Director's Digressions

Sheryl Burgstahler

Meet the 2002 Scholars!

This August was DO-IT's tenth annual Summer Study program for high school students with disabilities — the DO-IT Scholars. This year's Scholars were funded by the State of Washington, the Boeing Company, and NASA.

Silvia is from Royal City, WA. She has osteogenesis imperfecta, which causes brittle bones. She is a member of the National Honors Society. Her favorite subjects include math and computer science. She is considering several different careers that include computer engineering, web specialist, and legal secretary.

Amy lives in Sedro Woolley, WA. One of her career interests is to be a fashion designer. Amy, who has attention deficit disorder, is also interested in pursuing a degree in business. She enjoys meeting people and writing letters to pen pals.

Rebecca lives in Stanwood, WA. Some of her interests include anime and manga (Japanese comics and cartoons). Rebecca, who has a learning disability, is interested in studying medicine. She also hopes to go to Japan for a couple of years to experience a different culture.

Ian, who has a muscle disorder, is from Whidbey Island, WA. He is interested in computers and hopes to become an expert in C++. After high school, he plans to pursue a computer science degree at the University of Washington.

Saroj is from Seattle, WA. Biology and sign language are a few of the classes she enjoys. Saroj, who has dyslexia and has been on the honor role, would like to go to college and become a social worker. She also enjoys dancing.

Gimmie, who has a learning disability, comes from Vancouver, WA. She received the youth achievement award for 2000 and 2001. She is interested in several subjects at school including biology and history. She would like to pursue a career in social work or financial advising.

Natalie is also from Vancouver, WA. She has a learning disability. Her two favorite subjects are science and history. She finds science interesting because of the fun experiments she can participate in. She would like to pursue a career in the medical field.

Scott lives in Bothell, WA. His favorite subject in school is United States history. Scott has a sensory integration disorder. He would like to pursue a career in nuclear engineering. In his spare time, he plays computer and card games.

Caleb resides in Westport, WA. He is hoping to earn scholarships so he can pursue a career in mathematics. He has a learning disability that affects reading speed and comprehension. He is also involved with a youth group and enjoys weight training.

Jacob lives in Cullman, AL. History and chemistry are a few of his favorite subjects in school. Jacob, who is partially sighted, has been on the honor roll. He is interested in music and also enjoys working with people.

Leon comes from Bellingham, WA. English is one of his favorite subjects. Leon, who has cerebral palsy, also enjoys playing on the computer and reading.

Alexandra is from Covington, WA, and she is partially sighted. She enjoys web design, crafts, and playing the clarinet in her school band program. Her career interests include research medicine, particularly virology and forensic pathology.

James is from Stanwood, WA. He is partially paralyzed on his left side. He enjoys participating in band and likes math. One of his goals is to become a lawyer.

Jared is from Kennewick, WA. He hopes to be a doctor some day. He is also interested in oceanography and cooking. He was born with congenital heart defects. In the past, he wasn't able to participate in sports, but now he can skateboard and ride bikes.

Andrew, who has a learning disability, is from Seattle, WA. Art is his favorite subject in school and he plans to pursue a career in it. In particular, he likes comic book art and fine art. He also enjoys karate, snowboarding, and swimming.

Rima, who has cerebral palsy, comes from Kent, WA. Her favorite subjects are biology and English. She plans to attend a university and study law and medicine.

Chris, who has muscular dystrophy, lives in Carnation, WA. One of his favorite subjects is Spanish. After high school he would like to attend a university and work toward a degree.

Carson is from Olympia, WA. He is interested in physical sciences and would like to pursue a career in engineering. His favorite subjects are science and social studies. Carson, who has a learning disability, also plays the French horn.

Dale, who has cerebral palsy, lives in Benton City, WA. He is interested in law and government and hopes to attend the University of Washington. One of his other ambitions is to enter politics on the national level.

Ryan, who has cerebral palsy, resides in Sammamash, WA. He is interested in science and history. He feels history is important to know because it helps us understand the present and plan for the future.

Angela lives in Lynnwood, WA. She has a mild case of cerebral palsy and loves writing and singing. She plans to attend the University of Washington and study to become a pediatrician. She is also considering a degree in music.