(LINCOLN Neb. January 16, 2004) - Adnan Al-Fatlawi survived an oppressive Iraqi government and six years in a Saudi Arabian refugee camp before arriving in the United States to begin a new life. Two years later, he attends Southeast Community College in Lincoln with plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in English Literature – an amazing feat considering he knew no English when he arrived in the U.S. Al-Fatwali is pursuing his education with the help of a $2,500 Reaching Your Potential scholarship from EducationQuest Foundation.

EducationQuest, a private, non-profit organization based in Lincoln, recently disbursed $35,000 in renewable Reaching Your Potential scholarships to eleven Nebraskans who demonstrate a desire to improve their lives, and the lives of others, through higher education.

In addition to Al-Fatwali, the recipients are:

Santino Akot,Lincoln, $2,500
Santino, one of "The Lost Boys of Sudan," relocated to the United States after years of living in a refugee camp with no family and no access to education, food or medical services. His determination led him to Southeast Community College with plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to earn a degree in Electronic Engineering.

Jennifer Beckner, Lincoln, $3,000
Knowing that education would be a "way out of the life she was brought into," Jennifer survived an abusive childhood and is now a freshman at Chadron State College. She plans to become an elementary teacher and help students with high needs.

Kayti Boeckman, Omaha, $3,500
Overcoming an eight-year battle with an eating disorder, Kayti now attends the University of Nebraska-Omaha studying Psychology and Business Administration with plans to open a treatment center for others with eating disorders.

Jennifer Hoffman, Omaha, $3,000
Despite dealing with the effects of a brain injury suffered in a car accident while in high school, Jennifer is earning good grades and participating in extracurricular activities at Wayne State College. She plans to pursue a career in public relations.

Charles Mackey, Lincoln, $2,500
Charles overcame an abusive childhood, several foster placements and many other struggles to get to where he is today – a freshman at Southeast Community College. He is pursuing his goal to earn a degree in geology, and eventually a master’s degree and PhD in paleontology.

Michele Mazur, Omaha, $5,000
Michele is a single mother to a five-year-old son with serious health problems. She is pursuing college for two reasons: to set a good example for her son and to become a pediatric nurse to help other sick children and their families. Michele attends the College of St. Mary.

Mary Meredith, Beatrice, $1,500
A single mother to a special needs child, Mary faces financial and emotional struggles but is determined that her daughter will have a better life than she did. Mary is working on a degree in medical office technology from Southeast Community College with plans to become an MRI specialist.

Diana Smith, York, $5,000
Diana has worked since age 10 and played a large role is raising her younger brother and sister while helping to support her disabled parents. Now she is doing something for herself – she is attending the College of St. Mary with plans to become an advocate for women and children.

Yohanes Tot, Omaha, $3,500
Yohanes came to the United States in 1999 from an Ethiopian refugee camp after his family escaped the war-torn country of Sudan. He went on to excel in high school and is now studying biotechnology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha with plans to go to medical school.

Nyabuony Kek Yiel, Grand Island, $3,000
At the age of nine, Nyabuony and her family left Africa and came to the United States for a better education and life. Now a freshman at Wayne State College, Nyabuony is pursuing her lifelong dream to become a nurse.

"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."

In total, EducationQuest has disbursed over $356,000 in Reaching Your Potential scholarships to 76 Nebraskans since the program began in 2000. Applicants are referred to the program by statewide community agencies.

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 EducationQuest Foundation, headquartered in Lincoln, at 800-303-3745 or visit www.educationquest.org.