Aaron, Independence
Aaron's dad was a nurse. He was overpowered by a psychotic patient while trying to restrain him. The patient fell and his father suffered a severe dislocation and rotator cuff tear with three bulging discs in his cervical spine. Aaron is working on a double major-Business Management and German. His career objective is to be an officer in the United State Air Force. He has worked very hard to be the highest ranking Air Force Cadet in New Orleans, he said, "I could not have done this without the Kids' Chance Scholarship."
Blake, Florien
Blake's dad was a car salesman. He took a man for a test drive and was kidnaped, robbed and murdered. Blake is determined to become a person his father would be proud of. He wants to be a radiology technician.
Brittany, Morgan City
Brittany's dad was attempting to lift an air compressor when he was injured. He suffered a herniated disc, resulting in a laminectomy and discectomy at L5. Brittany plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree, then apply to dental school. She wants to be an orthodontist. "Kids' Chance will help me achieve my goal by relieving the financial stress," she said.
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 getting a bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology. His career objective is to work in the oil industry-pneumatics (electrical specialty). "My father lost his livelihood when I was at a young age," said Bryce, "without TOPS and Kids' Chance my family would not have the means of sending me to college." Bryce's sister Leah is also a Kids' Chance Scholarship recipient.
Candice, Marksville
Candice's dad broke his back and became disabled while trying to resolve a riot at the prison where he was employed. He has had four surgeries because of this injury. Candice plans to graduate with a bachelors degree and have a successful career in banking.
Chelsea, Maringouin
Chelsea's dad was injured while working on a trailer at his job. So far he has had one surgery putting eight screws in his back, and another surgery is pending. Chelsea wants to major in biology then work on a career in the health field.
Coby, Duson
Coby's dad died after falling 160 feet from a water tower while at work. Coby is considering a variety of career options, leaning towards engineering and industrial design.
Colby, Dry Creek
Colby's dad died in a work related auto accident. Colby's intended field of study is criminal justice, he'd like to become a U.S. Marshall. "Kids' Chance will take some of the financial burden away, " said Colby. Colby's sister Kerri is also a Kids' Chance Scholarship recipient.
Emily, Ragley
Emily's dad died when his leg was caught in a piece of farm equipment and traumatically amputated. She plans to major in nursing and have a career as an obstetrics nurse.
Jessica, Leesville
Jessica's dad worked as a teacher. While at school he fell on an icy sidewalk and suffered traumatic brain stem injury. He is retired and on permanent disability. Jessica's circumstances have helped her realize the importance of college. Working with her dad helped her discover her gift, "I want to use my gift of patience to make a difference in children's lives," said Jessica. She plans to major in elementary special education.
Joshua T., 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 12 years. Joshua's goal is to graduate with an engineering degree.
Joshua W., Labadieville
Joshua's dad was killed instantly when his work truck was struck by a train. Joshua wants to be a successful engineer and provide the guidance of a father that he missed to his future children. "I didn't allow the death of my father to keep me down. I stayed focused on my work-he would have been proud," said Joshua.
Kerri, Pitkin
Kerri's dad died in a work related auto accident. She plans to graduate with a bachelors in the science of nursing and obtain a license to become a registered nurse. "The loss of my father was not only the most difficult time of my life emotionally, but it has made it very difficult financially, this scholarship will provide me with the financial ability to continue to pursue a nursing degree," said Kerri. Kerri's brother Colby is also a Kids' Chance Scholarship recipient.
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 majoring is business management. She plans to own and operate a dancing school. Leah's brother Bryce is also a Kid's Chance Scholarship recipient.
Raven, Bastrop
Raven's dad was a detective, shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a claim of a petty theft. "When my father died in the line of duty, his death was brutal, public and highly unexpected. The media has placed my family under constant scrutiny. I have made it my personal goal in life to triumph over tragedy and to rise above all adversity," said Raven. She plans to obtain a doctorate of biology and Spanish, and to become a bilingual pediatric physician.
Rebecca M., Lutcher
Rebecca's dad was at work, he climbed up stairs, a handrail broke and he fell 20 feet. He suffered a severe fracture to his ankle and post surgery complications, requiring more surgeries, totally disabling him. Rebecca wants to have a career in the culinary arts/hospitality industry.
Rebecca P., Bossier City
Rebecca's dad was carrying two portable scales to weigh an 18-wheel truck, he twisted his ankle, jolting his back, herniating a disc in his lower spine. Two laminectomies failed to provide relief and a lumbar fusion was performed. He has been in pain management and unable to work for 12 years. Rebecca plans to graduate with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and attend a physical therapy program to become a licensed physical therapist.
Sara, Jennings
Sara's dad suffered a work-related injury to his lower back. Two unsuccessful surgeries have left him in chronic pain. Sara is working to obtain a degree in early childhood education and plans to be a PreK teacher. She is also interested in photography and hopes to develop that into a career option.
Tara, Jennings
Tara's dad was electrocuted at work. Both arms are amputated just below the elbow. At first she found it hard to concentrate on school because she was worried about her dad. Now she is able to focus on school work and get good grades so she can get scholarships, "so my parents won't have to pay for my full college," Tara says. Tara is majoring in accounting and wants to be a CPA.
