As many of you may know, the following two years have been extremely challenging for me medically, which unfortunately has had a ripple effect on L.I.F.E. On many occasions I have wanted to give up on my long-held goals, passions and ambitions for L.I.F.E. and beyond. But once again, I persevered. Ironically, this was only possible as a result of the support and inspiration I received from the L.I.F.E. Scholarship finalists. They inspired me to keep fighting one day at a time. And reviewing the applicants for this academic year has kept the light within alive. Therefore, I would like to personally thank every applicant for applying. Although not all finalists will receive a L.I.F.E. Scholarship, I have faith that each of you will achieve your goals despite the adversity lupus has brought to your life. You are all lupus WARRIORS!
The L.I.F.E. Scholarship finalists for the 2023/24 academic year are:
- Lucas Ciscato—North Carolina State University
- Raelee Hawkins—Louisville Kentucky
- Willamina Churchill Torres—Eastern Michigan University
- Karissa Kyker—Oregon State University
- Nalleli Flores Robles—Regis University, CO
- Larysa Pagel—Purdue University, IN
- Grace Kettle—Utah Valley University
- Jessica Dawn Clemons—Michigan State University
- Alexandria McClements—Emmanuel University, GA
- Teah Moore—Ohio State University
- Lily Cartier—University of Minnesota, Duluth
- Karina Gaspar-Guerrero—New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Bonnie Bettencourt – Columbia College, CA
- Baylee Burns – Howard Payne University, TX
- Annah Barondick – West Virginia University
- Ingrid Zapata – Empire State University
- Stephanie Warnica – High Point University, NC
As I have done since the day L.I.F.E. was founded in 2001, I will personally reach out to every L.I.F.E. Scholarship winner as my health permits. It is important that Finalists play an active role in not only the selection process, but also the success of the Foundation. The Lupus Inspiration Foundation for Excellence (L.I.F.E.) is only as strong as the students that represent its philanthropic work. With my current medical limitations, I know that the stronger the collective effort of our sponsors, volunteers, and finalists this academic year, the more winners we will be able to honor.
L.I.F.E. asks that all Finalists review their name and college for errors and like this announcement. I hope you will share this news with your family, friends, and anyone that has helped you along this chapter of your life with lupus. You are not alone; we are all in this together.
Congratulations Finalists!
Jodi L. Norton, President of L.I.F.E.