ɫҹ

Prioritizing Student Success
Fostering Completion

Student Crosses Finish Line

Steven Smith faced the battle of his life. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in his mid-30s, Steven juggled cancer treatments, being a young father and completing the college coursework that he needed to earn his bachelor’s degree. And he was close. Close to beating cancer, close to Graduation Day.

But then, he encountered a financial crisis. One semester away from graduating, Steven’s funds had run out. “It was tough. My options were gone,” he said.

Except for one: The Last Dollar Scholarship. Thanks to this fund, Steven was able to complete his degree.

“The Last Dollar Scholarship helped me cross the finish line, because I couldn’t have made it any other way,” he said. “It’s definitely an important tool. This scholarship really came through and helped me out when I needed it most.”

Today, Steven calls Plain Township home. He is cancer-free and inspires his daughter Nyah, a McKinley High School senior, to pursue a college education.

“I would tell anyone to stick it out and don’t give up. Keep moving. Put one foot in front of the other and finish your race.”