Amara J. Sunnarborg
Port Charlotte, Fla.
$12,000 College Scholarship
Wheaton College
Wheaton, Ill.
Major: Biology
Parents: Tara and Duane Sunnarborg
Amara graduated from Port Charlotte High School in Port Charlotte, Fla., where she was a National Merit Scholar finalist and a member of National Honor Society.
Amara missed three weeks of school during her junior year when she had a tumor removed from her throat. The experience influenced her decision to become a pediatric oncologist and hematologist. “I want to help children battling cancer,” she says.
Julia L. Ferguson
Sevierville, Tenn.
$11,000 College Scholarship
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tenn.
Major: Biology
Parents: Charles and Brenda Ferguson
Julia graduated from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Gatlinburg, Tenn., where she was a member of the math club and editor of the school newspaper.
She says serving as co-chair of United Way of Sevier County’s annual fundraising campaign opened her eyes to her community’s needs.
“The experience motivated me to continue to strengthen my community in any way I can,” says Julia.
Morgan Rae WallaceNokomis, Fla.
$10,000 College Scholarship
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Fla.
Major: Biological Sciences
Parents: Peggy Clevenger and Michael Wallace
Morgan graduated from Pineview School for the Gifted in Osprey, Fla., where she was a member of National Beta Club and National Honor Society.
She says the anatomy and physiology class she took her senior year helped solidify her dream of becoming a surgeon.
“I’ve had a broken bone and knee surgery, and I was able to intern with my own orthopedic surgeon through a program at school,” Morgan says. “It was a fascinating experience.”
Kaitlyn A. Mathis
Crossville, Tenn.
$9,000 College Scholarship
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, Tenn.
Major: Biology and Chemistry
Parents: Michelle Jones and Barry Mathis
Kaitlyn graduated from Cumberland County High School in Crossville, Tenn., where she was an Advanced Placement scholar, student council representative and member of National Beta Club.
She is active in her community, regularly volunteering in Coats for the Cold, an annual coat drive sponsored by Lions Club, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Kaitlyn says her involvement in these projects has influenced her decision to become a doctor.
“I’ve touched lives by handing out survivor ribbons or giving a hug or smile to weary caregivers,” she says. “Due to the personal rewards I’ve gained from volunteering, I’ve chosen a career path that will allow me to continue to touch lives.”
Heather M. JumperDalton, Ga.
$8,000 College Scholarship
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Ga.
Major: Criminal Justice and Psychology
Parents: Terry and Patricia Jumper
Heather graduated from Northwest Whitfield High School in Tunnel Hill, Ga., where she was a member of National Honor Society and International Thespian Society.
Heather says the forensic science course she took during her senior year helped influence her decision to pursue a career in criminal justice. “The class taught me a lot about myself and my interests,” she says.
She hopes to become an agent for the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.
John C. Rains
Tallahassee, Fla.
$7,000 College Scholarship
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Fla.
Major: Chemical Engineering
Parents: Vance and Kelly Rains
John graduated from Leon High School in Tallahassee, Fla., where he was an Advanced Placement scholar and member of the marching band, tennis team and bowling team.
A lover of mathematics, John completed all nine math courses offered at his school and enjoyed lending his expertise to other students. “I’ve tutored students in various levels of math,” he says. “It not only helps them advance, it gives me personal satisfaction. I know I’m making a difference.”