Chelsee Abbey daughter of Randy Abbey BNSF
As my first year in college comes to an end I have grown up and learned so much. I have accomplished a GPA of a 3.7 and plan to continue working hard to maintain my GPA. My goals in furthering my education as marketing major at Midwestern University are to stay focused and get ahead of the game. Continuing to learn responsibility and time management are my current aspirations in school. I recently received a coaching job at the Gymnastics Sports Center and love every minute of it. I hope to continue doing well in school and acheive all my goals and aspirations during my time in college.
Kendra Albritton daughter of Kevin Albritton BNSF
I plan to persue a degree in nursing so that I can contin ue my love for helping others and my desire to be truly useful to people in the world. By putting my love of caring for others to use, I hope to be a helpful individual in my commun ity and help better the lives of those in need around me. During my years in high school, I received the AB honor roll award, was a member of the National Honor Society, UNICEF Club, Rotary INteract Club, and the baseball and cross country teams.
Ethan Black son of Richard Black NS
Ethan Clay Black is a rising junior at Clemson University where he is studying computer science and digital production arts. Ethan was a 2004 graduate of Pickens High School in Pickens, SC, where he graduated with honors in math and science and was a Duke University TIP Scholar. At Clemson University, Ethan is a SC LIFE Scholarship recipient as well as a recipient of a four year Clemson Trustee Scholarship. Between classes, Ethan works for Clemson Computer Information Technology center, trouble-shooting computer problems for fellow students and staff members. His hobbies include playing guitar, bass, and drums, as well as fresh and saltwater fishing. His future career plans include pursuing a Masters Degree in computer science and digital production arts, as well as securing a job with a major software firm or corporation where he can design, develop, and implement computer programs using 3-D graphics and animation for instruction, training, or recreation.
Jennifer Donovan daughter of Raymond Donovan CSXTE
Jennifer Donovan a recent Coxsackie-Athens High School graduate and first time recipient of the ATDA scholarship is a freshman at Bay Path College in MA majoring in Child Psychology. She greatly appreciates the efforts of the ATDA in putting forth the scholarship money towards higher education. Prior to her college entrance she was a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the National Society for High School Scholars, played on the Varsity Bowling and Tennis teams, was a member of Student Council, and the Drama club. She was recently accepted into Coxsackie-Athens High School Student Hall of Fame. She is the daughter of Cindy and Ray Donovan (CSX, Boston Line Dispatcher).
Jessica Duvall daughter of Wendy Pate NS
Jessica Brooke Duvall graduated as class historian with a GPA of 4.3.
Secretary of Senior Beta, Member of HOSA. Plans to attend university of Alabama at Birmingham as a pre-med student.
Alexis Gravelin daughter of Mark Gravelin CSXTE
Throughout my college career, I have maintained grades that have allowed
me to be named on both the Dean’s List and President’s List. While
attending Hudson Valley Community College, I interacted with members of
the college while acting as a peer tutor after my math professor suggested
me to the program. I was also nominated and became a member of Phi Theta
Kappa at HVCC, an honor I hope to continue while I attend the University
at Albany as a Marketing/Management student. I have received recognition
for the hardships I have encountered by receiving a scholarship from the
Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York. I will continue to set high
standards for myself in my final semesters of college. I am currently
working two jobs and am hopeful to land an internship that will help me
develop my skills. I am excited to enter the workforce and put my
knowledge to the test and am pleased that I am able to do so a semester
early due to my hard work and perseverance.
Amber Gravelin daughter of Mark Gravelin CSXTE
Amber graduated with honors from SUNY Oneonta with a Bachelors in Psychology. She recieved awards for research in psychology and for her work during an internship at Springbrook, a school for children with developmental disabilities. She will be a graduate student at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY for School Psychology in the fall.
Claire Gravelin daughter of Mark Gravelin CSXTE
Claire is currently completing her first year of Kansas
University’s Social Psychology Ph.D. program where she studies the influence of
social power on stereotyping and discrimination. During her first year in the
program, Claire has helped establish a research award for graduate students in
social psychology and is currently serving as a member of the selection
committee. Claire also traveled to her undergraduate institution this past
winter to give a talk to psychology undergraduates about preparing for graduate
school. While at Brockport, Claire was a member of the Honors Program at SUNY
Brockport, and served as their president in her senior year. Claire was also
named the psychology department’s Departmental Scholar.
Dallas Goldring son of David Goldring BNSF
Throughout my eighteen years on earth, I have participated in many things. In fifth and sixth grade I served as a Peer Mediator for Intermediate School and also received the President’s Education Award for outstanding academic achievement. Seventh and eighth grade I participated in the Student Citizens Police Academy. I have also been in the Keller band program since sixth grade, and once in high school I lettered in varsity all four years. I plan to further my education by getting my core classes done at TCC. That will give me time to decide what University I would like to attend. My interests are to major in a field that revolves around animals, like animal science, marine biology or zoology.
Ryan Kelly son of Cynthia Kelly MBR
The first step I’m taking into maturity is pursuing an education, currently I’ve been accepted to the University of New England. Presently my intended major is undeclared with a physical therapy designate, which allows me to explore many different majors in the health care industry. In high school I was a member of the leadership academy, a group which promotes leadership through community service, at this time I have over three hundred and fifty hours of community service logged. Along with the leadership academy I was a member and captain of the varsity track team, and I achieved honor roll status all four years. The award for the ATDA scholarship will provide me a better opportunity to achieve my goals and reach my full potential.
Maggie McGonigle daughter of John McGonigle AMTRAK
Maggie is a 2011 graduate of Upper Darby High School and is planning a career as a teacher. She has Distinguished Honors in her Freshman through Junior years in High School and is on the Royal Registry for all four years. She is also a member of the National Honor Society of High School Scholars. She will attend West Chester University this fall.
Alexandra Miller daughter of Michael Miller NS
I am currently a sophmore at Duquesne studying Occupational Therapy. I have been inducted into the PKE health science honors fraternity. I have recently been accepted into the Education School where I can minor in Special Education in hopes to work with pediatrics in the future. My main goal is to use the knowledge I attain to touch as many lives as possible in a positive manner.
Maj-Britt Nelson daughter of Richard Nelson WC
I am currently finishing my sophomore year as an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology with an emphasis on Natural Resource Management. I work part-time for the University during the school year and this summer I will be doing research for a potato plant in Central Wisconsin to better understand which potato species can be sustainably harvested in the area. After I obtain my undergraduate degree I hope to pursue a career in the wildlife field studying population or community ecology in North America!
Sabrina Smerecki daughter of Joseph Bakula AMTRAK
My name is Sabrina Smerecki and I am a senior at Plymouth Whitemarsh
High School. I am a member of the National Honors Society, I am an ADL Peer
Trainer, and I am an active leader in The Plymouth Whitemarsh Honors Choir.
I am also the first female sacristan at my church, St. Matthew, in
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and I teach third grade CCD. In the fall I plan
on attending Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. I plan on furthering my
education in order to become a teacher. I would like to thank the ATDA for
their assistance in my upcoming education and for taking the time to review
my application. I am truly grateful for the help they have given me. With
their aid, I plan to help change the world for the better, one student at a
time.
Falon Wolf daughter of Wayne Wolf AMTRAK
My name is Falon Wolf and I am twenty years old. I am currently attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania and will be a junior in the fall. I made deans list my first semester there. At school I am studying pre-physical therapy and will graduate in 2013 with a bachelors of science and mathematics. After graduation I plan to go to graduate school to fulfill my goal of becoming a doctor of physical therapy. I would love to later work in a Pediatric Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy care center. Before college I went to Central Dauphin High School and was privileged enough to be a part of their Honor Society for many semesters. Those four years made me dedicated and determined enough to set a high goal for my future. This financial aid given to me will aid me in reaching my final goals during the rest of my college career. Thank you for your support and help.
Tara Wolf daughter of Wayne Wolf AMTRAK
I am Tara Wolf and 23 years old. I am attending Harrisburg Area Community College where I will be finishing my senior year. I went to Central Dauphin High School and was privileged to be part of their Honor Society, followed by 4 years at Pennsylvania College of Technology where I was on Deans List. Just this past year I transfered to HACC. I plan to graduate May 2012 with my associates degree in applied health sciences as a Registered Nurse. I am doing my clinical rotations at Harrisburg Pinnacle Health Centers. After graduating I want to specialize in Oncology and work at a Cancer center. Thank you for all your financial help, aiding me with finances during my school career.
Kristi Shell daughter of Jeff Shell MRL
Currently I am a nursing student at Idaho State University. It is my goal to graduate in the Spring of 2013 with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing and obtain my RN. I hope to someday be a pediatric oncology nurse. Also, with my RN I plan on traveling to other countries and utilize my skill for those less fortunate. I am currently planning on going to Africa in the summer of 2012 for a 10 day trip to help those in need. My achievements and awards include being on the Division of Health Sciences, School of Nursing Dean's List due to my academic GPA in the nursing program, I was elected class secretary for my nursing class, I am a participant in the Student Nurses Association (SNA), and I was a member of National Honors Society my senior year of high school.
Kayla Wood daughter of Bart Wood CONRAIL
I plan to attend Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this fall. My Major fields of study will be Criminal Justice and Business. I hope to work for the Federal Government after graduation and to eventually apply for employment with the FBI. I would, also, like to further my education and pursue a masters degree in my related field
Joseph Thornburg son of Nathan Thornburg BNSF
Logan King son of Scott King CSX