2003 Scholarship Recipients

Following are the recipients of our scholarship fund. In addition to the five individuals, we have also selected one school program. In each case, we believe the program involved will enhance opportunities and independence for young adults with Down syndrome.

Ian Clemence-Schreiner is currently attending Riverview School GROW in East Sandwich MA. Ian graduated from Barnstable High School in Hyannis MA and will complete his studies in June of 2004. Riverview is a post secondary school which assists students in functioning independently in the community. Students in the program attend classes four days a week at Project Forward at Cape Cod Community College. Project Forward is a vocational program for students with learning differences.

Minerva Poudyal is currently attending Chapel Haven in Connecticut. Chapel Haven provides classes in language arts, math, science, life skills and vocational training. After the two year program, Minerva will be living independently in an apartment and hopes to have a great job!

Maria Calderon completed high school at Chaperral High School in Scottsdale AZ in 2002. She would like to have enough job support to ensure her success in future employment. She will be receiving that support from Scottsdale Foundation for the Handicapped in Scottsdale.

Carrie Bergeron has been attending Herkimer Community College in upstate New York to obtain her certificate to become a teacher's aide. In interviewing Carrie, I was overcome with awe at her desire to use her learning difficulties to help teach young children. Having struggled at various times in her academic career, she is well aware of the power of believing in oneself. She also knows what it feels like to have an advocate and she wants to be that advocate for children. Each child who comes into contact with Carrie will be richly blessed. She will be completing her program in June of 2004.

Chess Mitchell of Fairfax, VA is currently attending the LIFE Program at George Mason University in Virginia. LIFE is a six year program designed for students with special needs. In this program, the students initially attend classes on a daily basis while living at home. By the third year of the program, the students are living in dormitories and attending classes. Years five and six, the students are being transitioned into jobs and living arrangements within the community. Chess has an incredible ability to retain and recall information, so he is sure to do well in LIFE!

Within the Rochester Community Schools, an new program has been introduced in the middle and high school levels. This program, called Anchors, provides peer support in general education settings. In addition to developing independence for students with special needs, the program also promotes inclusion and acceptance beginning at an early and impressionable age. Anchors is designed to encourage unsupervised independent relationships between students with special needs and their peers to develop the interpersonal skills to be successful into adulthood.