Nebraskans Receive EducationQuest Scholarships
"Reaching Your Potential" program helps recipients overcome obstacles
(LINCOLN Neb. February 10, 2006) – EducationQuest Foundation has awarded $47,000 in renewable Reaching Your Potential scholarships to 12 Nebraskans who have overcome obstacles to attend college.
The recipients are:
Jazmin Aguilar-Salazar, Norfolk, $3,500
An immigrant from Mexico, Jazmin overcame language barriers and excelled in school despite many challenges. She is now a sophomore at Wayne State College pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
Rowshan Ali, Lincoln, $4,000
After fleeing Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, Rowshan and her family spent 10 tough years in Iran and Pakistan and then came to Lincoln for a better life. Roshawn is studying Mass media and Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a goal to become a broadcast journalist.
Greg Bruegger, Scottsbluff, $2,000
After suffering injuries that forced him to leave his construction career, Greg began college at age 43. He'll soon receive an associate degree in Information Technology/Network Administration from Western Nebraska Community College and will transfer to Chadron State College.
Richard Haith Jr., Beatrice, $3,000
Paralyzed in a car accident, Rick thought he had no future until a doctor "wheeled" into his hospital room showing him life's possibilities. Rick will soon graduate from Southeast Community College and then transfer to the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he'll study Recreational Therapy.
Barnabas Kiir, Lincoln, $3,000
A "Lost Boy of Sudan," Barnabas came to the United States with the hope of pursuing an education. He's a student at Southeast Community College in Lincoln with plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska at Kearney to complete his teaching degree.
Chris Petersen, Omaha, $4,000
Chris dealt with many problems while enduring a tough childhood but turned his life around after entering an independent living program as a teenager. His desire to use his life experiences to help others led him to the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he is studying Social Work.
Kristofor Prigge, Stromsburg, $2,000
Despite learning disabilities, Kris is following his dream of a college career that will allow him to work with tools and cars. With assistance from Northeast Community College, he is pursuing an associate degree in Diesel Mechanics.
Ashley Smith, Crete, $6,000
Ashley's life changed dramatically in high school following the death of her father and, a few years later, her mother. Despite these tragedies, she is determined to achieve a bachelor's degree at Doane College, and then continue her schooling until she achieves a Ph.D. in Psychology.
Mahsa Sorouri, Omaha, $4,000
At age 14, Mahsa emigrated from Iran to flee religious persecution and to pursue an education. She is determined to achieve a Biotechnology degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she's active on campus. She plans to eventually pursue a medical career.
Gabriel Thong, Wayne, $3,500
Gabriel was seven years old when he escaped from Sudan and survived "horrible" times as a refugee. In 2001, he came to Nebraska where he is pursuing education and a better life. Gabriel is enrolled at Wayne State College studying Business Administration and Finance.
Ashley Whiteaker, Hastings, $6,000
Raised by her grandmother and living on a limited income, Ashley knew the only way she could get to college was through hard work. Despite many obstacles along the way, Ashley persevered and is now pursuing a Special Education degree at Hastings College.
A twelfth recipient wished to remain anonymous.
EducationQuest, a private nonprofit organization headquartered in Lincoln, has disbursed over $850,000 in renewable Reaching Your Potential scholarships to 128 Nebraskans since the program began in 2000. Applicants are referred to the program by statewide community agencies and colleges.
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 provides grants for programs that enhance college access. For more information, call EducationQuest Foundation, headquartered in Lincoln, at 800-303-3745 or visit www.educationquest.org.
