Aaron - Independence
Aaron's dad was a nurse who was overpowered by an overweight psychotic patient while trying to restrain the patient. The patient fell and his father suffered a severe dislocation and rotator cuff tear in his shoulder with three bulging discs in his cervical spine. Aaron is currently majoring in history and he is in the Air Force ROTC. He hopes to become an officer in the United States Air Force.
Alexis - Gross Tete
Alexis' dad was permanently injured while he was working as a welder, grinding pipes, when he was pinned between two large pipes. He sustained injuries to his neck and back. Alexis, an incoming freshman says, "This scholarship will give me the chance to make it regardless of my family's financial situation. I need your help to achieve my goal." She plans to get a degree in computer science. Alexis and Tiarra are sisters who are recipients of the Kids' Chance Scholarship Program.
Blake - Florien
Blake's dad was a car salesman. He took a man for a test drive and was kidnaped, robbed and murdered. Blake hopes to become a radiology technician. He is determined to become a person his father would be proud of. He says, " have overcome these circumstances by realizing we cannot control what happens to us, we can only control what we do with the circumstances."
Brandon - Breaux Bridge
Brandon's dad was permanently disabled in a vehicular accident while at work when he was hit from behind by another employee. He has had two surgeries including a three level fusion. He also has four additional injured discs in his neck.
Brandon will soon graduate with a bachelors degree in nursing and allied health. He hopes to continue someday and get a masters in nursing with a specialization in anesthesia. Brandon says, "Kids' Chance has helped me achieve my goals by giving me the financial stability to finish college." Brandon, Bryce and Leah are siblings.
Brittany - Morgan City
Brittany's dad was lifting an air compressor from a tool box at work when he suffered a herniated disc resulting in a laminectomy and discectomy at the L5 level. Brittany wants to graduate with a B.S. in science and attend dental school. Her dad's injury has taught her the importance of hard work and higher education. "I will continue to use his struggle as motivation to achieve higher levels," said Brittany.
Bryce - Breaux Bridge
Bryce's dad was permanently disabled in a vehicular accident while at work when he was hit from behind by another employee. He has had two surgeries including a three level fusion. He also has four additional injured discs in his neck. Bryce is working on a bachelors in industrial technology and plans to be a supervisor in the oil field. "My father lost his livelihood when I was at a young age," said Bryce, and without the aid of TOPS and Kids' Chance my family would not have the means of sending me to college." Brandon, Bryce and Leah are siblings.
Jennifer M. - Sunset
While working Jennifer's dad fell backwards from a ladder while carrying rope, he landed on his back. He suffered an extensive back injury, becoming totally disabled. Jennifer says that Kids' Chance helps her achieve her goals by easing the financial burden on her parents, and "It allows me to focus on my studies."
Jennifer P. - Oberlin
Jennifer's dad drowned in an accident at work on a military base. He was cleaning the pool at the base where he worked, blacked out and sank to the bottom and drowned. Jennifer says the scholarship aids her financially and she doesn't have to burden her mother with bills or take out loans. Jennifer will graduate in May with a degree in nursing. She plans to be a nurse practitioner.
Jeremy - Minden
Jeremy's father was working at the railroad when he experienced a serious knee injury. He subsequently had to have arthroscopic surgery, then two total knee replacements, then knee manipulations, followed by therapy for an extended period of time. Jeremy will graduate with a degree in Business Administration and Management. He hopes to have his own business someday. He says, “Kids' Chance will help me to complete school and not have to pay back so many loans. It will also take some of the pressure from my parents who are trying to help finance my education.
Joshua - Metairie
Joshua's father was at work processing a large shipment of batteries weighing 60-75 pounds each. When he was bending down to put the last battery in place, his back snapped and he was brought to his knees in pain. He has been totally disabled for more than 10 years. Joshua is studying engineering and plans to work in the field of petroleum engineering. He says, " Kids' Chance gives me the needed resources to complete my education."
Kerri - Dry Creek
Kerri ‘s dad was killed in a motor vehicle accident while working. She is working on her bachelor's degree in nursing, with plans to eventually pursue a master's degree and certifications to work as a nurse practitioner. Kerri admits her fathers death has had a profound affect on her and her family. Not only were they physically, mentally and emotionally crushed, but they lost all sense of security. "This scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to continue school and receive the education that would not have been possible before," she said.
Kristen - Castor
Kristen's dad was cutting down a pine tree at work, when a sweet gum tree snapped in-two and fell across his shoulders, crushing his back, leaving him partially paralyzed. His condition continues to degenerate, he has had multiple surgeries and currently is only able to get around with the use of a scooter or wheelchair. Kristen is attending school and student teaching this year, so she won't have time to work as in years past. She said, "This scholarship has been a blessing to me."
Leah - Breaux Bridge
Leah's dad was permanently disabled in a vehicular accident while at work when he was hit from behind by another employee. He has had two surgeries including a three level fusion. He also has four additional injured discs in his neck. Leah is a first year recipient of Kids' Chance. She is studying interior design. Leah said, "Kids' Chance will help me achieve my goals." Brandon, Bryce and Leah are siblings.
Molly - Folsom
Molly's father was killed on a construction site when an improperly rigged beam fell on him at work. Molly is a senior and plans to graduate with a degree in accounting. She said, "As a result of my father's death, I have become a stronger and more independent person. I am motivated to succeed because I know that I am making my dad proud."
Ravan - Bastrop
Ravan's dad was a detective, shot and killed in the line of duty. She wants to graduate with a double major in biology and Spanish, attend medical school and be a pediatric physician. She has focused much of her time helping family members deal with the tumultuous circumstances. She said, "I strive each day to show others through my actions, the way I carry myself and leadership skills that they too can overcome any obstacle in life with dignity, respect, honor and triumph over tragedy."
Sara Beth - Jennings
Sara Beth's dad injured his lower back at work. He had two surgeries that only left him with scar tissue and chronic pain. Sara said, "This pain has affected every part of his life and has had an adverse effect on our family.” She hopes to graduate with a degree in early childhood education and enjoy a teaching career.
Savannah - Deville
Savannahs's dad was at his job site, adding dye into the concrete mix, when the ladder broke and he fell to the ground. He has had two surgeries but remains permanently disabled. Savannah will graduate with a bachelors degree in accounting. She plans to obtain her CPA license and continue to graduate school too. She said, "Kids chance has helped me so much, I'm able to attend college and receive a great education. I greatly appreciate the help."
Tara - Jennings
Tara's dad was permanently disabled when he was electrocuted while at work. He is a bilateral amputee below his elbows. She is majoring in accounting and agri-business. The loss of her fathers's livelihood initially made it hard for Tara to concentrate on school because she was overwhelmed with worry. "Now I'm able to concentrate on my school work and make good grades so I can get scholarship so my parents won't have to pay for my full college," she said.
Tiarra’ - Gross Tete
Tiarra's dad was permanently injured while he was working as a welder, grinding pipes, when he was pinned between two large pipes. He sustained injuries to his neck and back. Tiarra, a sophomore who wants to become a physical therapist said, "Kids' Chance will help make my dream come true of getting my degree. This scholarship will give me the chance to make it regardless of my family's financial situation. I need your help to achieve my goal. Thanks." Alexis and Tiarra are sisters who are recipients of the Kids' Chance Scholarship Program.
