This year's recipient of the Rhonda Smith Memorial Scholarship is Nicholas Millet.
Nick wrote: "Many of us fight battles each and every single day that others know nothing about. For me, I have a learning disability. At times, I have struggled to remember such things as math equations, readings in language arts, science formulas, history facts, etc. When reviewing for an upcoming test in class, many times it felt like all my classmates raised their hands, knowing the answers, and I would just sit there feeling out of place. I felt frustrated and felt that at times my teachers were frustrated with me as well. I did my best to ignore it and just tried not to think about it.
"On particularly hard days, my mom would tell me, 'Everybody has their strengths and weaknesses.' She told me that while I wished school came easier to me, there were many kids who wished they could play baseball like me. From preschool to present date, baseball has helped me get through the hard days. [...] It kept me working hard to overcome my challenges. I am finishing my senior season and I am proud to say that I have never been academically ineligible to play baseball. [...] This year, I accomplished something I never thought I would: I made the High Honor Roll last quarter!"
"We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us" (Romans 12:6).
In the Church, we believe the Holy Spirit gifts each person with abilities, and though our abilities may not be the same, they are all for the blessing of our lives and the lives of our neighbors. Nick has discovered some of his gifts, and they have helped him find the motivation to work hard. We are happy to support Nick as he attends Alvernia University this fall, majoring in Sports Management and continuing to play baseball. God's blessings, Nick, on the next step in your journey.
The Smith Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating student from Saucon Valley High School with learning disabilities to assist with their continuing education. The scholarship is given in memory of Rhonda Smith (1966-2008), member of Trinity Lutheran who loved to learn.
Comments