<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div dir="ltr">Hi National Federation of the Blind Scholarship applicants from Virginia,<br><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It was a pleasure to connect with you through the scholarship process. I thought this was important to share with the scholarship applicants. Through this message, I am distributing to the scholarship applicants from Virginia. I encourage each of you to apply for our NFB of Virginia Scholarship which will be available from our web site in August with an application deadline in mid-September. NFB of Virginia Scholarship Chair Jimmy Morris is carbon copied on this message so he can address any questions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I highly recommend participating in the 2020 National Federation of the Blind convention virtually. The link to register is below:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.nfb.org/registration">https://www.nfb.org/registration</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There is no cost to register and I am convinced the convention will be really good.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class="MsoNormal">Tracy Soforenko<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">President, National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">202 285-4595<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Tracy.soforenko@gmail.com">Tracy.soforenko@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.nfb.org">www.nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.nfbv.org">www.nfbv.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">National Federation of the Blind. Live the Life You Want<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><h1><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">National Federation of the Blind Announces 2020 Scholarship Program Finalists</span><o:p></o:p></h1><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Baltimore, Maryland (May 6, 2020): </b>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc"><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Robert (Rob) Blachowicz, Arkansas: Counseling</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Christopher (Chris) Bove, Rhode Island: Public Service</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Brianna (Bri) Broadwater, Maryland: Psychologist or Education </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Michael (Mick) Carey-Thomann, Alaska: Lawyer </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Sean Carlson, Oregon: Vocational Rehabilitation Instructor</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Natalie Charbonneau, Oregon: Animal Genetics and Conservation Research</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Moreblessings Chikavanga, Texas: Civil Rights/Disability Law </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Kevin Darcy, Colorado: Anthropology Professor </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Matthew Duffell-Hoffman, South Carolina: Electrical Engineer</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Paxton Franke, North Dakota: Forensic Pathology</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Lauren (Elaine) Hardin, Georgia: Higher Education Student Affairs Administrator</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Kaitlyn (Kat) Hippe, Wisconsin: Languages and Education</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Emily Kiehl, Ohio: Information Technology</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Josh Loebner, Tennessee: Inclusive Advertising</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Sara Luna, Illinois: Museum Accessibility</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Victor Marques, Michigan: Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and Access Technology Specialist </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Griffin Miller, Pennsylvania: Actuary</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Brian Mucyo, Arizona: Human Rights Law</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Marissa Nissley, New Jersey: Attorney</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Sherry Pablo, California: Public Health, Health Policy and Management</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Precious Perez, Massachusetts: Music Education</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Teresita Rios, California: Attorney</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Syed Rizvi, Massachusetts: Civil Rights Lawyer </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Dannielle Schutz, Nebraska: Medical Scientist</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Nicolas (Nick) Spohn, Pennsylvania: Mechanical Engineer</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Logan Stenzel, Minnesota: Finance and Technology Entrepreneur </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Marie Villaneda, Indiana: Orientation and Mobility Instructor </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Shane Wegner, Minnesota: Corporate Attorney</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:8.0pt;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:105%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Alek Wolfe, Vermont: Broadcasting </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2"><span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Brayan Zamarripa, Oklahoma: Media Production</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">“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 recognizin<span style="color:#44546A">g</span> 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.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">For more information about the National Federation of the Blind scholarship program, visit <a href="http://www.nfb.org/scholarships">nfb.org/scholarships</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b>###</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>About the National Federation of the Blind </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">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 <a href="http://www.nfb.org">www.nfb.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>CONTACT:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Chris Danielsen<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Director of Public Relations<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">National Federation of the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">(410) 659-9314, extension 2330<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">(410) 262-1281 (Cell)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Also available at: <a href="https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-2020-scholarship-program-finalists">https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-2020-scholarship-program-finalists</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Director of Public Relations<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">(410) 659-9314, Ext. 2330 | <a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Twitter: @rlawyer <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://nfb.org/"><span style="color:blue;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="262" height="95" style="width:2.7291in;height:.993in" id="_x0000_i1028" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/nfblogo.png" alt="National Federation of the Blind" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind"><span style="color:blue;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="30" height="30" style="width:.3125in;height:.3125in" id="_x0000_i1027" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/facebook.png" alt="Facebook" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice"><span style="color:blue;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="30" height="30" style="width:.3125in;height:.3125in" id="_x0000_i1026" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/twitter.png" alt="Twitter" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind"><span style="color:blue;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="30" height="30" style="width:.3125in;height:.3125in" id="_x0000_i1025" src="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/images/email/2/youtube.png" alt="Youtube" data-unique-identifier=""></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p></div></div></blockquote></div></body></html>