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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal> November 6, 2019<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From: Frank Coppel, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Positive Note 1734<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings Fellow Federationists:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> We have two announcements from the October 28, President’s Notebook. “The 2020 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind will be held July 14-19 in Houston, Texas. While the convention was originally planned for two weeks earlier, (June 30-July 5) the Federation agreed to move its convention to accommodate activities in the city of Houston. We believe this change will further enhance the program, exhibits, and dynamic content provided at America's civil rights and resource convention of blind people and their families. More information regarding convention arrangements will be published in the December issue of the Braille Monitor.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> “Note from Cayte Mendez, Chairperson of the NFB national scholarship committee: Every year, the National Federation of the Blind awards more than $120,000 to blind scholars across the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in recognition of their achievements and professional aspirations. The scholarship program is our commitment to academic excellence and leadership among blind students, and each winner is awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The application process opened Friday, November 1. Review the scholarship application checklist and the scholarship program FAQs. Share this opportunity that invests in the future of blind people. Learn about the eligibility and requirements of the 2020 scholarship program.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I am sure All of us in the NFB of SC can remember the feeling of excitement and pride at the 2019 national convention in Las Vegas when Derique Simon receive a NFB national scholarship. I would like to again strongly encourage many of our students from South Carolina to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and take the time to apply for one of these national scholarships. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> I am sad to report Dr. Marvin Efron, a longtime supporter of the NFB of SC and a true friend of the blind, passed away on Friday, November 1. Dr. Efron served for many years on the Advisory Board of the Federation Center of the blind as well as serving for many years on the South Carolina Talking book Services Consumer Advisory Council. Dr. Efron has been involved with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind‘s low vision clinic for more than thirty years and his work in this field has greatly benefited thousands of blind South Carolinians. All of us in our federation family need to keep the Efron family in our thoughts and prayers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day, we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want: blindness is not what holds you back. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final Thought: Transforming our dreams into reality: Those who are willing to try and not give up find out years later that they succeeded far beyond that they originally thought was possible.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>