New Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship Awardees Announced!
 
We are thrilled to announce four outstanding students for the Sophia L. Gokey college scholarships from the nearly 200 applicants we received! The Sophia L. Gokey Scholarships were established in 2009 to honor students that persevere through a significant roadblock, setback or challenge. In spite of their circumstances they are committed to their dream, excel in school and also choose to get involved to make their communities better.  Here are the four remarkable awardees from our 2011 competition:
 
Espoire Habimana, Chicago, Illinois
Espoire watched in horror as his mother, many of his family members, and over 160 refugees were massacred in their refugee camp in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since those dark days, seven years ago, he has used the resilience that grew out of his sorrow and horrible experiences to serve as a youth mentor at RefugeeOne. Espoire hopes to obtain a Master’s Degree in International Relations so that he can work for the United Nations, say thanks to the UN for saving his and his father’s lives, and serve as an ambassador of peace.



 
Hannah Ruthann White, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Hannah was born with five heart defects, but she is described as using her cardiac diagnosis as an inspiration to others and a motivation in her life. She is active as the leader in her chapter of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) and Hannah has organized charity projects for Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital as well as a local food pantry. Hannah’s career goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in pediatric cardiology. Her college goal? To being treated as “normal” when she heads to college rather than as a woman with a heart condition.



Jasmine Buck, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Can you imagine being able to maintain good grades in school, serving in your school’s student council, active in your school’s musical department and helping your single mom raise two siblings-- while living for a time in a homeless shelter? Jasmine is described by others as hardworking, focused, respectful and mature beyond her years. Jasmine wants to become a nurse. She is inspired to help others after feeling helpless when her fathered died of chronic asthma. She also has her father’s health condition. 

 
Tina Woods, Galena, Kansas
School is not often described as a “safe haven” by most successful children, but that is how Tina compared it to her “mess” of her family life where she was abused by her parents. During her freshman year, she became a ward of the State of Kansas and placed in foster care. She is ranked #2 in her class, but works part time at her high school in order to save for college. She also serves as mentor to 4th graders that need help with Math and Reading.
 
Each student will receive a $1000 scholarship towards their successful completion of the first semester of their post secondary education. 
 
Applications for the 2012 scholarships will be available this fall. For additional information please visit   https://www.sophiasheart.org/SophiaLGokeyScholarshipAward.php
 
Sophia’s Heart Foundation was inspired by the life of an extraordinary woman whose love of children overflowed and touched the lives of countless others. Sophia Gokey was a compassionate woman who, despite her heart condition, remained full of optimism, energy and selflessness.  
 
Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship recipients embody the same kind of heart and determination that Sophia possessed.  Although Sophia always had to deal with her condition, she never let it side track her in pursuing her dreams.  Each Scholarship winner has their own personal story of overcoming and is a great role model of perseverance to their surrounding community.