Each year, current and former Rainbow Connection wish children can apply for a $1,000 scholarship for up to four years as they pursue a post high school education. With the support from the Four County Community Foundation, TRC was able to provide funding for three of our 2019 wish child applicants who live in Capac, Oxford and Armada. These scholarships not only decrease the financial burden of education for these young adults and their families, but also support our wish children as they look to serve the community in the future.
Claire, from Oxford, MI, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was in high school. An avid swimmer, she was unfortunately unable to participate with her team anymore and switched her competitive energy toward beating cancer! Although it was a tough journey, Claire graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA, cancer-free, and has completed her first year towards her degree in Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University.
Jacob is from Armada, Michigan, and received his 2019 scholarship as he prepared to begin his 2nd year of college at Macomb Community College. During his freshman year of college, Jacob fought T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia and spent a lot of time in the hospital. This experience inspired him to give back to those going through similar situations by pursuing a career as a Radiation Therapist.
Thomas lives in Capac, MI, with his family and is studying Criminal Justice at St. Clair Community College. Although he has battled Lymphoproliferative Disease since a young age, he has never let that deter him and has been very athletic, including competing in wrestling at his college. Throughout his academic career, Thomas was received the Chief Pride Award and was also an Honors Student. He continued this academic success after being granted his 2019 scholarship and has now finished his sophomore year!
TRC is incredibly grateful to the Four County Community Foundation for their support of our wish children. We look forward to continuing our Scholarship Program this year and granting scholarships to more students ready to make their impact in their community.