Adam Johnson Memorial 3 Mile Run for Success

PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

Press Release

The Adam Johnson Memorial Scholarship is very proud to release the names of the four scholarship recipients for 2012. The amount of the scholarship is$1,200 each with additional support available if needed.

William C Brown

William was diagnosed with autism when he was six. The doctors told his parents he would probably never leave home and probably never have a job, but with his amazing parents and his determination, no and never were not an option. William graduated Valedictorian of his class at HHS and is going to attend Washington & Lee.

William is one of the most intriguing young people I have ever talked to, and he is very funny in his own way. He will be CEO of a large cooperation some day.

Whitney Danner

Whitney graduated with honors from Dawson Bryant despite being both the big sister and sometimes mother to her brother. Whitney has spent a lot of days living with friends because either there was no adult, electricity, or water in her home. She will be attending Marshall University.

Whitney is a fun young lady with a big smile. You would never know by talking with her that she has been through the hardships she has. She went with us on vacation and it was like we had raised her.

Briana Lewis

Briana graduated from HHS. Briana is a winner. She finished three years of high school in two. Briana was self destructing and at a fast clip. If it weren't by the grace of God and some very special people who took her in we might be reading about Briana in a different column. She will be attending Marshall University.

What a charming lady Bri is. When we interviewed her she was nonstop and it was a little scary to the point that I stopped the interview. I would love to spend time with Bri, but her life is on such a strong path I don't want to interrupt. They don't get more charming than Briana.

Samantha Johnson

Samantha graduated from Dawson Bryant. During the awards ceremony she just kept circling back to the stage getting more awards. Samantha had to live with her twenty year old brother the last 6 months of school because things were so bad at home. Samantha is a very sweet and beautiful young lady who can be anything she wants. She will be attending OU Southern.

What a smile and fun young lady. Samantha deserves much more than what she has received in life. I am worried that she doesn't realize her potential, but we will be with her all the way.

The Adam Johnson Memorial Scholarship also gave $250 to the Huntington Police Department and $350 to The Underwood Children's Home.

The good thing about this scholarship is that we consider these young people part of our family. If they need a place to stay, a ride, cash or advice they can call us 24-7. There is not another scholarship like it. We love them all. There is no doubt that this year we hit the jackpot.

- Teddy Johnson

Kayla Jane

Kayla had to grow up without her mother who died of cancer when Kayla was eight. She thought her mother would be cured and it devastated Kayla when she passed away. Kayla promised to help people in similar situations. She has participated in " Relay 4 Life" for 7 years and has donated her hair to "Locks of Love". Kayla lives with a cousin which she explains "is the best place for me". Part of that reason is because she knows her cousin could use some help. That's the way Kayla lives. To help others. Her spirit and attitude just grow on you. Her recommendation forms say she is an overachiever and doesn't use her hardships as an excuse.

She will attend Shawnee State University.

Kayla Marie

Kayla is still very hurt by the loss of her father in 2005. It was not a quick death and she had to watch as he slowly went downhill. She learned to take each day as if it were her last.

Another adversity that Kayla has had to overcome is that she was the only African American student not only in her high school, but the only African American to go through all twelve years of her school and her school is in the country not the city. It taught her that being different is a blessing and she was able to see people change towards her over the years.

She will be attending Marshall University

Patrick, Cabell Midland

Patrick was diagnosed with a condition called achromitopsia. It is a color blindness that also affects his vision. He has trouble seeing both near and far and has to have special books and computers and needs transportation where ever he may go. It strains his eyes, neck, back and his will. Not only did Patrick graduate from Cabell Midland with honors he also wrestled, and wrestled up 5 classes. Patrick holds down a part time job. He also was diagnosed with a heart ailment and had heart surgery his sophomore year. There are also family issues which we choose not to discuss. In his recommendation letters he is described as honest, grounded, and motivated.

Chad

There was a song that said some things better left unsaid and I feel that that is best for Chad. I will say that Chad has been hurt by circumstances in his life and he has difficulty dealing with them as would we all.

Chad's recommendation forms talk about what a nice kid he is and I tend to agree with them. I really enjoyed interviewing Chad. He is very soft spoken and courteous. Chad will do well in life.

Chad will be a sophomore at Morehead State.

Stephannie, Spring Valley High School

Stephannie started her high school career skipping school and partying when she felt like it. Her freshman GPA was a 1.6. Her sophomore year she was involved in a life threatening automobile accident. She had multiple broken bones and lacerated organs and a brain injury. She was flown from the scene and later flown to rehab in Virginia where her dad never left her side. When she returned back to school it took her three times longer to accomplish a task than others due to her brain injury. Stephannie has amazed everyone with her determination, persistency, and fight. During her senior year her dad and best friend were killed while cutting down a tree. Through all of this Stephannie brought that 1.6 GPA up to a 3.4 for her high school career and graduated with honors. She still struggles with her brain injury and her physical handicaps. She is a freshman at Marshall University majoring in speech therapy.

Ginny Cabell Midland High School

Ginny's mom and dad were alcoholics sometimes locking her and her brother out of the house when they were young. They did their own laundry and cooked their meals. Her parents divorced when Ginny was 4. After a couple of years her mom walked out and Ginny was left with her Aunt (her mom's sister). At the age of 8 Ginny's mom died in Virginia. When she was in the 10th grade her dad also passed away. There are a couple of other circumstances in her life that we don't need to mention.

Despite these life challenges Ginny graduated with a 3.6 GPA, was President of the Key Club, was on the volleyball team and active in FFA. Ginny will attend Marshall University studying Forensic Science then wants to join the military, have a family and raise her children to be good citizens.

Nikki, Chesapeake High School

Nikki's dad was an alcoholic and often abused her mother. At the age of eight Nikki kissed her mother goodbye as they "pulled the plug on her" in the hospital. A year later her dad died suddenly right before her eyes. She was taken in by her aunt and moved from Columbus to Chesapeake Ohio. She had little to no support from her family having to walk a mile to school early in the morning so that she could use the computer. At night she would have to go to the library. Nikki had no phone, no transportation, and no computer. Despite the lack of resources' Nikki was valedictorian of Chesapeake High School. In her graduation speech she said that she always wanted to be first in her class and at the end of her junior year she found out she was tied with another student, so she signed up for the hardest classes she could take. Nikki is one determined young lady. She is a freshman at Marshall majoring in Accounting.