The Children's Foundation's scholarship awards are unique in that they do not focus on academic standing, but rather on achievement in graduating in light of unusual educational, family, or social challenges faced during high school. Each school's guidance department and/or commencement committee nominates the Future Fund recipient for their school, and the stories of these students' perserverence in light of significant challenges always inspires us.

Krystina was one student who received a Future Fund scholarship in 2016. In addition to facing both learning challenges and financial difficulties, she was also a devoted and unfailing support to a friend facing a terminal illness. Krystina stuck by her friend through months of hospitalization and years of illness. Sadly, her friend passed away in the spring of 2016. 

We recently heard from Krystina who wrote:

"I just wanted to thank you so much for the scholarship. It truly meant a lot for me! I was originally nominated for this scholarship partly because of my best friend who had been sick through pretty much all of our high school years. In May she passed away and that made getting this award even more meaningful than it already was because she helped me to get to where I was and work that much harder. I just wanted to reach out and say thank you once again."

Krystina is now studying to be an Early Childhood Educator, specializing in autistic students. We have no doubt that her compassionate nature will be a tremendous asset to her future endeavours. We couldn't be prouder to have helped in some small way with her educational journey and are so grateful to our donors who have made this all possible.