Good Samaritan Scholarship Winners
2023 Winner – Taylor Jackson
“My name is Taylor Jackson and I am studying zoology on the pre-veterinary track through the Honors College at Washington State University. I was born in California but moved to Spokane, Washington in 2019 where I quickly got involved with Guide Dogs for the Blind as a volunteer puppy raiser. Since attending college, I have enjoyed participating in clubs such as boxing, pre-vet, and Canine Companions, and serving as the activities coordinator in the Honors Student Advisory Council. In my spare time, I volunteer at the Cougar Food Pantry which provides free food to students in need. I strive to make positive impacts on my community and my passion for working with animals and humans is what drives me to become a veterinarian.”
Reaction Statement: “I am extremely grateful and overjoyed to be selected as a recipient of the Good Samaritan Scholarship. Not only does this scholarship ease my financial burden, but it also allows me to continue my studies at WSU and maintain my involvement in extracurricular activities in clubs and as a volunteer. Thank you for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity to further my education and contribute to the world around me.”
2022 Winner – Grace Nelson
“My name is Grace Nelson and I am a senior at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in Sioux City, Iowa. At school, I enjoy being involved in choir, theatre, student council, environmental club, and more. Outside of school, I enjoy advocating for others in my community through various student government and volunteering organizations. Next year, I plan to attend the University of Iowa and major in political science, in the hopes that I can continue advocating for others.”
Reaction Statement: “I am so incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship. My goal in life is to advocate for others and create change in as many ways as possible. This scholarship will help me attend college and get the education and life experiences that I need to make advocacy and activism my full-time job. I want to say thank you to everyone who made this possible and I hope I can pay it forward in the future!”
2021 Winner – Alyssa Oliver
“My name is Alyssa Oliver and I’m from La Habra, California. I’m currently studying Human and Health Sciences at the University of Southern California with the intention of becoming a Physician Associate. I discovered my passion for medicine during my time as a volunteer at my local hospital where I saw firsthand how much of an impact health care professionals can have on someone’s life. Being chosen as this year’s Good Samaritan Scholarship recipient is truly an honor and I am so deeply appreciative of the support this scholarship provides.”
Reaction Statement: “I couldn’t believe what I had just read when I opened the email! I immediately called my family after I received the news. We were beyond thrilled and thankful for the financial support the Good Samaritan Scholarship would bring me. As a first generation student, navigating the college world has been difficult, especially the realm of financial aid. Receiving this scholarship allows me to further my education and become steps closer to achieving my career goals. With that being said, I am very grateful for your generosity.”
2020 Winner – Allyson Bunch
“My name is Allyson Bunch and I am from Broomfield, Colorado! I am a senior at Legacy High School, and am honored to be attending Stanford University this coming fall. I am beyond grateful to be the Connecticut Domestic Violence Information Center Good Samaritan Scholarship 2020 recipient, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the financial help the scholarship brings my family and me.”
Reaction Statement: “When I first got the email, I was shocked! I called my mom to tell her the good news, and we discussed how much the scholarship would help. Receiving the scholarship is definitely a highlight of my year, and I feel so blessed to be chosen for this honor.”
2019 Winner: Grace Gehlken
Grace Gehlken is a student at Wofford college where she is planning to double major in Spanish and Finance. She realized her love of serving children while working with the LAMB institute in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. As a result, she strives to be an agent for change through researching and supporting sustainable poverty alleviation solutions. Currently, Grace is acting as Ambassador Program Coordinator for the social venture She’s Here. Combining efforts to educate girls in Sub-Saharan Africa about menstrual health and economically empowering Massai Women, She’s Here operates by selling handcrafted beaded bracelets for $10 that boldly state She’s Here.
Reaction statement: “I am so honored to be receiving the Good Samaritan Scholarship, and I am grateful for the generous financial support that will allow me the opportunity to pursue both my educational and extracurricular dreams. From a young age I have always been taught to live by the phrase “to whom much is given much is expected,” and this has fueled my passions to advocate for causes that I believe in. I am so excited to continue volunteering with the LAMB Institute and the She’s Here Campaign as I continue my education journey at Wofford.”