1997 Scholars

Andrew, ‘97 Scholar

Mobility impairment. Earned an associate of applied science degree in graphic arts from Monroe Community College. Also studied physics at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Works as a lead technician at Frontier Communications.

Amanda, ’97 Scholar

Paraplegia. Earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in computer systems integration from the University of Great Falls; graduated with honors. Works as a freelance writer.

Jennifer, ’97 Scholar

Blind. Earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota. Lives in Spring Valley, CA. Is a homemaker and enjoys hosting other people in her home. Looking forward to receiving her first guide dog.

Cynthia, ’97 Scholar

Achondroplasia. Earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Washington. Works at the Federal Aviation Administration as a management and program analyst.

Trent, ’97 Scholar

Has worked at Target for the last sixteen years and really enjoys cashiering and a variety of other jobs there. Has been on the board for ENSO (Envisioning Solutions) for several years. Recently joined the board for the USA games and will be involved in planning the 2018 Special Olympics held in Seattle. Currently lives in a condo on Alki.

Ben, ‘97 Scholar

Quadriplegia. Earned an associate’s degree in design drafting and a mechanical design certificate from Green River Community College; is pursuing an architectural and civil drafting degree.

Justin, ’97 Scholar

Blind. Attended college.

Michael, ’97 Scholar

Spina bifida with upper motor neuron dysfunction. Earned a doctoral degree in political theory and international politics from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of International Studies.

Alexi, ’97 Scholar

Profoundly deaf. Earned degrees in English and publishing from the University of Connecticut. Works for a survey sampling service, supporting market research companies.

Karyn, ’97 Scholar

Dyslexia. Works as a personal trainer and running coach. Travels around the world completing half marathons, 10k and 5k races. Lives with her husband and dog, Tilly, in Snohomish, WA.

Shakethia, ‘97 Scholar

Mobility impairment. Earned a bachelor of accountancy degree from Mississippi State University and a master of business administration degree from Belhaven University. Works for Lafayette County as an accounts payable clerk.

Steven, ’97 Scholar

Severe hearing loss. Earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Connecticut and a master of business administration degree from the University of New Haven. Works for a hedge fund administrator as a senior fund accountant in San Francisco.

Laura, ’97 Scholar

Ischemic spinal cord injury. Earned a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in micro electronics and photonics from the University of Arkansas. Recipient of the Walton Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship.

Keaton, ’97 Scholar

Blind. Attended the University of Utah and was pursuing a career in engineering when he died in 2001 after a battle with cancer.

Veronica, ’97 Scholar

Earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a law degree from Georgetown University. Worked in the United States Senate. Practices corporate law in New York.

Sharon, ’97 Scholar

Visual impairment. Earned a certification for teaching people with visual impairments, a bachelor’s degree in social science, and a master’s degree in education from Portland State University. Studied orientation and mobility at the University of Northern Colorado. Teaches elementary school children at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB). Vice-president of USDB Education Association. Actively involved in the guide dog community.