Living With Loss Scholarship Opportunity / Scholarship Award Recipients
Perfect Memorials Living With Loss Scholarship Recipients
The Perfect Memorials Living with Loss Scholarship is a program deeply cherished by our team. We have awarded students over $1,000 in scholarships every year since 2018. This year, we received an overwhelming response with over 700 heartfelt, moving entries that illuminated personal journeys of loss, resilience, and transformative growth. The stories we read were tender, touching, and profoundly emotional - a testament to the courage and determination of the human spirit. We are so proud of the students who submitted essays to us and put emotions on paper. We know talking and sharing these things can be hard but know that each submission was raw, real and vulnerable.
The selection process was challenging. Perfect Memorials staff and management came together to read and vote on these powerful narratives. Today, we are elated to announce three extraordinary winners for the 2023-2024 academic year.
1st Place: Jordan B. from Ohio - $1,000 Scholarship
The adversity she faced early in life was significant and certainly challenging. Losing a parent at such a young age is a life-altering experience that can create a void that's hard to fill. Being led down a path of substance abuse as a result of trying to fill that void is a painful reality that too many people experience.
However, Jordan's strength and determination allowed her to turn her life around, and her path to recovery serves as a beacon of hope for others. Her decision to not only overcome her personal struggles but also to use her experiences to help others is a testament to her incredible resilience and compassionate nature.
Her choice to become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor is a clear demonstration of her dedication to making a positive difference in the world. The professional endorsement of being "passionate, determined, and relentless," while also a "kind and warm human being" speaks volumes about her character and her impact on those around her.
Moreover, her decision to continue her education and pursue a Master's degree in Social Work further reinforces her commitment to helping others. This dedication to lifelong learning and professional development is truly commendable.
In the face of such adversity, Jordan's transformation into a devoted mother, compassionate counselor, and aspiring social worker is inspiring. Her story reminds us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience. It is exciting to see what her future holds, and we are indeed proud to stand by her side as she continues her remarkable journey.
2nd Place: Antony M. from Oregon - $250 Scholarship
Antony's story is one of exceptional perseverance and resilience. Hailing from Zimbabwe and moving to the United Statesas a teenager, he had to endure immense change at such a formative age. Adapting to an entirely new culture and environment, all while grappling with his personal loss, must have been a significant challenge.
It's inspiring to learn that Antony found solace in soccer, transforming it from a mere pastime to a source of strength and distraction from the adversities he faced. Soccer, often touted as the universal language, seems to have provided him with a sense of belonging and stability amid the hardships surrounding him. After the loss of his mom, the game turned from a welcome distraction to a passion. Growing up surrounded by crime and poverty, Antony's ability to keep his focus on his goals is truly commendable. His tenacity and perseverance in spite of his circumstances speaks volumes about his strength of character.
Becoming a dedicated student-athlete, Antony seems to have channeled his energies into areas that would not only provide personal satisfaction but also lay the foundation for a promising future. Moreover, Antony's account of his parents working hard, despite their challenges, showcases a lineage of resilience and perseverance. His narrative seems to indicate that their tireless work ethic and determination have inspired him in his own journey.
As Antony prepares to start his college education, we eagerly anticipate the next phase of his journey. Regardless of the specific field he chooses to pursue, it's clear that his grit, determination, and motivation will undoubtedly lead him to great success. Antony's story is a powerful testament to how personal loss and hardship can be transformed into a driving force for a brighter future.
3rd Place: Taylor W. from Texas - $250 Scholarship
Taylor's story is deeply touching and inspirational. The pain and loss she felt when her young friend tragically passed away from a rare cancer must have been incredibly challenging. However, it's remarkable that she was able to channel her grief and use this experience as a catalyst for purpose and motivation.
Her experiences attending her friend's treatments exposed her to the harsh realities of pediatric oncology at a very young age, creating a profound understanding and empathy within her. Taylor has spent her time diving in to summer cancer research programs and volunteering her time working alongside the most desperate medical cases in the Dominican Republic.
Being described as "driven" and "committed" by her former principal is a testament to her character and dedication. These traits are invaluable, especially in a field as challenging as medicine. Furthermore, her nomination for the U.S Presidential Scholar CTE Award reflects her academic prowess and potential for success.
Taylor's journey to become a pediatric oncologist is truly commendable. Her personal connection to the field, driven by her devastating loss, makes her an especially empathetic and compassionate figure. Her commitment to work with pediatric oncology patients is a tribute to her dear friend and a reflection of her desire to alleviate the suffering of others.
We admire Taylor's determination and resilience in the face of tragedy. Her personal experiences have created a deep-seated desire to make a difference, and there's no doubt that she will touch many lives throughout her journey. Taylor's story is a beautiful example of how profound loss can give rise to a purpose-driven life.
These heartfelt stories from Jordan, Anthony, and Taylor remind us that while loss is a universal experience, the ways in which we respond and grow from these experiences are uniquely personal. We are profoundly honored to award these scholarships, and we stand inspired by their resilience and determination.
Congratulations to our three winners! Your stories have touched our hearts and inspired our community. We wish you all the best in your academic pursuits and future endeavors. We know you'll continue to make a difference and look forward to seeing your journey unfold.
The Living with Loss Scholarship will continue to provide financial assistance to those who have experienced loss and have transformed their pain into strength. Our scholarship opportunity web page will be updated in fall 2023 with information for this opportunity in the 2024-2025 school year.
Thank you to all who shared their stories with us this year. You have all contributed to making this scholarship a beacon of hope, inspiration, and resilience.