One top scholar each year is awarded a four-year Presidential Scholarship. This award was started by the National MS Society’s current president and CEO, Joyce Nelson.
Imani Radney—National MS Society Presidential Scholar
Funding provided by the NY City–Southern NY Chapter and Teva Neuroscience
New York City–Southern New York Chapter
Person Living with MS
Straight 'A' Student, Top 5% of Class
High SAT Scores in both Verbal and Math
Wired for Success
“Success” is Imani Radney’s middle name. Whether she is on the soccer field, in her AP calculus class or performing a dance routine for the school’s musical production, she always stands out among her peers. As her math teacher says, “Imani is constantly ahead of the curve” in her course work and in her life. She has shown maturity and grace under pressure ever since she was diagnosed with MS when she was twelve years old. In her personal statement describing the impact MS has had on her life, she chooses to write an open and honest letter to her disease. Here she shows many emotions – fear, anger and most of all resolve in overcoming MS as she grows stronger in her daily battle to keep moving her life forward. At the end of the letter she says, “I am not the little girl I was when we met, and let me tell you something, baby, this shrew will never be tamed.” Imani is enrolled at Harvard University, where she will be a pre-med student on her way to becoming a surgeon.
Each year a four-year scholarship is awarded to a top scholar in honor of the Society’s past president and CEO, General Mike Dugan, USAF, retired.
Morgan Ray—National MS Society Mike Dugan Scholar
Funding provided by the Lone Star Chapter and the Modestus Bauer Foundation
Lone Star Chapter
Father Living with MS
Top 10% of Class
High SAT Scores
Daddy's Girl
Morgan Ray never knew her dad when he could walk. He was diagnosed with MS when she was two, and in a wheelchair when she was three. She became his everything – personal helper, check writer, name signer, motor mouth, princess. In turn, he became her main advocate and nurturer. He fostered her love of literature and thirst for knowledge in general. They have an unbreakable bond. She worries about the day that MS will take him away. She is angry. She hasn’t graduated from college, gotten married, had children – his grandchildren. She says that the MS that runs through her dad’s nervous system has also “penetrated my heart.” Yet, puffy eyes and angry thoughts aside, she says their father-daughter bond is the one thing in her life that will never change. She is on her way to the University of North Texas to study behavioral sciences in the hope that advanced degrees will enable her to work in medical research, especially in autism, a disease that affects her brother.
Beatriz Benitez
Funding provided by the South Florida Chapter
South Florida Chapter
Mother Living with MS
3.7 GPA
Strong Family Bond
The old adage, ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade,’ certainly applies to Benitez and her family. Facing ongoing challenges at home, she must help her mom whose MS forced her to stop working, the only financial support for the family. Together, Beatriz and her mom also care for her special needs brother. Beatriz is ever the optimist when she relates how her mom now has more time to devote to her little brother since she is no longer working. Beatriz has a stellar academic record including advanced placement coursework and even finds time to continue her work with Shake a Leg, a group that volunteers to help special needs children in the community. She is on her way to Miami-Dade Honors College to study chemistry in the hopes of eventually becoming a physician.
Jeffrey Breault
Funding provided by the Greater New England Chapter and Teva Neuroscience
Greater New England Chapter
Mother Living with MS
Top 5% of Class
High SAT Scores
A Natural Leader
Awards abound when speaking about Jeffrey – honor roll, National Honor Society, Science Award in biology, NHIAA Student Athlete. At the same time, his leadership skills are equally evident – student council president, Yearbook President, and class officer all four years of high school. At home as well, Jeffrey shows a portrait of a caring and supportive son to his mom who has MS. Although he sees the disease as life altering, he still sees the sense of hope and positivity in his mother’s eyes as she continues to be a great life force in his and his family’s life. He will become a business major in college, concentrating on marketing management in the future.
Brandi Brisco
Funding provided by the Lone Star Chapter
Lone Star Chapter
Person Living with MS
Top 5% of Class, 3.9 GPA
Survivor Strength
Brandi had to grow up fast. At seventeen she was diagnosed with MS. At the same time she was living with her mother in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit. Packing up, she moved to Georgia to complete her studies. She never missed a beat and graduated at the top of her class with a 3.9 GPA. Although she missed much of senior year due to illness, she was still accepted at Georgia State University. She could not attend due to an MS flare-up. Instead, she has decided to attend New Mexico State University online to avoid the stress and fatigue of attending classes on campus. Her goal is to study law and become an attorney in the future. With these survivor skills, Brandi will surely succeed in whatever goal or career she chooses.
Emily Buse
Funding provided by the NY City-Southern NY Chapter and the CentiMark Corporation
New York City/Southern New York Chapter
Person Living with MS
Very High SAT Scores
Emotional Resilience
On her way to the famous Julliard School to study vocal performance, this gifted opera singer is learning to overcome the stress of MS by “not letting my physical health impact my mental health.” She has learned early in her young life that “obstacles are only as bad as what you make them.” As we all know, talent can never be held back and this gifted singer has what it takes to succeed in her field. As one of her counselors puts it, “Emily has inner steel. I was moved to tears when I heard her perform the solo in Handel’s "Elijah." I have watched a mature girl become a mature woman. Some students let life ride them; but Emily – obstacles be damned – rides life.” What more can one say about this extraordinary young woman.
Amanda Chandler
Funding provided by the Blue Ridge Chapter and the CentiMark Corporation
Blue Ridge Chapter
Mother Living with MS
High SAT Scores
Top 15% of Class
Grace and Insight Under Pressure
Although this young woman has experienced much grief over the years, she has emerged with great insight and determination. She is resolved to enter the University of Virginia in the fall to study political science and to become a policy expert, especially as it relates to health care. Her dad passed away from cancer and her mom lives daily with MS. She wants to become a lobbyist on behalf of those who struggle to get the medical treatment they need to overcome these kinds of health challenges. Amanda says she has learned many things while living with parents with terminal and chronic illness – patience, perseverance, and the value of time. She has learned to put things in perspective and enjoy the world around her. She says her mom is her role model and the person who provides her with the resolve to carry on and to never give up on her dreams and aspirations.
Melissa Day
Funding provided by the Mid Atlantic Chapter and Teva Neuroscience
Mid Atlantic Chapter
Father Living with MS
High SAT Scores
Top 5% of Class, Graduating Third in Class
Mission: Serving Others
Managing an amazing balancing act, Melissa has been able to achieve scholastically at school, maintain her family responsibilities at home and help by serving others in her community. She learned early in life to help others when her grandfather came to live with the family after suffering from a stroke. She also has a dad with MS who is a trusted advisor and cheerleader for her in all her endeavors including marching band practice and softball games. Melissa finds time to volunteer for multiple fundraising activities for St. Jude Hospital, American Cancer Society, Make a Wish Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis. These life activities have prepared her for a career in the medical field where she would like to become a pediatrician in the future. Her drive, determination, intellect and compassion will serve her well in this endeavor.
Arielle Dennis
Funding provided by the Southern California Chapter
Southern California Chapter
Mother Living with MS
Very High SAT Scores
Top 5% of Class
Wildfire Spark
Honors follow Arielle – Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program, Scholar Athlete Award, Rotary Club Speech Winner, Women in Math and Science Conference, Girls’ State, National Achievement Scholar Candidate, Math High Achievement Award. The list goes on and on. Arielle is committed to excellence at school, on the playing field and in the community. Her role models are her mother and father. Her dad passed away from cancer a few years ago and her mom lives with MS. She says her mom’s disease “has sparked a wildfire in me to find answers to unsolved questions.” She is on her way to Harvard University in the fall to follow up on that commitment. She will study neurosciences in the hope of connecting her knowledge to genetic research and continuing her quest to “fight for success” in finding solutions to the mysteries of MS and cancer.
Colleen Flanagan
Funding provided by the Greater New England Chapter and Teva Neuroscience
Greater New England Chapter
Father Living with MS
High SAT Scores
Top 15% of Class
Run for Life
Colleen has a passion for running. She competes on her school’s varsity indoor and outdoor track teams, and in varsity field hockey. She is also captain in 300M races and pole vault. At the same time, she has maintained A’s in AP History, Biology, and English. She says she runs for her father, who cannot. He has been in a wheelchair for as long as she can remember because he lives with MS. She explains so poignantly, “I want him to know that, if anything, his struggle has made me the strong person I am today, and has forced me to run, not walk, through life without taking one single stride or heartbeat for granted." She is off to Boston College in the fall to study both the humanities and natural science in the pursuit of a medical degree in the future.
Sten Hansen
Funding provided by the Northern California Chapter and Teva Neuroscience
Northern California Chapter
Mother Living with MS
Valedictorian in his class of 389
Science and Technology Pave the Way
Counselors, teachers and friends alike cannot stop praising this young man. He is a stellar student taking every science course offered by his school including AP chemistry and AP calculus. He wants to become a chemical engineer because biotechnology fascinates him with its ability to improve the planet. He applies this scientific knowledge in his everyday life. A case in point involves his mom who lives with MS. Through Nintendo Wii, he encouraged her to improve her balance and even got her to try snowboarding as a result! He is truly committed to every endeavor he takes on from traveling to Mexico to help build houses during his spring break to being a math and science tutor. He will surely succeed in all his pursuits.
Mary Horton
Funding provided by the Minnesota Chapter and the CentiMark Corporation
Minnesota Chapter
Mother Lived with MS
A Road Less Traveled
At first glance, Mary is the typically talented high school student – good grades; involved in band, music, soccer and other after-school activities; and good leadership skills honed from involvement in student government positions. Yet Mary’s early history tells a different story. She and her four siblings were raised by her dad after her mom was forced to enter a long-term care facility where Mary spent a great deal of her teenage years. As she, herself, says, “St. Anne’s Hospice became my second home.” She and her dad would visit her mom every day after school. Here, the nurses, priests, and housekeepers became her friends and allies. When her beloved mother passed away, Mary wanted to find a way to make a difference in the lives of others, including their families, who live with MS. She has decided to concentrate her studies on genetics and cell biology in order to pursue a career in medical research.
Cassandra Ince
Funding provided by Teva Neuroscience
Greater Illinois Chapter
Mother and Grandmother Living with MS
Top 5% of Class
Multiple Talents
Cassi is an exceptional artist whose awards have brought honor to herself and to her school. She is also a strong athlete playing basketball, volleyball and softball. In addition, she has shown great leadership serving as class president of the student council. All the while, Cassi is a highly nurturing young woman who lives with a mom who has progressive MS and needs her daughter to help with much of her personal care. Yet, Cassi is philosophical about assisting her mom, saying that she feels that these are the times when she can really do something about MS. She would like to concentrate on the neurosciences in college and perhaps have a career in medicine, preferably in neurology where she feels she can make a difference for others living with MS.
Ryan Maxfield
Funding provided by the Utah State Chapter and the CentiMark Corporation
Utah State Chapter
Mother Living with MS
Top 15% of Class
A Caring Nature
Facing many challenges in his young life, Ryan has met each one with strength, dignity and gentle caring. First of all, he has watched his mom’s MS progress over the years to the point where he and his brother must assume many of the household duties including some of his mom’s personal care. He is also a great role model to his younger brother. He says the experiences have taught him patience, responsibility and faith. He has managed to maintain good grades, play on the high school football team and is about to earn an Eagle Scout Award, the highest a Boy Scout can achieve. He would like to study physical therapy and perhaps open his own clinic some day.
Christian McCurdy
Funding provided by the All America Chapter-Montana Division and Teva Neuroscience
All America Chapter – Montana Division
Person Living with MS
Valedictorian of Class
Every Day is a Gift
Christian takes nothing for granted. Gone are the carefree days when he didn’t have to be concerned about his health. He was fifteen when he learned he had MS. Since then, he has thrown himself into his studies and has emerged at the head of his class with a perfect 4.0 GPA and more honors than one can name. A well-rounded person, he continued to play sports including tennis and cross country. He aspires to become a physician, perhaps a neurologist. He now focuses on his future, not his past. He says he just wants “a normal life. I want to be like everyone else.” He says he won’t let MS interfere with his dreams. He explains his philosophy and drive best when he says, “To me, every day is a gift, and as I look down the road, the possibilities are endless.”
Daryl Melancon II
Funding provided by the Lone Star Chapter and the CentiMark Corporation
Lone Star Chapter
Father Living with MS
Top 10% of Class
Salt of the Earth
Like his dad, Daryl has a special relationship with animals and the farming way of life. Since his father’s MS prevents him from working, his son has taken on many daily responsibilities including feeding, grooming and watering their cattle. An active member of the National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA), Daryl has been its local president and attended the National FFA Leadership Conference in Washington, DC last year. He will attend Texas A & M next year where he plans to pursue a degree in agricultural economics. He credits his dad for his academic and personal success saying, “he raised me to be diligent, hardworking, open-minded and respectful.” He also says that he and his dad have grown closer over the years and that his life has changed in a positive way as he has become a stronger and more mature person.
Mayra Monreal
Funding provided by the Arizona Chapter and Teva Neuroscience
Arizona Chapter
Person Living with MS
Top 5% of Class
Making a Difference
Mayra is a most dedicated and passionate young person who is determined to make a difference in her own life and in the lives of others. She has already overcome many struggles living with MS. She believes strongly in success though education and strives to take advantage of all the programs and activities afforded her both at her high school and in the community. She aspires to become an attorney and has already been involved in a law magnet program, participated in teen court and has served as Student Body Vice-President. She is also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and received a scholarship to attend a community college concurrently while she attends high school. With this kind of drive, nothing will stop her!
Carlie Rhinehart
Funding provided by the North Central States Chapter and Teva Neuroscience
North Central States Chapter
Mother Living with MS
Top 20% of Class
A Mother's Love
Carlie has nothing but praise and admiration for her mother who was recently diagnosed with MS. She relates how her mom has raised five children and helped build the house they live in with her husband. Carlie and her mom have a strong mother-daughter bond especially since they can understand each other's chronic disability – her mom's MS and Carlie's diabetes. As the youngest child, Carlie has been able to spend more time with her mom while helping out a home. Carlie says it is her mom’s spirit that drives her to excel. She wants to study diet and nutrition in college and apply this learning to a career as a dietician. She feels it is her duty to give back because much has been given to her. She shows her wonderful spirit by saying “that her mother’s love has taught me to embrace the good times we share and pray for many more.”
Andrew Ritzel
Funding provided by the Ohio Valley Chapter and the CentiMark Corporation
Ohio Valley Chapter
Mother Living with MS
Top 5% of Class
High SAT Scores
The Pursuit of Hope
Both an exemplary student and positive role model and leader of others on and off the playing field, Andrew excels in everything he attempts. His leadership abilities are demonstrated as captain of the varsity swim team and co-president of his church youth group. He is also a Boy Scout, earning the coveted Eagle Scout Award. He will enter Ohio State University as a pre-medical student. His vision is to become a physician, perhaps a neurologist, to care for people living with MS, a disease that affects his mother. He also thinks about helping others, especially in Third World countries with Doctors Without Borders. He credits his mom for encouraging his medical mission. He says that she was always his protector. “Her diagnosis taught me the power of the human spirit. I took it upon myself to become better for my mom.”
Rebecca Vallee
Funding provided by the Utah State Chapter
Utah State Chapter
Mother Living with MS
Top 5% of Class
MS as Inspiration
Rebecca says that MS changed her life by helping her decide on her career choice – to enter the medical field. Her mom’s progressive course of the disease has brought her family closer together. Everyone in the family helps, including Rebecca, who gives her mom her three-times-a-week MS shots. Rebecca has also made it a point to take on many other medically-related tasks including taking anatomy and medical terminology courses at the local School of Health; volunteering at an area medical clinic; and learning more and more about MS as she takes her mom to all her medical appointments. Her own heart condition has also made her more aware of how medical issues impact young people. She would like to become a pediatrician in the future.
Rachel Waldman
Funding provided by the Maryland Chapter and Teva Neuroscience
Maryland Chapter
Mother Living with MS
Top 15% of Class
High SAT Scores
Special Needs/Special Person
Rachel is a multi-talented, multi-tasking young woman who splits her time between completing all her high school AP classes, taking three college-level classes in calculus, sociology and speech and finding the time to volunteer at a school for special needs children. Inspired by her brother, who has autism and other physical and mental issues, Rachel has devoted countless hours helping other children as a physical helper and mentor. She also helps at home as her mom lives with MS. Rachel would like to study nursing at the University of Maryland and become either a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. She says she sees herself as a “sponge – soaking in all the elements that surround me.”
Ashlie Walker
Funding provided by the Oklahoma Chapter and the CentiMark Corporation
Oklahoma Chapter
Mother Living with MS
Top 10% of Class
"A" is for Advocacy
At an early age, Ashlie was distraught over her mom’s MS. The disease had taken away the mother she once knew. One day in biology class, she felt that her life turned around as she decided, “I wasn’t going to let MS take over my life, but to fight it with everything I have.” It was then that she established the first YAMS (Youth Against MS) group at her school, recruiting other students and laying the groundwork for a full-fledged advocacy group. A small but powerful lobby, YAMS has supported Walk MS, several service days that deal with MS awareness in the community including TV interviews about the disease. Ashlie has also made another commitment – to study pharmacology in college in order to make medical research her chosen field. She will surely make a difference!
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