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ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL EVENT CENTER

proudly present. . .

Post-Bulletin Company & Wells Fargo

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE State Senators Dave Senjem and Sheila Kiscaden, Honorary Co-Chairs Sue Lovejoy, Post Bulletin Donald Supalla, RCTC President Lisa Baldus, RCTC Foundation Executive Director Ann Knudson, RCTC Foundation Board Treasurer, Co-Chair Steve Prigge, RCTC Foundation Board Member, Co-Chair Dr. Donald Layton, Foundation Board Member Jesse Buhl, Financial Coordinator Trevor Hesley, Sponsorship Coordinator

STAFF Chellyne Hoeppner, RCTC Foundation Specialist Colleen Landherr Maddox, RCTC Community & Youth Programs Director Greg Frana & Guy Hamernick, RCTC Videographers

SPECIAL THANKS Dom Perignon donated by Andy’s Liquor Photography by Gordon Runkle, Gordon Runkle Photography Program Design by Ads & Art Printing Assistance provided by Davies Printing Raffle Champaign and Appetizers complementary of Rochester International Event Center Flowers donated by Flowers by Jerry Jewelry provided by JC Penny’s Video Narration by Vivien Williams Program narratives written by Dr. Donald Layton Video Script written by Chellyne Hoeppner

scholarship review committee John Edmonds, Mary Gorfine, Othelmo da Silva, Steve Prigge, Chellyne Hoeppner

RCTC STUDENT VOLUNTEERS Theirry Amisi, Elise Diesslin, Kady Faulhaber, Viktoriya Ishchuck, Kylie Osterhus, Mike Powell

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 5:00 PM – RECEPTION

6:30 PM – MASTER OF CEREMONIES Don Supalla, President, Rochester Community & Technical College

WELCOME & DINNER About Beat The Odds Senator David Senjem

Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award Senators David Senjem and Sheila Kiscaden

Invocation Reverend Dr. Mary C. Mason

7:15 PM – SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM President Don Supalla

Drawing of Raffle Winners

Introduction of Scholarship Presenters President Don Supalla

Presentation of 2011 Scholarship Recipients Presenter Recipient Corey Jordan, Think Bank Bridget Skyhawk Susan Ahlquist, Mayo Clinic Skyler Arthur Randy Chapman, Post Bulletin Jennie Laabs Chris Braendlin, Wells Fargo Eric Trayler Joe Lally, Delta Dental Thida Boonheuan, Sara Segner

CLOSING REMARKS Senator Sheila Kiscaden

Sponsored by:

Post-Bulletin Company & Wells Fargo

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE State Senators Dave Senjem and Sheila Kiscaden, Honorary Co-Chairs Sue Lovejoy, Post Bulletin Donald Supalla, RCTC President Lisa Baldus, RCTC Foundation Executive Director Ann Knudson, RCTC Foundation Board Treasurer, Co-Chair Steve Prigge, RCTC Foundation Board Member, Co-Chair Dr. Donald Layton, Foundation Board Member Jesse Buhl, Financial Coordinator Trevor Hesley, Sponsorship Coordinator

STAFF Chellyne Hoeppner, RCTC Foundation Specialist Colleen Landherr Maddox, RCTC Community & Youth Programs Director Greg Frana & Guy Hamernick, RCTC Videographers

SPECIAL THANKS Dom Perignon donated by Andy’s Liquor Photography by Gordon Runkle, Gordon Runkle Photography Program Design by Ads & Art Printing Assistance provided by Davies Printing Raffle Champaign and Appetizers complementary of Rochester International Event Center Flowers donated by Flowers by Jerry Jewelry provided by JC Penny’s Video Narration by Vivien Williams Program narratives written by Dr. Donald Layton Video Script written by Chellyne Hoeppner

scholarship review committee John Edmonds, Mary Gorfine, Othelmo da Silva, Steve Prigge, Chellyne Hoeppner

RCTC STUDENT VOLUNTEERS Theirry Amisi, Elise Diesslin, Kady Faulhaber, Viktoriya Ishchuck, Kylie Osterhus, Mike Powell

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 5:00 PM – RECEPTION

6:30 PM – MASTER OF CEREMONIES Don Supalla, President, Rochester Community & Technical College

WELCOME & DINNER About Beat The Odds Senator David Senjem

Presentation of Lifetime Achievement Award Senators David Senjem and Sheila Kiscaden

Invocation Reverend Dr. Mary C. Mason

7:15 PM – SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM President Don Supalla

Drawing of Raffle Winners

Introduction of Scholarship Presenters President Don Supalla

Presentation of 2011 Scholarship Recipients Presenter Recipient Corey Jordan, Think Bank Bridget Skyhawk Susan Ahlquist, Mayo Clinic Skyler Arthur Randy Chapman, Post Bulletin Jennie Laabs Chris Braendlin, Wells Fargo Eric Trayler Joe Lally, Delta Dental Thida Boonheuan, Sara Segner

CLOSING REMARKS Senator Sheila Kiscaden

Sponsored by:

Bridget Skyhawk quotes Albert Einstein as saying “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity”. For Bridget, these are words to live by as she found herself in a difficult situation at a critical age and has seized the opportunity for dramatic personal growth.

In her early teen years, Bridget was falling into a pattern of maladaptive behavior: running with the wrong crowd, experimenting with drugs, and averting her focus from school. At the onset of her 10th grade year, Bridget had a shocking discovery: “I found myself sitting in my bathroom, watching a little pink plus sign emerge on a stick – the sign that my life was going to forever change.”

Being faced with an unexpected pregnancy at such a delicate age presented unique challenges for Bridget, including coping with the scorn of her peers and the common belief that she could not be both a good mother and a good student.

The magic occurred when she first heard the fetal heart and felt movement of the new life growing inside her. She realized she had a new and significant role to play. Despite the harsh criticism, Bridget was determined to succeed in achieving a good education and providing for her daughter Kiana. And she has done an outstanding job of both.

Bridget has maintained and exceptional grade point average and will graduate from both Stewartville High School and Rochester Community and Technical College this spring with her Associate’s degree. She plans to continue her education by working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Her goal is to one day help young people in similar situations to, as she says, “navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of early adulthood simultaneously coupled with motherhood.”

BRIDGET SKYHAWK $2,500 scholarship recipient

Skyler Arthur says that “everything happens for a reason” and “things could be worse”. These mature and sobering observations come from a young man who concludes: “I am a survivor.”

As an infant, Skyler nearly died three times within his first year. He suffered from multiple allergies that restricted him to a diet of rice milk. Because Skyler required constant monitoring, his mother was forced to drop out of school and the relationship between his parents became strained until they eventually split when Skyler was a young boy.

Skyler lived with his mother, who began using drugs and met a new man that would drastically change Skyler’s life. His mother became pregnant and, following the birth of a baby girl, Skyler assumed the responsibility of caring for himself and his little sister. The household became abusive for Skyler and his mother until his mother and her boyfriend were arrested, placing Skyler and his sister into foster care.

Skyler’s father was found and they were reunited. A new family was formed when Skyler’s father met and married a woman who had three children. Skyler admits “it took some time to get used to living with a new family.”

A diagnosis of severe hearing loss in his right ear required Skyler to be placed in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program. The hearing loss progressed due to a brain tumor that was discovered following a serious car accident in which Skyler was injured. Skyler underwent surgery at Boston’s Children hospital; however, only 80% of the tumor could be removed. Skyler became preoccupied with the possibility of dying and as a result, his academic performance suffered.

The tumor has been stable for nearly four years now. Skyler has learned to adjust to the hearing loss by using lip reading and his grades are improving. His plans are to pursue a career in the medical field. According to his nominator, “Skyler’s strong character and integrity, sense of optimism, and ability to overcome huge obstacles will take him far in contributing to his success at the college level, in a career, and future endeavors.”

SKYLER ARTHUR $2,500 scholarship recipientBridget Skyhawk quotes Albert Einstein as saying

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity”. For Bridget, these are words to live by as she found herself in a difficult situation at a critical age and has seized the opportunity for dramatic personal growth.

In her early teen years, Bridget was falling into a pattern of maladaptive behavior: running with the wrong crowd, experimenting with drugs, and averting her focus from school. At the onset of her 10th grade year, Bridget had a shocking discovery: “I found myself sitting in my bathroom, watching a little pink plus sign emerge on a stick – the sign that my life was going to forever change.”

Being faced with an unexpected pregnancy at such a delicate age presented unique challenges for Bridget, including coping with the scorn of her peers and the common belief that she could not be both a good mother and a good student.

The magic occurred when she first heard the fetal heart and felt movement of the new life growing inside her. She realized she had a new and significant role to play. Despite the harsh criticism, Bridget was determined to succeed in achieving a good education and providing for her daughter Kiana. And she has done an outstanding job of both.

Bridget has maintained and exceptional grade point average and will graduate from both Stewartville High School and Rochester Community and Technical College this spring with her Associate’s degree. She plans to continue her education by working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Her goal is to one day help young people in similar situations to, as she says, “navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of early adulthood simultaneously coupled with motherhood.”

BRIDGET SKYHAWK $2,500 scholarship recipient

Skyler Arthur says that “everything happens for a reason” and “things could be worse”. These mature and sobering observations come from a young man who concludes: “I am a survivor.”

As an infant, Skyler nearly died three times within his first year. He suffered from multiple allergies that restricted him to a diet of rice milk. Because Skyler required constant monitoring, his mother was forced to drop out of school and the relationship between his parents became strained until they eventually split when Skyler was a young boy.

Skyler lived with his mother, who began using drugs and met a new man that would drastically change Skyler’s life. His mother became pregnant and, following the birth of a baby girl, Skyler assumed the responsibility of caring for himself and his little sister. The household became abusive for Skyler and his mother until his mother and her boyfriend were arrested, placing Skyler and his sister into foster care.

Skyler’s father was found and they were reunited. A new family was formed when Skyler’s father met and married a woman who had three children. Skyler admits “it took some time to get used to living with a new family.”

A diagnosis of severe hearing loss in his right ear required Skyler to be placed in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program. The hearing loss progressed due to a brain tumor that was discovered following a serious car accident in which Skyler was injured. Skyler underwent surgery at Boston’s Children hospital; however, only 80% of the tumor could be removed. Skyler became preoccupied with the possibility of dying and as a result, his academic performance suffered.

The tumor has been stable for nearly four years now. Skyler has learned to adjust to the hearing loss by using lip reading and his grades are improving. His plans are to pursue a career in the medical field. According to his nominator, “Skyler’s strong character and integrity, sense of optimism, and ability to overcome huge obstacles will take him far in contributing to his success at the college level, in a career, and future endeavors.”

SKYLER ARTHUR $2,500 scholarship recipient

“In spite of the hardships that many face from day to day, one must always strive to find hope in the midst of despair. Having found this hope myself, I have come to realize that my life’s work will be to aid others.” – Jennie Laabs

The first man in Jennie Laabs’ life, her father, left when she was just eighteen months old. That man’s role in her life is negligible compared to that of a serial

rapist. When Jennie was merely fifteen years old, she was raped and nearly killed while walking home from work.

Following the tragic incident, Jennie coped with the physical and emotional pain that ensued, contemplating suicide more than once. Yet Jennie did not succumb to the deep

scars and psychological trauma of the event. Her nominator Heidi Lee, a teacher at John Marshall, says that “rather than letting the rape tragedy crush her spirit or become a crutch,

Jennie has emerged a stronger person with passion and purpose.”

A manifestation of her purpose was to pursue prosecution of the rapist. Jennie testified against her attacker, playing an important role in putting him away for the rest of his life.

Jennie says that her inner strength and the support of her friends, family, and crime victims’ advocate helped her immensely to deal with the aftermath of the traumatic event. Sharing her story with others by blogging has also been a source of release that has helped heal the emotional scars. Recognizing the impact of her story, Jennie has realized that she can make a difference in the lives of other victims of crime by pursuing a career as a Crime Victims’ Advocate and motivational speaker. Jennie says that “If I can help one person in their time of need, then my mission in life will be complete.”

JENNIE LAABS $2,500 scholarship recipient

Originally from Georgia, Eric Trayler moved to Minnesota after his father became unemployed. The stress of unemployment took a toll on his parent’s relationship and their constant arguing began to affect Eric and his siblings. In search of new employment opportunities, a new climate, and a solution to their marital problems, Eric’s parents decided that a move may be just what they needed.

However, shortly after the move and just before Eric entered sixth grade, his mother left, taking a bus out of town in the middle of the night. A sad and lonely Eric struggled to cope with the abandonment while striving to form friendships in his new environment. He ended up befriending the younger brother of his sister’s boyfriend. This new friend introduced Eric to something that would temporarily dull his inner pain, but would ultimately send his world spinning out of control. Eric was persuaded to try using marijuana and before too long, he was addicted and had begun to use other substances, including alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription drugs.

Another move had Eric’s family living outside Kasson, Minnesota, where Eric continued on his path of drug use and delinquency. His father remarried a woman with whom Eric could never get along. In avoidance of his tumultuous family situation, Eric spent a lot of time away from home, hanging out with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble.

Eventually, Eric’s troublesome behavior caught up with him. He was put on probation for minor consumption and required to have regular urine examinations and participate in outpatient therapy. At first, Eric resisted. But after spending some time in a juvenile detention center, Eric began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Shortly thereafter, Eric realized that he wanted more for himself and he had the power to turn his life around. And that’s exactly what he did. Eric has been drug free since 2009 and remains dedicated to maintaining his sobriety.

ERIC TRAYLER $2,500 scholarship recipient

“In spite of the hardships that many face from day to day, one must always strive to find hope in the midst of despair. Having found this hope myself, I have come to realize that my life’s work will be to aid others.” – Jennie Laabs

The first man in Jennie Laabs’ life, her father, left when she was just eighteen months old. That man’s role in her life is negligible compared to that of a serial

rapist. When Jennie was merely fifteen years old, she was raped and nearly killed while walking home from work.

Following the tragic incident, Jennie coped with the physical and emotional pain that ensued, contemplating suicide more than once. Yet Jennie did not succumb to the deep

scars and psychological trauma of the event. Her nominator Heidi Lee, a teacher at John Marshall, says that “rather than letting the rape tragedy crush her spirit or become a crutch,

Jennie has emerged a stronger person with passion and purpose.”

A manifestation of her purpose was to pursue prosecution of the rapist. Jennie testified against her attacker, playing an important role in putting him away for the rest of his life.

Jennie says that her inner strength and the support of her friends, family, and crime victims’ advocate helped her immensely to deal with the aftermath of the traumatic event. Sharing her story with others by blogging has also been a source of release that has helped heal the emotional scars. Recognizing the impact of her story, Jennie has realized that she can make a difference in the lives of other victims of crime by pursuing a career as a Crime Victims’ Advocate and motivational speaker. Jennie says that “If I can help one person in their time of need, then my mission in life will be complete.”

JENNIE LAABS $2,500 scholarship recipient

Originally from Georgia, Eric Trayler moved to Minnesota after his father became unemployed. The stress of unemployment took a toll on his parent’s relationship and their constant arguing began to affect Eric and his siblings. In search of new employment opportunities, a new climate, and a solution to their marital problems, Eric’s parents decided that a move may be just what they needed.

However, shortly after the move and just before Eric entered sixth grade, his mother left, taking a bus out of town in the middle of the night. A sad and lonely Eric struggled to cope with the abandonment while striving to form friendships in his new environment. He ended up befriending the younger brother of his sister’s boyfriend. This new friend introduced Eric to something that would temporarily dull his inner pain, but would ultimately send his world spinning out of control. Eric was persuaded to try using marijuana and before too long, he was addicted and had begun to use other substances, including alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription drugs.

Another move had Eric’s family living outside Kasson, Minnesota, where Eric continued on his path of drug use and delinquency. His father remarried a woman with whom Eric could never get along. In avoidance of his tumultuous family situation, Eric spent a lot of time away from home, hanging out with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble.

Eventually, Eric’s troublesome behavior caught up with him. He was put on probation for minor consumption and required to have regular urine examinations and participate in outpatient therapy. At first, Eric resisted. But after spending some time in a juvenile detention center, Eric began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Shortly thereafter, Eric realized that he wanted more for himself and he had the power to turn his life around. And that’s exactly what he did. Eric has been drug free since 2009 and remains dedicated to maintaining his sobriety.

ERIC TRAYLER $2,500 scholarship recipient

Recognition and appreciation for contributors to our spectacular silent auction! The following individuals and businesses (*) Donated goods and services featured in our wonderful gift baskets on sale tonight.

Six additional students were also selected to receive Beat the Odds scholarships. We congratulate them on their commendable achievements and wish them success as they begin their college careers.

THIDA BOONHEUAN: Thida Boonheuan’s life changed dramatically when she was just six years old. When young Thida became sick, her parents brought her to the hospital and were given the dreadful news that Thida had Leukemia. Following the diagnosis, Thida spent considerable time in the hospital, underwent a spleenectomy, and was required to have a bone marrow transplant. Thida’s brother, the only match, generously donated bone marrow to save his younger sister. Thida recalls the constant fright and painful recovery from the leukemia and subsequent medical procedures.

As Thida grew up, she became healthier; however she remained relatively susceptible to intercurrent infections and complications from typically manageable illnesses. As a result, Thida was intermittently absent from school, causing her grades to slump. Yet from these experiences, Thida has developed independence, responsibility, and determination and has worked hard to improve her academic performance. She has learned to appreciate life, and to strive to maintain the things she values, namely her health and education. A charmingly shy Thida still tears when recounting her brother’s courageous sacrifice and the results of the loving nursing care she has received over the years. It is her admirable goal to care for others by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing at a four year university.

SARA SEGNER: Sara Segner has proved that she is a survivor, even with the odds stacked against her. Within a short period of time, Sara was diagnosed with four potentially life-threatening diseases. Amongst these were HLH, a rare blood disease, and a type of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. These diagnoses required intensive care hospitalization and drastic medicines, including chemotherapy. Following several treatments and many months of agonistic worry, Sara was told that she was cancer free. However, she still may require bone marrow transplantation to defend against recurrence.

Sara, a cheerful, outgoing, and compassionate young woman, did not let her grim prognosis keep her from achieving at school. Sara is currently at the top of her class and is attending RCTC as a postsecondary student. After these traumatic experiences, Sara recognized that her purpose was to “help others in similar situations and spread cancer awareness.” She volunteers much of her time to cancer patients and is active in cancer support groups. She plans to become a doctor and help others become cancer survivors and beat the odds as she has.

SHAVONTE BUNCH: Shavonte’s beating of the odds is a work in progress. Originally from Chicago, Shavonte and her family come from a situation of poverty and deprivation. Little was expected and little gained in her first three years of high school. Shavonte’s mother decided to start fresh and moved Shavonte and her sister to Rochester, where they currently live in a homeless shelter. Due to the strict guidelines of her living arrangements, Shavonte is unable to have visitors or to participate in any extra-curricular activities. Yet she remains resilient and according to her nominator, “she has not allowed her current residence to break her spirit nor stop her from looking forward to all the possibilities that the future could bring.” Since beginning at John Marshall High School, Shavonte has turned her grades around and is planning on attending RCTC next year. She enjoys working with young children and her goal is to one day become a pediatrician to “help little kids get better and live healthy and productive lives.”

ANDREA KREY: Horses have always been important in the life and development of Andrea Krey. She was told early on that the cost of keeping and showing a horse, an expensive proposition, would be her unique responsibility. Due to an unexpected injury, Andrea’s father is unable to work, requiring her mother to be the sole wage earner and putting severe financial constraints on Andrea’s family. Andrea has maintained a job herself to help support her family, as well as her hobby. Additionally, Andrea works as a teacher’s assistant at the Triton Elementary school. She describes one-on-one tutoring success as very fulfilling. It was this role that sparked her interest in elementary education, her intended college major. Andrea also plans to minor in Equine studies.

CASEY DELIMA: Casey DeLima quotes: “Mental imbalance is a disease like cancer.” Her own depression has been severe and life threatening. Growing up, Casey was a nervous, lonely, and insecure child. When she was just three, her father gave up all custodial rights and soon after, Casey’s mother married a man who adopted Casey. However, the marriage failed, again leaving Casey without a father and causing financial hardship and domestic insecurity for her family. Casey began to feel a deep sense of hopelessness as depression set in, and eventually reached self-destructive levels. She attributes her level of recovery to friends, family, and medication. However, the investment of her considerable talents in theater, art, and photography, and her assumption of leadership roles have undoubtedly helped. Casey plans to attend the University of Minnesota to major in Italian with a minor in English as a Second Language in hopes to one day become an English teacher in Italy.

RYAN LINSKEY: Ryan Linskey knows the meaning of sacrifice. As the son of a U.S. military service member, Ryan has learned to adapt to life with a part-time father. Ryan’s father, who deployed to Kosovo for a year as Ryan transitioned into High School, will again deploy, this time to Iraq, missing one of Ryan’s greatest accomplishments: his High School graduation. During his father’s absence, Ryan has been a tremendous help to his mother at home, has maintained exemplary grades in school, and has volunteered his time and effort in the community. Ryan expressly relates sympathy and understanding of his mother’s hardship, and that of all military families. His future plans are to become a nurse, or possibly a doctor.

Apollo Liquor • Lisa & Ladd Baldus • Bilotti's • Canadian Honker • Cinemagic • Clarion Inn • Dick's Sporting Goods • Double Tree Eagles #2228 • Famous Dave's • Golf Headquarters • Bob & Cindy Groettum • Hampton Inn • HY-Vee South • Joe's Liquor & Smoke ShopKahler Inn & Suites • Ann & Darin Knudson • Maple Valley Golf Course • MN State University Athletics • MN Vikings • Paradise Pete’sDavid Pederson • Pro Image Promotions • Rochester Golf & Country Club • Richard & Joann Rosener • Studio 52 • Walmart North

Recognition and appreciation for contributors to our spectacular silent auction! The following individuals and businesses (*) Donated goods and services featured in our wonderful gift baskets on sale tonight.

Six additional students were also selected to receive Beat the Odds scholarships. We congratulate them on their commendable achievements and wish them success as they begin their college careers.

THIDA BOONHEUAN: Thida Boonheuan’s life changed dramatically when she was just six years old. When young Thida became sick, her parents brought her to the hospital and were given the dreadful news that Thida had Leukemia. Following the diagnosis, Thida spent considerable time in the hospital, underwent a spleenectomy, and was required to have a bone marrow transplant. Thida’s brother, the only match, generously donated bone marrow to save his younger sister. Thida recalls the constant fright and painful recovery from the leukemia and subsequent medical procedures.

As Thida grew up, she became healthier; however she remained relatively susceptible to intercurrent infections and complications from typically manageable illnesses. As a result, Thida was intermittently absent from school, causing her grades to slump. Yet from these experiences, Thida has developed independence, responsibility, and determination and has worked hard to improve her academic performance. She has learned to appreciate life, and to strive to maintain the things she values, namely her health and education. A charmingly shy Thida still tears when recounting her brother’s courageous sacrifice and the results of the loving nursing care she has received over the years. It is her admirable goal to care for others by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing at a four year university.

SARA SEGNER: Sara Segner has proved that she is a survivor, even with the odds stacked against her. Within a short period of time, Sara was diagnosed with four potentially life-threatening diseases. Amongst these were HLH, a rare blood disease, and a type of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. These diagnoses required intensive care hospitalization and drastic medicines, including chemotherapy. Following several treatments and many months of agonistic worry, Sara was told that she was cancer free. However, she still may require bone marrow transplantation to defend against recurrence.

Sara, a cheerful, outgoing, and compassionate young woman, did not let her grim prognosis keep her from achieving at school. Sara is currently at the top of her class and is attending RCTC as a postsecondary student. After these traumatic experiences, Sara recognized that her purpose was to “help others in similar situations and spread cancer awareness.” She volunteers much of her time to cancer patients and is active in cancer support groups. She plans to become a doctor and help others become cancer survivors and beat the odds as she has.

SHAVONTE BUNCH: Shavonte’s beating of the odds is a work in progress. Originally from Chicago, Shavonte and her family come from a situation of poverty and deprivation. Little was expected and little gained in her first three years of high school. Shavonte’s mother decided to start fresh and moved Shavonte and her sister to Rochester, where they currently live in a homeless shelter. Due to the strict guidelines of her living arrangements, Shavonte is unable to have visitors or to participate in any extra-curricular activities. Yet she remains resilient and according to her nominator, “she has not allowed her current residence to break her spirit nor stop her from looking forward to all the possibilities that the future could bring.” Since beginning at John Marshall High School, Shavonte has turned her grades around and is planning on attending RCTC next year. She enjoys working with young children and her goal is to one day become a pediatrician to “help little kids get better and live healthy and productive lives.”

ANDREA KREY: Horses have always been important in the life and development of Andrea Krey. She was told early on that the cost of keeping and showing a horse, an expensive proposition, would be her unique responsibility. Due to an unexpected injury, Andrea’s father is unable to work, requiring her mother to be the sole wage earner and putting severe financial constraints on Andrea’s family. Andrea has maintained a job herself to help support her family, as well as her hobby. Additionally, Andrea works as a teacher’s assistant at the Triton Elementary school. She describes one-on-one tutoring success as very fulfilling. It was this role that sparked her interest in elementary education, her intended college major. Andrea also plans to minor in Equine studies.

CASEY DELIMA: Casey DeLima quotes: “Mental imbalance is a disease like cancer.” Her own depression has been severe and life threatening. Growing up, Casey was a nervous, lonely, and insecure child. When she was just three, her father gave up all custodial rights and soon after, Casey’s mother married a man who adopted Casey. However, the marriage failed, again leaving Casey without a father and causing financial hardship and domestic insecurity for her family. Casey began to feel a deep sense of hopelessness as depression set in, and eventually reached self-destructive levels. She attributes her level of recovery to friends, family, and medication. However, the investment of her considerable talents in theater, art, and photography, and her assumption of leadership roles have undoubtedly helped. Casey plans to attend the University of Minnesota to major in Italian with a minor in English as a Second Language in hopes to one day become an English teacher in Italy.

RYAN LINSKEY: Ryan Linskey knows the meaning of sacrifice. As the son of a U.S. military service member, Ryan has learned to adapt to life with a part-time father. Ryan’s father, who deployed to Kosovo for a year as Ryan transitioned into High School, will again deploy, this time to Iraq, missing one of Ryan’s greatest accomplishments: his High School graduation. During his father’s absence, Ryan has been a tremendous help to his mother at home, has maintained exemplary grades in school, and has volunteered his time and effort in the community. Ryan expressly relates sympathy and understanding of his mother’s hardship, and that of all military families. His future plans are to become a nurse, or possibly a doctor.

Apollo Liquor • Lisa & Ladd Baldus • Bilotti's • Canadian Honker • Cinemagic • Clarion Inn • Dick's Sporting Goods • Double Tree Eagles #2228 • Famous Dave's • Golf Headquarters • Bob & Cindy Groettum • Hampton Inn • HY-Vee South • Joe's Liquor & Smoke ShopKahler Inn & Suites • Ann & Darin Knudson • Maple Valley Golf Course • MN State University Athletics • MN Vikings • Paradise Pete’sDavid Pederson • Pro Image Promotions • Rochester Golf & Country Club • Richard & Joann Rosener • Studio 52 • Walmart North

This evening we celebrate high school seniors who faced challenges and obstacles yet achieved personal and academic success. Despite such odds, these unique young people are preparing for the next stage in their lives: attending college. Tonight’s recipients were selected from applicants within a thirty mile radius of Rochester and will attend any accredited college of their choice. This year, $12,000 will be awarded in Beat the Odds scholarships.

Young persons who receive Beat the Odds scholarships have faced a variety of difficulties in their lives but all share one similarity: adults who have stepped in to help. Besides recognizing students, we also celebrate the adults who detected the struggles and reached out with encouragement, advice, resources and support.

Tonight is the eleventh year of celebrating student success and acknowledging the special people who make a difference in the lives of these young students. To date, the RCTC Foundation has provided over $150,000 in scholarships to 85 Beat the Odds recipients. In addition, funds raised support the RCTC Foundation, its programs and projects for the College and also provide an annual stipend to Minnesota Children’s Defense Fund, founder of Beat the Odds events.

Please consider ongoing support for Beat the Odds by supporting the event again next year. Also, if you know a student who is a possible candidate for a Beat the Odds Scholarship, contact Lisa Baldus at 281-7770. Qualified candidates will be high school students who will graduate in spring 2012.

ABOUT BEAT THE ODDS

PLATINUM LEVEL $5,000+ Post Bulletin • Wells Fargo

GOLD LEVEL $2,500+ Delta Dental of MN • Mayo Clinic • Think Mutual Bank • UCare

SILVER LEVEL $1,000+ Ads & Art/Davies Printing Minnesota Energy Resources Olmsted Medical Center David Olson - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Greg & Diane Osland Peoples Cooperative Services Prosthetic Laboratories Rochester International Event Center Jim Russell Workforce Development Center

BRONZE LEVEL $600+ ABC 6 News Charter Communications Clements Auto Flaherty & Hood Flowers by Jerry Gauthier Industries Dr. Donald & Phyllis Layton McGladrey Minnesota Grocers Assoc. Foundation Steve & Sharon Nigon Nupa, Inc. Pepsi Bottling Company Premier Bank Rochester AAUW RCTC Rochester International Event Center Smith Schafer & Associates Stifel Nicolaus – Downtown Office

Treasure Island U.S. Bank U of M Rochester Veolia Environmental Services Wendland and Utz Whitecap Financial Group Yeadon Domes

FRIENDS LEVEL $300+ Affinity Credit Union Terry & Linda Behrens Chestnut Cambronne, PA First Alliance Credit Union F&M Community Bank HGA Home Federal Ann & Darin Knudson Knutson Construction Lund Tax and Accounting Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union McGhie & Betts Merit Contracting Mid American Financial Olmsted County Pro Image Promotions and Apparel Sterling State Bank Top Performance Sales