Scholarships

Jayden of Old Mill High School was awarded the Bo’s Effort Scholarship because of her patience, wisdom, and tenacity she has demonstrated while working through an eating disorder that has been with her since childhood.  While her eating disorder has improved over the years, she admits, “I will always have to fight my eating disorder.  But I will continue to manage my mental health issues and focus on taking it one day at a time so that I can not only help myself but also inspire other girls.  Even in dark times, hope is not lost.”   Jayden is off to Willamette University to study Business and Psychology.

Laci Petruccy, of Severna Park High School, came through a difficult battle with anorexia.  Her therapist suggested finding a new coping mechanism for dealing with the eating disorder, and Laci chose aerial gymnastics.  Her long-time therapist is always cheering her on, “Laci exemplifies the need for mental illness to be destigmatized as she has been one to thrive while addressing her issues.  She has found meaning in her struggles and plans to study psychology so she can support others.” Laci is attending Notre Dame of Maryland University to study Art Therapy and Psychology.

Aileena Reed, of Arundel High School, has already completed courses in Sociology and Psychology at Anne Arundel Community College. Aileena demonstrated courage and resilience as a victim of abuse and of the mistreatment she endured in the aftermath of her courageous decision to report it.  Her mental health suffered which made a very emotional recovery even more difficult to achieve. Aileena wants to attend University of Maryland and major in Public Health and minor in Psychology, with health management and policy as an area of interest.  Her hope is to make a difference in the way health services are distributed to people in need.  Aileena admits she has overcome her own experiences with depression, anxiety, and PTSD and wants to be a catalyst for change in the healthcare industry.