Eight Nebraskans benefit from EducationQuest, a private, non-profit organization based in Lincoln, recently disbursed $27,000 in renewable Reaching Your Potential scholarships among eight Nebraskans who have demonstrated a desire to improve their lives, and the lives of others, through higher education.
In total, EducationQuest has awarded over $233,000 in Reaching Your Potential scholarships to 53 Nebraskans since the program began in 1999. In addition to Hajek, the most recent recipients are:
Judith Baer-Peters, Elkhorn, $2,500 Wendy Gonzalez, Crete, $3,500 Yolanda Gonzales, Scottsbluff, $1,500 Lisa Longwell, Omaha, $5,000 Russell Meyer, Lincoln, $3,500 Andria Scholz, Lincoln, $3,500 An eighth recipient, from Omaha, wished to remain anonymous. He received a $5,000 scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Omaha where he is studying public relations.
"Each recipient is dealing with circumstances that could greatly hinder their ability to pursue higher education, yet they all demonstrate a tremendous desire to improve their lives," said EducationQuest President Liz Fieselman. "We're pleased to help them along the way."
The Reaching Your Potential scholarship program is unique in that it commits funds to recipients through completion of their initial program. "We realize there are many obstacles to education, and that a long-term commitment is critical to ensure success," Fieselman said.
EducationQuest Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with a mission to improve access to higher education in Nebraska. Through a permanent endowment, EducationQuest provides free college planning services at its locations in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha; funds need-based scholarship programs; and supports community organizations that enhance college access. For more information, call the EducationQuest Hotline at 800-666-3721 or visit www.educationquest.org.
$27,000 in "Reaching Your Potential" Scholarships
renewable, need-based program
(LINCOLN Neb. January 16, 2003) - Marilyn Hajek from Sidney works 50 hours a week, deals with her husband's serious illness, helps farm their land, cares for her daughter and wheel-chair bound nephew, and makes quilts for fundraisers. Determined to make caring for others her career, Marilyn is working toward a degree in Human Services from Western Nebraska Community College. She is accomplishing that goal with the help of a $2,500 Reaching Your Potential scholarship from EducationQuest Foundation.
Judith turned her struggle with Hodgkin 's disease into motivation to find a satisfying career. Her motivation led her to the Alegent Health School of Radiologic Technology in Omaha where she is on pace to graduate in 2003 despite taking time off for treatments.
A single mother of two preschoolers, Wendy is pursuing her dream of becoming a radiologist. She attends courses at Southeast Community College and works at Crete Municipal Hospital where she also helps out as a Spanish translator.
A single mother of three, Yolanda attends school full-time at Western Nebraska Community College and works while striving toward an associate's degree with a long-term goal to earn a master's degree in nursing.
Dealing with her child's disability and her husband's illness are just some of the challenges that have made Lisa a stronger person. That strength has led her to pursue a nursing degree at the College of St. Mary.
Despite serious health problems, Russell has expanded his career aspirations from drafting courses at a community college to the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he is a full-time student.
A single mother who has faced many challenges, Andria is pursuing a diploma in medical assisting from Southeast Community College to not only improve her life, but to be a positive role model for her children.
