He is hoping to attend a four year college to study sports medicine. Mrs. Mohn says, “Aiden is a kind, respectful, and motivated young man that made the choice to better his life.” Aiden’s advice to others who are going through hard times is, “Don’t focus on the bad things that happened in the past and keep pushing forward.”
Ariam Gebrezgi was nominated by the JT Dorsey Foundation. Ariam’s parents came to the United States from Eritrea. Ariam is extremely motivated to succeed as a first generation American. She took on ten extracurriculars and a rigorous course load. This load took a mental toll on Ariam. Ariam learned to use her time wisely, limit procrastination and prioritize. Ariam says, “I am so proud of my perseverance and grit to not give up in the face of stressful times.” Ariam plans to study electrical engineering. The JT Dorsey team says, “Ariam has worked so hard over the last few years in being the best she can be. She wants to make a generational change within her family and model the right things for her younger sisters.”
Fariana Diaz-Davalos was nominated by the JT Dorsey Foundation. Fariana’s family helped her realize she had great potential to be in business. Ariam says she has the confidence to overcome. She pushed through adversity and helped create a Latinx Club at her high school, SciTech. JT Dorsey Foundation says, “Fariana has grown up witnessing the hard work of her parents, who immigrated to Harrisburg from Mexico. Fariana is a caring individual who loves her community. She goes out of her way to help others in need, even if it means sacrificing herself.” Fariana plans to get a degree in Business with a minor in international business.
Teyarea Jackson is from Lower Dauphin High School and was nominated by Lori Beaver. Teyarea became a new mom in high school and was homeless. She struggled making new friends and relating to other students her age. Thankfully, she has an amazing mother who helps out with her daughter and she’s made some friends who have brought her positive relationships. She plans to go to Empire Beauty School. Her advice to other students struggling is, “Always try your best and never give up. Not everything is going to be cupcakes and rainbows. Stay true to yourself.” Mrs. Beaver says of Teyarea, “Teyarea’s resilience, determination, and perseverance have been amazing to observe…all of Teyarea’s teachers say she is a joy to have in class.”
Mrs. Oberholser says, “Yinary has a helpful spirit and supports students who transfer to us that are Spanish speakers. She personifies PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Disciple, Excellence) and is grateful for her experiences.” Yinary plans to attend Messiah University to get her Bachelor of Science and then attend Medical School, followed by pediatric residency and neonatal fellowship to get her board certification and state licensure.
Sabrina is from Millersburg Area High School and was nominated by Meredith Savage. Sabrina moved into the district her junior year and was homeless. She had been living with her grandmother who had to go into a facility for dementia. Sabrina lived in an RV with a friend, but continued to work hard on her school and be on honor roll and distinguished honor roll. Meredith says of Sabrina, “Sabrina is truly an inspiration. Despite her situation, she has persevered and is determined to not only graduate from high school, but also go on to post secondary schooling to become a veterinary technician.” Sabrina plans to attend Penn Foster for their veterinary technician program.
Dhyshalias Holmes is from Steelton Area High School and was nominated by Adrienne Albert. Adrienne lost her father in middle school unexpectedly. This made her angry and took an emotional toll – causing negative behaviors and poor academics. She was placed into an alternative program to allow her to refocus on her education. This smaller school allowed her to turn herself around. She started 9th grade a much improved student and began trusting adults to help her succeed. She is going to Community College of Philadelphia for software engineering. Her advice to others struggling is, “find a trusted person, or journal. Don’t keep feelings bottled up, envision something you want to see yourself doing and let that drive you and be your motivation to be successful.”
Lalasa Blanco is from Susquehanna High School and was nominated by Tessa Stockdale. At the beginning of high school Lalasa struggled with mental health issues which led to poor grades and substance abuse. Lalasa decided to choose a different path and got involved in sports and activities at school. She made connections with positive friends and caring adults. Lalasa was a key player in getting Susquehanna’s girls wrestling team started in 2024. It was a huge success and Lalalsa was proud to be part of it. Lalasa’s advice for other students going through struggles is, “You’re not perfect. No one is perfect so don’t expect yourself to be. Allow yourself to grow.” Lalasa plans to attend Temple University to major in secondary education Health and minor in Psychology.
Kevin Nguyen is from Upper Dauphin High School and was nominated by Lora Nestor. Kevin’s father passed away in 2022 and a few weeks later Kevin was hospitalized due to complications from his COVID vaccine. In 2024, Kevin’s grandmother passed away and Kevin returned to Vietnam for the funeral which impacted his academics. Kevin is thankful for the staff and faculty at Upper Dauphin who helped him push through and persevere. Kevin is planning on attending Carnegie Mellon University for computer science. Ten students were nominated at Upper Dauphin. Students shared their stories and staff voted and Kevin won this nomination for the 2025 class.
2025 MJS Turnaround Photo Gallery
