Santa Rosa Junior Scholarship Award

Each year UCP of the North Bay awards $500 scholarships to two students at Santa Rosa Junior College.

2012

In 2012, the two UCP of the North Bay scholarship award recipients were Carol Bracco and Alexis Childress.  Carol and Alexis were recognized and presented with their scholarships at the Disability Resources Department Honors Reception at Santa Rosa JC on Thursday, April 26, 2012.  Thank you Elaine McHugh for attending the event and meeting the recipients.

"I intend to serve as an example to others with similar disabilities that involvement in the community and contributing to society are achievable goals." Carol Bracco

"In the future, I would like to be a role model to others who would like to move forward in the pursuit of high education but have no one to refer to for guidance for financial help and personal encouragement.  I want to promote independence and become a full participant in society." Alexis Childress

2011

In 2011, two scholarship recipients were Michelle Bohlin and Joseph Glossop; they were recognized and presented with their scholarships at the Disability Resources Department Honors Reception at Santa Rosa JC on Thursday, April 28, 2011.

Michelle Bohlin, 2011 UCPNB Scholarship Recipient

"I am a student at Santa Rosa Junior College.  I was born with cerebral palsy.  I use a walker and sometimes crutches to help me walk.  I have been through multiple surgeries, and I often need more time than my peers to complete tests, quizzes, and homework assignments.  Even though living with cerebral palsy is both physically and emotionally challenging, I try to focus on the positive aspects of it rather than the negative.  Having cerebral palsy has taught me that  no matter how difficult something may be, I can always get through it.  My outlook on life has inspired others to live up to their full potential as well.  I do not see myself as somebody with a disability; I see myself as someone who is able to do the same things as everyone else with a little extra time and help."

"Education has always been a top priority of mine.  My goal is to obtain an associate's degree from Santa Rosa Junior College and then transfer to Sacramento State University.  Though I am still exploring career options, I have a couple in mind.  I would like to major in Education and minor in Theatre Arts in order to pursue a career as a theatre arts teacher.  Or, I would like to receive a master's degree in social work and pursue a career as a social worker with a focus on children."

Joseph Glossop

"My life with a disability has been interesting.  From the third grade on I've struggled to overcome the limiting factors of my disability.  A long time later from the third grade, one more surgery past, amd now I've accepted the fact that I must live my life with a physical disability.  I've also learned that besides having physical limiiations, I'm no different than anyone else. "

"My long term goal is to become a mechanical/materials engineer.  I intend on transferring to UC Davis to obtain my degree.  My dream job would be working for the Department of Defense."

2010

Micah Gemmell - 2010 UCPNB Scholarship Recipient

"They said I was deaf, blind, mute, and lame.  My mother signed the adoption papers anyway.  They said there was no hope; they were wrong!  They thought I died...twice; I didn't.  A few days after I was born I had a brain bleed that affected the area of the brain controlling fine motor skills; the bleed led to cerebral palsy.  A month after I was born still in a San Francisco hospital, as they were inserting my feeding tube, the earthquake of 1989 hit causing further damage.  Both nature and science declared I would not make it."

Well they were indeed wrong.  Micah Gemmell is about to finish his second year at Santa Rosa Junior College.  He wants to keep learning, growing and exploring the possibilities ahead of him.  He plans to transfer to Sonoma State University in September 2011.  His professional path includes serving in the information technology field within a health-care setting.

Jessica Parkerson - 2010 UCPNB Scholarship Recipient

"I was born with CP.  It's not like a cold where it goes away after a short amount of time.  It's just there.  It's a part of me.  Having CP is not easy.  But, then again, life isn't easy.  I just learn to go around the obstacles and find ways to make it work for me.  That's how I deal with managing my disability.  I just deal with it, keep being hopeful, and just be myself."

Jessica Parkerson has many goals.  One of her goals is to complete a certificate in baking and pastry and to eventually work in a small Bed and Breakfast in Sonoma County.