[NFBofSC] FW: National Federation of the Blind Announces 2020 Scholarship Program Finalists

[Steve & Shannon Cook]

I apologize, I spelled Matthew's name wrong. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve & Shannon Cook <cookcafe at sc.rr.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2020 5:54 PM
To: 'nfbofsc at nfbnet.org' <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org>
Subject: National Federation of the Blind Announces 2020 Scholarship Program Finalists

Congratulations to Mathew!
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*


National Federation of the Blind Announces 2020 Scholarship Program Finalists



*Baltimore, Maryland (May 6, 2020): *The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the nation’s leading advocate for equal education of the blind, today announced the finalists for its annual scholarship program, which provides financial assistance and connects students with mentoring and other resources. The thirty scholarship finalists are listed below in alphabetical order with their home states and vocational goals.



·        Robert (Rob) Blachowicz, Arkansas: Counseling

·       Christopher (Chris) Bove, Rhode Island: Public Service

·       Brianna (Bri) Broadwater, Maryland: Psychologist or Education

·       Michael (Mick) Carey-Thomann, Alaska: Lawyer

·       Sean Carlson, Oregon: Vocational Rehabilitation Instructor

·       Natalie Charbonneau, Oregon: Animal Genetics and Conservation
Research

·       Moreblessings Chikavanga, Texas: Civil Rights/Disability Law

·       Kevin Darcy, Colorado: Anthropology Professor

·       Matthew Duffell-Hoffman, South Carolina: Electrical Engineer

·       Paxton Franke, North Dakota: Forensic Pathology

·       Lauren (Elaine) Hardin, Georgia: Higher Education Student Affairs
Administrator

·       Kaitlyn (Kat) Hippe, Wisconsin: Languages and Education

·       Emily Kiehl, Ohio: Information Technology

·       Josh Loebner, Tennessee: Inclusive Advertising

·       Sara Luna, Illinois: Museum Accessibility

·       Victor Marques, Michigan: Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and
Access Technology Specialist

·       Griffin Miller, Pennsylvania: Actuary

·       Brian Mucyo, Arizona: Human Rights Law

·       Marissa Nissley, New Jersey: Attorney

·       Sherry Pablo, California: Public Health, Health Policy and
Management

·       Precious Perez, Massachusetts: Music Education

·       Teresita Rios, California: Attorney

·       Syed Rizvi, Massachusetts: Civil Rights Lawyer

·       Dannielle Schutz, Nebraska: Medical Scientist

·       Nicolas (Nick) Spohn, Pennsylvania: Mechanical Engineer

·       Logan Stenzel, Minnesota: Finance and Technology Entrepreneur

·       Marie Villaneda, Indiana: Orientation and Mobility Instructor

·       Shane Wegner, Minnesota: Corporate Attorney

·       Alek Wolfe, Vermont: Broadcasting

·       Brayan Zamarripa, Oklahoma: Media Production



“The scholarship program is one of our most important initiatives, and we will not allow anything - including the COVID19 pandemic - to diminish our commitment to recognizing excellence among blind students,” said Mark A.
Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “We are proud to honor these blind scholars, each of whom are raising expectations and breaking down barriers. The accomplishments of these outstanding students are proof that we, the blind of this nation, can live the lives we want; blindness does not hold us back.”



For more information about the National Federation of the Blind scholarship program, visit nfb.org/scholarships <http://www.nfb.org/scholarships>.



*###*



*About the National Federation of the Blind *

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at www.nfb.org.



*CONTACT:*

Chris Danielsen

Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind

(410) 659-9314, extension 2330

(410) 262-1281 (Cell)

cdanielsen at nfb.org