This scholarship is the firm’s way of giving back to the community and they have honored their first scholarship winner, Abby M. from Florida, with a $1,000 award to pursue dual microbiology and agricultural teacher education degrees.
The 500 – 1,000 word essay-based scholarship opportunity asks prospective recipients to write about one of three topics; overcoming your disability to do some extraordinary, how your degree will contribute to your short and long-term goals, or how your disability has made you unique.
Abby M.’s essay response showed a strength and dedication rarely seen in someone so young. She clearly embraces what she refers to as her ‘ability’ and expressed her past, present, and future determination to overcome and be her best self – against all odds. She asserts that upon first glance, it is not apparent that she suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, but she makes clear that she does not see her situation as one of suffering; instead it is one of opportunity. As Abby M. moves towards completion of her degrees, she readily embraces all she is and looks forward to who she is becoming.
When asked why the firm created this scholarship, Herb Auger replied, “The Disabled Scholar Award is just a part of our efforts to be good members of the community and to give back to our fellow citizens.” He asserted, “…we hope to both raise awareness about the challenges disabled young people face while also helping one special young person to achieve his/her goals and dreams.”