Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana

Scholarships

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Shannon O' Daniel Memorial Scholarship

Vision: The recipient of the Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship should be a student who has shown courage in dealing with epilepsy and seizure, commitment to their education, and perseverance in eliminating the obstacles that epilepsy and seizures may present.

About the Scholarship

The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckianais now accepting applications for the 2009 Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship Award. The one-year $1,000 award is given to a deserving student who meets the following criteria:

• Is under a physician's care for epilepsy (also called seizure disorder);
• Is a college-bound high school senior;
• Lives in Kentucky (excluding Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties) 
   or lives in Clark, Floyd or Harrison Counties in Indiana.

Shannon O'Daniel was a senior in college and just credits away from graduating when she died from what was attributed to SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy). Her life was a struggle to overcome the seizures that frequently disrupted her life. She did so with a determination to achieve her dreams, one of which was receiving a college diploma. In the aftermath of her tragic death, this scholarship was created to honor Shannon's achievements. Judges will award the scholarship to the student who meets the above criteria and who best fits the scholarship's vision.

Submission Deadline: May 1, 2010

Scholarship Recipients

2002: Jason Buffat
2003: Ashley Hester
2004: Whitney Mayo
2005: Lori Payton
2006: Elizabeth Farrar
2007: Bradley Waller
2008: Emerson Dick
2009: Mary Whitlock



2009 Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship Recipient

The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana is pleased to announce that Mark Whitlock of Louisville, Kentucky is the 2009 Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship recipient. Mary is a 2009 graduate of Eastern High School and will be attending Indiana University Southeast this fall. She is considering a major in Journalism, as writing has always been an easy way for Mary to communicate; however, she is also trying to keep an open mind as she discovers new interests and talents in this next stage of her life.

Mary's struggle with refractory epilepsy has presented many obstacles in her life.  In spite of these obstacles, she has always strived to live a normal life.  To date, high school has been one of Mary's biggest challenges.  Her frequent seizures forced her to spend a large part of her high school career working through her studies at home.  Although her experience was non-traditional, her grades did not suffer and she successfully completed all of the requirements needed to graduate from Eastern High School.

Mary has always been determined to find the good within the bad.  She is confident that she can do her best in all she strives to accomplish and if difficulties arise, she can face each struggle and overcome it.  She states, "I am determined to live life to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity." 


Other Scholarships for Students/Families
Affected by Epilepsy:

Pfizer Epilepsy Award 2010
Amount for Student: $3,000 (one year)
Mailed Applications Due: (must be post-marked by) May 1, 2010
Review Criteria and Download Application Online: www.epilepsy-scholarship.com

UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program™
Amount for Student: $5,000 (one time)
Amount for Family Member/Caregiver of Person with Epilepsy:  $5,000 (one time)
Mailed Applications Due: (must be post-marked by) April 23, 2010
Review Criteria and Download Application Online: www.ucbepilepsyscholarship.com

Visit the National Epilepsy Foundation website Financial Aid: Scholarships for additional scholarship opportunities.