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In this article, Jack talks about the 'Beat the Odds' scholarship and the two GPHS winners.
'Beat the Odds' Scholarship
'Beat the Odds' Scholarship
By: Jack Brouillette
By: Jack Brouillette
Stand for Children is a non-profit education organization that dedicates itself to preparing high school students for graduation and college preparation, no matter their background or circumstances. Every year since 2007, the Stand for Children organization sets aside eight scholarships. Each scholarship is worth $5,000, and is renewable for four years-- for a total of $20,000. Since 2007, Stand for Children has united civic and business leaders, legislators and parents to make students' college dreams come true. This year, two seniors at Grants Pass High School were chosen for the Beat The Odds scholarship. In this article, I will be interviewing the two students and talking about their experiences with the scholarship.
Photo from Grants Pass School District 7 on iIstagram
Sophia Ruelas
Sophia Ruelas
This year, Grants Pass High School senior Sophia Ruelas won one of eight ‘Beat the Odds’ scholarships, and she has shared her story, as well as her plans for the future. Sophia is a 17-year-old who is active in many communities in Grants Pass, including, but not limited to: the GPHS Marching Band and Guard, clubs that work with the Humane Society, and Music Honors Society. Sophia said in an interview with The Scroll that she applied for the ‘Beat The Odds’ Scholarship because she had a hard time during childhood as a second-generation American and wants to prove that anyone can do anything, as long as they put their mind to it. Sophia stated that she wants to attend college and not just be successful for herself, but for other Black and Mexican women. She tells The Scroll that she wants to be a veterinarian, as well as generally be involved with STEM, and plans to follow this career at either Oregon State University or University of California, Davis. The ‘Beat the Odds’ scholarship gets her closer to achieving this scholarship.
Bobby Dishmon
Bobby Dishmon
Bobby Dishmon was another receiver of the ‘Beat the Odds’ scholarship and he has also shared his experience with The Scroll. In an online interview, Bobby said that he had a hard childhood experience with foster care, hopping from house to house and dealing with drugs as well as physical abuse. He says that he is unaware of why he got picked over others, but being able to go through a hard childhood and still thrive is what the people at ‘Beat the Odds’ scholarship are looking for. Bobby told The Scroll that, when he found out about the scholarship, he was going about his day-to-day job, ringing up customers. He was at a total loss for words and said that winning this scholarship shows that even those who have been through bad times can still find success, because nothing can truly hold you back if you have your mind set on a goal. Bobby said he wants to pursue elementary education. Being picked for the ‘Beat the Odds’ scholarship helps greatly with that.
Overall, the ‘Beat the Odds’ scholarship is more than just a scholarship; it is an opportunity for students who have had rough starts to life, and two Grants Pass students winning this scholarship is truly unprecedented. Lastly, I want to thank both Sophia Ruelas and Bobby Dishmon for allowing me to talk about their past life experiences, as well as the ‘Beat the Odds’ scholarship.
Sources:
Sources:
Interview with Bobby Dishmon
Interview with Sophia Ruelas
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