Posted by Able News
Lighthouse Guild, a leading nonprofit vision and healthcare organization, granted 11 scholarships to students who are legally blind. The scholarships, which are up to $10,000 each, are based on strong academic accomplishment and merit. They are meant to help high school students attend the college of their choice or for graduate students continue their academic studies.
This year’s recipients are Brielle Cayer of Connecticut, Tian Crossnoe of Arkansas, Joseph Luther Fuller of Kansas, Isaac Heiman of Washington, Trisha Kulkarni of Ohio, Jack McPadden of Massachusetts, Mausam Mehta of Virginia, Mark Ruoff of New Jersey, Sophia Vilim of Illinois, Gillian Ward of Illinois and Mary McLighthouse Guild Grants 11 Scholarships Laughlin of Pennsylvania.
Since its inception in 2005, Lighthouse Guild’s scholarship program has awarded more than $2 million to outstanding students from 36 states. Former scholarship recipients have gone on to careers as attorneys, teachers, engineers, chemists, composers, neuroscientists, journalists, computer scientists and in many other diverse fields.
Since inspirational teachers make a big impact on the success of students, especially those who are blind, Lighthouse Guild also recognizes outstanding educators, based on nominations from the students themselves. This year’s Lighthouse Guild Teacher’s Award recipient is Sherry Shuman of Centerville High School in Ohio.
According to Kulkarni, who will be attending Stanford University in the fall, Shuman “was the first teacher who treated me as a student, not as a student who was disabled.”
“Education is the key to opportunity,” said Alan Morse, president of Lighthouse Guild. “We are pleased to help outstanding students who are legally blind advance their studies and open the door to a successful future. We are equally pleased to acknowledge teachers who help students realize their dreams.”
