carson annual scholars report fund 2017 · 2018-12-19 · benjamin s. carson, sr., m.d. candy...

CARSONSCHOLARS

FUND

ANNUALREPORT2017

2 | Carson Scholars Fund


CO-FOUNDER’SmessageOUR TEAMFounders

Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D.Candy Carson

OfficersLee WarnerChairman of the BoardNancy Grasmick, Ph.D.President

Graylin E. SmithTreasurerWes GuckertVice PresidentDavid RossSecretary

Board of DirectorsSteven H. AdlerDavid W. Bower

Benjamin Carson, Jr.Murray CarsonMary CostaHailey Cramer*Francis L. DonahueLouis Friedman, Esq.Phyllis Friedman, Esq.Kevin HollinsDr. Donald JanowerAudrey Jones*Kenneth LukhardDr. Garth McDonaldJennifer McDonaldKevin McNultyBruce VottaCarol Jean Young*Advisory Board Member

StaffAmy WarnerExecutive Director

Liz BaileyScholarship & Communications CoordinatorTammy BlazenyakReading Room DirectorSabrina BodyExecutive AssistantShannon KowalProgram CoordinatorKelsey LandrocheDevelopment & Program Expansion Coordinator

Jessie MonteleoneSoutheast Expansion Coordinator

Lacey RichardsScholarship DirectorMarcos RodriguezCalifornia Expansion CoordinatorJo WeisgalEvents Coordinator & School Liaison

Coming off of the excitement of the Carson Scholars Fund’s 20th anniversary, our 21st year was brimming with highlights. What started in Maryland 21 years ago has taken off across the country as students in each state display incredible humanitarian work while consistently performing at the top of their classes. They are starting their own non-profits, dedicating hundreds of hours to their local soup kitchens and shelters, and going on to attend the best colleges and universities in the U.S. Reading rooms are shaping the futures of our youngest learners, enabling them to expand their imaginations above and beyond.

With the help of one remarkable couple, our scholarship and reading room programs are solidifying themselves on the West Coast. We are honored to carry on Eleni and Wolfgang Gagon’s dream of furthering education for deserving students for many years to come. The announcement of the Gagon’s gift, along with honorees like Steve Harvey, made for a landmark awards banquet season.

As we move into our 22nd year, we are driven by the momentum of Carson Scholar alumni who continuously forge our mission ahead. Our alumni are leaders in their fields and in their communities, setting examples for new Carson Scholars as young as nine years old. It is imperative, now more than ever, that we continue to be cheerleaders for the future leaders of our country, who will be coming up against the whiz-kids of countries four times the population of ours.

We cannot do this alone. Thanks to the generosity of countless individuals, organizations, and CSF friends, we are able to continuously recognize promise and reward excellence. We are also very thankful that our staff continues to keep our costs at just a few cents per donated dollar. We hope to continue to support and encourage this unifying and propelling force of leadership found in our scholars for many years to come.

Candy Carson, Co-founder


Carson Scholars Program

In 1996, the first Carson Scholarships were awarded to 25 deserving students. Since then, the Carson Scholars Fund’s network of scholars has grown to over 7,100 students across the country.

The Carson Scholars Program recognizes and rewards academic excellence and humanitarian qualities in young students enrolled in grades 4-11. Carson Scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship to be invested towards their college education, along with a recognition package and an invitation to attend a regional awards banquet. The Carson Scholars Program encourages a college-going culture in homes and schools across the country at a young age. Carson Scholars are role models and leaders in their schools and communities. They encourage their peers and are shaping a better future for themselves and the country.

The Reading Room Project

As the Carson Scholars Fund grew, the Carsons established a second program, The Reading Room Project, dedicated to combating illiteracy and promoting leisure reading as a key to unlocking a child’s full potential.

Launched in 2000, the Reading Room Project provides funding and support to schools to create a literacy-enriched environment – warm, inviting rooms where kids can escape into the world of books while developing their reading skills. Each room is filled with hundreds of books for students to explore and is colorfully decorated to promote Dr. Carson’s THINK BIG philosophy of encouraging academic success and helping others. In a reading room, students have the freedom to select their own books. When students choose what they read, they read more.

The Carson Scholars Fund, Inc. was founded in 1994 to address the education crisis in the United States. Benjamin S. Carson, M.D., retired world-renowned Johns Hopkins pediatric neurosurgeon, and his wife, Candy, were alarmed by a study’s findings that students in the United States ranked #21 out of 22 countries in science and math. The Carsons also observed that many school display cases were filled with large trophies paying tribute to their sports teams’ achievements, while academically high-achieving students only received a pin or certificate.

Jessie MonteleoneSoutheast Expansion Coordinator

Lacey RichardsScholarship DirectorMarcos RodriguezCalifornia Expansion CoordinatorJo WeisgalEvents Coordinator & School Liaison

HISTORY OF THE CARSON SCHOLARS FUND


CARSON SCHOLARS PROGRAMhe goals of the Carson Scholars Program go beyond instilling an interest in college early on and assisting with the cost of college.

Carson Scholars are role models in their schools and communities, encouraging other students to strive for excellence. Our scholarship program is available only to students in grades 4-11. These students have sufficient time to be recognized by their educators and peers, and to have the intended impact on their schools and educational communities. Our research shows that 94% of our scholars feel that being named a Carson Scholar has helped them become role models for their classmates.

Carson Scholars are recognized by their schools. As part of the Carson Scholars Program, schools are provided with a trophy to be displayed proudly in display cases. The aim is to add value to academic achievements and to refocus the spotlight on education. Carson Scholars are honored for their academics and motivated to continue to seek excellence.

T


CARSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM

statsfacts

483 872new and previous

in 2017carson scholars

‘‘ ‘‘

paid out to colleges & universities on behalf ofcarson scholars

over $5 000 000, ,

3 000,carson scholarsrecognized multiple times

nearly

4 400,carson scholaralumni network of over

620scholars:carsoncolleges & universities with 8 000,

nearly

scholarshipsawardedin all 50 statesand Washington

Anthony Popovski, 3-time Carson ScholarUniversity of Pittsburgh

‘‘ ‘‘Winning this scholarship has put me in a network of leaders and future leaders, people who motivate me to achieve my dreams while giving back to my community.

Being a Carson Scholar has taught me that excellence and service are continuous, not just a one-time occurrence.

Elise Lyght, 7-time Carson ScholarUniversity of North Carolina, Charlotte

DC


SPOTLIGHTS

Being named a Carson Scholar has proved to me that I have what it takes to do anything I put my mind to.

‘‘ ‘‘8 | Carson Scholars Fund

Rachel Blackburn, 4-time Carson ScholarWestfield Middle School | Westfield, IN

rafe gerson

2017 Carson Scholar | Grade 8 | San Elijo Middle School | San Marcos, CARafe excels greatly in computer programming and mathematics. He is talented with mathematical calculations and Microsoft Office, especially

PowerPoint. In the future, he hopes to pursue a career in designing computer games and the hardware platform on which the games operate. Rafe placed within the top three students in the school district for the First in Math. He also earned the Gold Presidential Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence.

alannah hill

2017 Carson Scholar | Grade 11 | Homewood-Flossmore High School | Flossmoor, ILAlannah’s biggest hobby is playing the violin. She placed first in the Granquist Music Competition and the IMA Music Competition, earned a Merit Scholarship for being a concert master/first chair for Blue Lake Orchestra and was the only freshman selected as first violin for ILMEA. Alannah participates in Mathletes, DECA, Model UN and is on the tennis team. She also serves as founder of Musical Math Enrichment, which was recognized by SD161. Alannah was the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award and was a Chicago ACS High School Scholarship Exam Nominee.

mason hoene

7-time Carson Scholar | Grade 11 | C. Milton Wright High School | Bel Air, MDMason is a hard worker with big goals. He is a member of multiple national honors societies, including societies for math, science and French, as well as a repeat winner of the President’s Education Award.

When he’s not studying or practicing for a cross country meet, Mason can be found tutoring fellow students. He spent his summer volunteering at the local library, where he helped children achieve their summer reading goals. Mason participates in his school’s engineering club, competing in statewide engineering challenges. After high school, he plans to attend the United States Air Force Academy and to serve in the Air Force and eventually become an aerospace engineer.

Annual Report 2017 | 9 REFLECTIONS

‘‘ ‘‘Winning this scholarship has put me in a network of leaders and future leaders, people who motivate me to achieve my dreams while giving back to my community. Daniel Hamm, 2016 Carson Scholar

Emory University

da'Kuawn johnson

lisa stabryla

2-time Carson Scholar | University of Pittsburgh“When I was in 11th grade, I was honored to have received the Carson Scholarship in recognition of my commitment to education and willingness to give back to my community. The award gave me the unique chance to go to college, explore different career paths, and pursue graduate school, something that no one else in my family had done before. Now, as a Hall of Famer, I have belief placed in me, from both the CSF and myself, that I will continue making important contributions to the scientific community and inspiring students to pursue STEM fields.”

megan rosenberger

2-time Carson Scholar | University of Maryland School of Medicine“I remember my mom picking me up from school as I eagerly blurted out, ‘I’m going to college!’ I was in fifth grade and was only nominated to apply

for the Carson Scholarship. Just the opportunity to apply lit the flame for me to pursue my academics and eventually get a college education. Over ten years later,

I have the privilege of being a member of the Carson Scholars Fund Hall of Fame. I look back at how much I admired the older scholars who were recognized as Carson Scholars multiple times and now, as a Hall of Fame inductee, I am a role model for those that come after me. I am constantly inspired to push myself to do my best and achieve.”

2-time Carson Scholar | United States Naval Academy“I am honored to be a Carson Scholar and be recognized in the Alumni Hallof Fame for my academic and humanitarian achievements. I was awarded thescholarship at the Pittsburgh ceremony in 2012, and throughout the past five years, I have been inspired by other scholars and supported by an incredible organization. The unwavering support I have received from the Carson Scholars Fund has inspired me to continue to excel throughout my career.”


THE GAGON LEGACY


difficult childhood complicated by the pressures of World War II drove Eleni Bukuvalas and Wolfgang Gagon out of their respective native countries to San Diego, California. The two later met and married, and built a loving and prosperous life based on simple values: working hard, valuing education, inspiring others, and helping those in need. Over the course of their lives, the Gagon’s amassed a substantial real estate portfolio

and stimulated revitalization in their beloved city of San Diego. The Carson Scholars Fund is thrilled to announce that the greatest part of the estate that Eleni and Wolfgang worked so hard to create was set aside for furthering education through the youth missions executed by the Carson Scholars Fund. This represents the largest gift in the history of the CSF. The selfless spirits of Eleni and Wolfgang Gagon will continue through the mentoring of deserving children of California, and of San Diego in particular, for many years to come.

A


READING ROOM PROJECT

he Reading Room Project was created to encourage young students to discover the pleasure that can be found in books. Reading rooms are cheerful and relaxing environments for leisure reading, each decorated with eye catching artwork

reinforcing Dr. Carson’s THINK BIG philosophy. Schools with reading rooms document increased levels in learning, improvements in vocabulary and reading test scores, and general improvement in students’ attitudes towards reading and what they can accomplish in their lives.

T ARIZONAEsperanza ElementaryPhoenix, AZ | William & Winifred Freeman Foundation

Patagonia Montessori Elementary Patagonia, AZ | John Henry Kendall

FLORIDABelle Glade Elementary Belle Glade, FL | Palm Beach County Chapter of the CSF (PBCC)

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary Riviera Beach, FL | PBCC/Earl Abramson & Sheila Schlaggar

Inlet Grove Community High School Riviera Beach, FL | PBCC/Gerald & Gwen Richman, Sid & Esther Dinerstein & contributions by Rita & Joe Scheller

Northmore Elementary West Palm Beach, FL | BallenIsles Charities Foundation

did you know?With 170 reading rooms in 22 states and Washington DC, over 85,000 high-interest books have been placed into students’ hands.


NEW READING ROOM LOCATIONS

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‘‘19 reading rooms opened this year, bringing us to a total of over 170 reading rooms

in 22 states and Washington, DC.

Palm Harbor Academy Palm Coast, FL| Jennifer McDonald, Seminole Feed, Karen Welden, & United Way Volusia/Flagler Counties

ILLINOISFrances B. McCord ElementaryBurbank, IL | Advocate Christ Medical Center

Harry E. Fry ElementaryBurbank, IL | Advocate Christ Medical Center

Lake Park ElementaryAddison, IL | Domtar

KENTUCKYFoust Elementary Owensboro, KY | Domtar

NORTH CAROLINAMallard Creek ElementaryCharlotte, NC | Domtar

SOUTH CAROLINAClio Elementary/Middle Clio, SC | Domtar

R.E. Davis ElementarySumter, SC | Thompson Companies

Old Pointe Elementary Rock Hill, SC | Domtar

TENNESSEEAbraham Lincoln ElementaryKingsport, TN | Domtar

Cowan ElementaryCowan, TN | Deaver Phoenix Foundation

Haywood ElementaryBrownsville, TN | Domtar

TEXASJohn Q. Adams ElementaryDallas, TX | Domtar

The Ben Carson Reading Room on the John Still West campus has been instrumental in helping students achieve greater reading ability, and the vast array of different reading materials helps students to be exposed to all genres of reading. This helps us to demonstrate to students that reading matters! Nanci Rose, Assistant PrincipalJohn Still K-8 | Sacramento, CA


spotlightsChapters of the Carson Scholars Fund are comprised of dedicated supporters of our dream to have a scholar named in every school in every state. Our chapters work tirelessly to provide funding for reading rooms and guaranteed scholarships in their areas, and to expand the scope of our program in their communities. Here is what some of them were up to this year!

In September, the Charlotte Chapter celebrated their establishment with “A Lunch With Candy Carson.” Dealing Cards for Children, the chapter’s first fundraiser, was held in March. Proceeds from the event benefitted reading rooms in the Charlotte area.

Also new this year, the ChathamCounty Chapter brought CSF to the Triangle Area. With the help of CSF alumnus Jacob Covington, Dr. Rodney Alsup delivered an impactful presentation on the Carson Scholars Program to two organizations, CAP and ICON. Jacob, a chemical engineering student at North Carolina State University, spoke about the importance of recognizing academic achievement early in a student’s life. Proceeds from the event raised funds for five new Carson Scholars in Chatham County, NC.

CSF supporters Dr. Randy Davisand Karen Stammer hosted a “Friendraiser” on Gibson Island for the Maryland Chapter in September. Jacquelyn Colangelo, a Carson Scholar from Chesapeake High School, impressed the group with her achievements and drive.

The Pittsburgh Chapter hosted two events inone day, starting with a golf tournament at Laurel Valley Country Club. Afterwards, golfers and guests were invited to the Duquesne Club for mingling, dinner and a spectacular silent auction.

In December, the Palm Beach County Chapter held a reception and dinner at BallenIsles Country Club. Principals from local schools shared heartwarming stories highlighting the impact that the reading rooms have on their students. The event raised funds for seven reading rooms in Palm Beach County.


summaryFOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2017

*Special events are presented net of expenses.

Statement of Financial PositionASSETSAssetsCash and cash equivalents – operating 1,154,986 Cash and cash equivalents – reserved for scholarship commitments 1,508,167Cash and cash equivalents – reserved for reading rooms 4,000,320Cash – chapters 116,931 Investments – reserved for scholarship commitments 4,795,611 Investments – operating 1,968,727 Accounts receivable, net 105,000 Other assets 308,077TOTAL ASSETS $13,957,819

97.6 cents

of every dollar raised goes toward benefiting

young students.*

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETSLiabilitiesAccounts payable & Accrued expenses Scholarship commitments 3,924,648 TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,962,559 Net AssetsUnrestricted 2,851,694 Temporarily restricted 7,143,566 TOTAL NET ASSETS 9,995,260 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

37,911

$13,957,819

State of Activities and Functional ExpensesREVENUEPublic Support 6,227,568Other Activities 309,222Other Income 836,278TOTAL REVENUE $7,373,068

FUNCTIONAL EXPENSESProgram Service 1,789,868Management and general 104,329Fundraising 44,166Special events expense* 36,969TOTAL EXPENSES $1,975,332

Change in Net Assets 5,397,736 Net Assets – Beginning of Year 4,597,524Net Assets – End of Year $9,995,260*Special events are presented net of expenses.

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Being a Carson Scholar showed me that peoplemy age can changethe world.Reese Pallone2-time Carson ScholarMary Queen of Apostles SchoolPittsburgh, PA

*Special events are presented net of expenses.


supportersJULY 1, 2016 - JUNE 30, 2017

‘‘ ‘‘Legacy Gift

$20,000 and over Advocate Christ Medical CenterAmie & Tony JamesDr. & Mrs. Benjamin CarsonCG Charitable FundCommunity Foundation of Greater ChattanoogaCostco WholesaleDr. Nancy GrasmickHighmarkKahlert Foundation, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Mark MillerRichard Lumsden FoundationRosler FoundationSCP FoundationThe Ferenc Family Charitable Foundation of Brooklyn Ms. Karen Zeliff

$10,000-$19,999 Mr. Earl Abramson & Ms. Sheila SchlaggarMr. Eugene BadgettBallenIsles Charities Foundation, Inc.Ms. Suzanne BartolucciMr. Stephen BaynardMr. & Mrs. Ronald J. BermanMr. & Mrs. John C. BillsMr. David BowerThe Bruni FoundationMrs. Enid CheathamThe Deaver Phoenix Foundation, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Thomas R. DonahueDonahue Family FoundationLouis & Phyllis FriedmanGordon & Llura Gund FoundationMr. & Mrs. Wes Guckert

Haugh Family Charitable FoundationHolland Family FoundationDr. & Mrs. Donald JanowerMr. John H. KendallDr. & Mrs. Garth McDonaldMr. & Mrs. William PerezMr. & Mrs. Anthony RoseMr. David RossMr. & Mrs. Steven ScaliciMr. & Mrs. Robert SchulerThe Sidney and Kyra Ferenc FoundationMr. Graylin SmithMr. & Mrs. Thomas SmythMr. Farid SrourMr. & Mrs. Jay Young

$5,000-$9,999Mr. & Mrs. Morton Bender

Mr. & Mrs. Jack BergerBrighthouse FinancialMr.& Mrs. Rae BurtonCole Roofing Co., Inc.Delaware Community FoundationMr. & Mrs. Daniel F. DevoeMr. & Mrs. Sidney F. DinersteinFederated Investors Foundation, Inc.Gettinger Family FoundationMr. & Mrs. Robert G. GillMr. & Mrs. Gerard A. GiordanaMr. Richard HerronKerscher Family FoundationMs. Doreen KhumaloDr. Martha KuffskieMr. Ed LittleDr & Mrs. Donlin LongDr. & Mrs. Gerald Loyacona

I am consistently impressed by the quality of every Carson Scholar I meet, and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make on the world. David RossBoard Member


The Eleni and Wolfgang Gagon Trust


Marjorie A. Neuhoff Private Foundation, Inc.The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC)Patricia A. and W illiam E . LaMothe FoundationMr. & Mrs. Gerald RichmanMr. & Mrs. Roger RiedingerThe Rosenthal-Statter FoundationS&T Charitable FoundationStanley and Catherine Maas FoundationThe Votta FamilyDr. & Mrs. Matthew WiklerWilliam & Winifred Freeman FoundationMr. James Robert Wiltman

$1,000-$4,999 Dr. & Mrs. Stephen C. AchuffMr. Bruce AlexanderDr. Rodney Alsup & Dr. Sarah E. DeRossett The Andrew & Valerie Gospodarek Charitable Gift FundMr. & Mrs. Michael BalkemaBank of America Charitable FoundationDr. Stephen BarthMs. Thomasine BaynardDr. Edward R. BeckerMr. & Mrs. Roger BennettDr. Napoleon BequerMs. Sandra L. Bettor

The Blyler Thompson Foundation, Inc.Bon Tool Co.Mr. William BristolDr. & Mrs. Daniel BrudnakThe Burch Family Charitable FundMr. Scott CaryMr. Frank CasagrandeCentral Coast PropertiesMr. & Mrs. Robert ColemanMr. Leon CondonMr. & Mrs. Paul ConstantineMr. & Mrs. John Constantine, Jr.Mr. Fred CorradoDr. Randy DavisMr. & Mrs. Gordon M. DavisonDr. Robert DeMarcoMr. Paul Diede and Mr. Harry Goresline Mr. & Mrs. Augustine DiFioreMs. Cynthia DillonMr. & Mrs. John H. DobbinsMrs. Ann C. DonahueMr. Paul DonohueMr. & Mrs. James D. DuncanDr. Lori EverettMs. Glenda FanningMs. Diane FaselMr. & Mrs. Jack F. FernandezCongressman Mark Foley& the Friends of theMark Foley Campaign Fund

Dr. & Mrs. Peter FrankMr. & Mrs. Stanley FriedmanMs. Gaylyn T. GreinerMr. Daniel GuildH&R Peters Family FoundationMr. & Mrs. John HammelMrs. Cindy HayesHerman & Se ena Lubcher Charitable FoundationMs. Karyn JacksonMs. Carol S. JamesJames A. & Ruth D. Neff Historical FoundationJohns Hopkins MedicineJohnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.Mr. Doug KatholMrs. Carolyn Pape KeenenThe Knowlton FoundationMs. Katherine KoldewynMr. & Mrs. Richard KraulandMr. Paul LaFerriereMr. David LeeMs. Judy LeeMs. Dolores D. LeFebvre

Mr. Ian LynchMs. Elizabeth ManningThe Master’s Touch, LLCMs. Joan E. McCallumMr. & Mrs. Duane McKeeMs. Catherine McNeillyMr. & Mrs. Kevin McNultyMr. Wiliam G. Mennen, IIIMr. & Mrs. Richard MeyersMr. & Mrs. William A. MillerMr. Henry MoonMr. Bruce MorganMr. Jared NaporaMr. & Mrs. Tim NatoleDr. & Mrs. Richard NorthMr. & Mrs. Domenick PaparoneMr. Howard A. ParkerMr. John PaulMr. & Mrs. Patricia PaulsonMr. Steve PetarraPhoenix AcademyDr. Steven PliskowMr. & Mrs. Kenneth Reeder


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Mr. & Mrs. Gregory K. RileyRJDM, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Phil RosenbergDr. & Mrs. Martin RothsteinDr. & Mrs. Frederick SancilioMr. John SaundersMr. & Mrs. Joseph B. SchellerMs. Anita ScottMs. Sheryl SellawayMr. & Mrs. John W. SheppardMr. & Mrs. Stephen SilverSouthampton Middle SchoolStack & Store Mini Storage, LLCMr. & Mrs. Richard SteinhoffMr. & Mrs. Michael E. StevensDr. & Mrs. Russell StochThe Swaroop Family Charitable TrustCreston G. TateDr. & Mrs. Richard B. TaylorMr. & Mrs. Karl E. Towle Tucker Family FoundationMr. & Mrs. Allen and Lynn Utzig Mr. & Mrs. Lee WarnerMr. & Mrs. Elliot WeinsteinMr. & Mrs. Sealy M. YatesMr. & Mrs. Michael Young

$500-$999 Alameda L and C ompany, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Walter AndersonMr. & Mrs. Tony BennettMs. Nadine E. BognarMs. Noel BriscoeMs. Anita BullMs. Patricia B. Cecil Mr. & Mrs. William H. ChamplinMs. Joan Clark DavisMr. Philip CookDr. John M. CorellaMs. Carol CuddihyMs. Marie Hope DavisDesign Aluminum Exchange, Inc.Mr. W. J. DillonFather John F. DonahueMr. & Mrs. Charlie DowsettEdward St. John FoundationMr. & Mrs. Peter FeamanMr. Michael FoscoMr. Ken FoxMr. & Mrs. Jay GoldfarbMr. & Mrs. Brian GormanMr. & Mrs. Kingdon Gould, Jr.Mr. Frank GrebowskiMr. Bob GreenspanMr. & Mrs. Louis E. Grenzer, Jr.Mr. Eric HendricksMs. Margaret HessMr. & Mrs. Anthony B. Hopp

Ms. JoAnn JonesMr. John JordeMr. Kenneth LasorellaMr. & Mrs. LinDr. & Mrs. John LionLLandaff Family TrustMs. Jennifer Lobo Ms. Margaret LoeschMr. & Mrs. Joseph LowryMangione Family FoundationMr. & Mrs. Michael R. MarucaMs. Diane MisslerMr. & Mrs. John Mock

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Nolan, Jr.Mr. Thomas NullMrs. Luanne O’BrienMs. Kristie B. PillowMr. Steven PrumoMr. & Mrs. Robert H. PurringtonMr. August ReiterMr. & Mrs. Thomas ReneauMr. & Mrs. Scott RuckerS&T BankMr. & Dr. Kurt SchmokeMs. Barbara Sedlak

That’s what a reading room is about. It’s a magical place where imagination and curiosity will bring you new experiences. Learning is power, and reading is the key to that power.Sheila SchlaggarReading Room Supporter


Ms. Kellee ShoskinMr. & Mrs. Allen SiebelSJS-CGIMr. Fred StarkeyMr. & Mrs. Richard S. TalarigoMr. & Mrs. Russell ThompsonMs. Janet VaccaMr. Nicholas VarischettiMs. Bernice VogelMs. Xiaohui WangMr. & Mrs. David WeenerMs. Hildegard WeiseMr. & Mrs. Matthew Wyskiel

$250-$499Ms. Liza AdkisonMs. Cris AreskogBarrie Montessori PrepMr. & Mrs. John M. BarryMr. Mark BernthalMr. & Mrs. John D. BradyMr. Robert Brinker

Mr. Craig BuhlerMr. & Mrs. John C. CalamariMr. Roberto CarrionMr. Terry ColemanMs. Kathleen CrewsMr. & Dr. Peggy DavidMr. Paul DaviesMs. Leah DroffMs. Lynne GaleDr. Richard James GiordanoMr. & Mrs. Patrick GrayMr. & Mrs. Steven W. HoagMs. Dolores C. JohnsonLaura Lee Bell EstateMr. Jed LeeMr. & Mrs. Thomas LusardiMr. Stephen MartinMr. Jay C. McCutcheonMr. & Mrs. Jerald MooreMs. Kathy Morris

Mr. & Mrs. Jay L. MorrisonDr. & Mrs. Stephen MulderMs. Catherine M. NolanDr. & Mrs. Galen OhnmachtOlson Family Charitable FundMr. & Mrs. Gene PollardMr. & Mrs. Davis M. RichardsonMr. & Mrs. Jack D. RosenbergerMs. Joyce L. Sanders

Mr. John T. SlyMr. Matthew SnyderMs. Shelley SoulemaMr. & Mrs. Robert SteeleMr. & Mrs. Janusz UchmanMr. Richard G. WallachMs. Sarah Wiggin

Special ThanksMr. Ron BarrettThe L. Warner Companies

‘‘ ‘‘I was fortunate enough to be able to build a relationship with my Carson Scholarship donor. She is the most ambitious individual I have met and is my role model. She has been a big source of my motivation and makes me even more excited in fulfilling my education so that I can become a pediatric oncologist. Kaylene Zamudio, 2015 Carson ScholarUniversity of California, Berkeley


snapshotsFLORIDA 46 new scholars, 131 previous scholars

HIGHLIGHTS: Longtime CSF supporter Johnny Sheppard gave a moving invocation and N’Jhari Jackson, 3-time scholar from The Paideia School of Tampa Bay, shared his poem, They Say That I’m a Dreamer. Dr. William Frey, the inspiration behind the Lee County Chapter, reminded scholars that they are our future leaders. Candy Carson honored Power of Excellence Awardee Katie Reimenschneider, Lee County Teacher of the Year, and Trailblazer Award recipient Dr. Stephen Achuff, former director of Adult Cardiology Clinical Programs at Johns Hopkins Hospital, for their stellar achievements.

HIGHLIGHTS: Diana Dalski, 2017 Carson Scholar from Pennfield High School, reflected on her past and future: “It is my drive to succeed that has guided my life so far. I don’t know everything that is in store for me, but I know that whatever challenges I face, I’ll do the best I can do with everything given to me.” 8-time Carson Scholar Hannah Swank took the stage to share with fellow scholars the positive impact that receiving the Carson Scholar honor can have. She ensured scholars that they are capable of anything they set their minds to and can change the world.

BATTLE CREEK 11 new scholars, 5 previous scholars

Katie ReimenschneiderPower of Excellence Award | Florida

Going to college, studying and doing the right thing can be hard sometimes. But you are here because people believe in you.‘‘ ‘‘


HIGHLIGHTS: Dr. Sandy Goldberg returned as emcee for the fifth year and Reverend Wendell Oman from Advocate Christ Medical Center shared remarks about the importance of education. Tristan Swihart, 2-time Carson Scholar from Northridge High School, showcased his talents through an outstanding marimba performance much to Mrs. Candy Carson’s delight. Aalap Shah of SoMe Connect was presented with the Trailblazer Award. John Fountain, author and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, received the Generous Heart Award and delivered a stirring address.

CHICAGO 48 new scholars, 51 previous scholars

HIGHLIGHTS: Rosemary Plybon, host of This is Greensboro on Greensboro Television News, emceed the event for the second year. 2017 Carson Scholar Tejas Santanam shared his scholar essay on youth advocacy with banquet guests. The keynote address was delivered by Tom McDevitt, CSF Lifetime Achievement Awardee, who expressed to the scholars the importance of investing in your education. Co-founder Candy Carson presented the medals to the deserving scholars along with Ms. Darlene Garrett, vice president of the Guilford County School Board, and Zach Matheny.

GREENSBORO 23 new scholars, 16 previous scholars


snapshotsCHATTANOOGA/ATLANTA 33 new scholars, 64 previous scholars

HIGHLIGHTS: Meaghan Jones, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, welcomed scholars and their families. Dr. Elaine Swafford, executive director of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, was honored with the Leadership Award and Tom McDevitt, chairman of The Washington Times, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Tom left the scholars with a thought to ponder: “I challenge you today with your brilliance and tremendous achievements to ask the question of why are you doing it, what is the purpose and make the purpose beyond yourself.”

PITTSBURGH 74 new scholars, 173 previous scholars

HIGHLIGHTS:Dr. James Withers, founder of Operation Safety Net and Internal Street Medicine, conveyed a powerful message about giving back to the community. Lisa Stabryla, CSF alumna and 2-time Carson Scholar, was inducted into the CSF Hall of Fame.

Dr. and Mrs. Carson presented The Power of Excellence Award to Mairi Cooper, Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis made a surprise appearance to speak to the scholars about the importance of pursuing education.

Dr. Tony NoblesTrailblazer Award| Maryland

Success is when you take what you’ve done and you give it back to someone else and you watch them become successful.‘‘ ‘‘


HIGHLIGHTS:3-time Carson Scholar Channing Lee delighted guests with an outstanding piano performance during lunch. Mark Victor Hansen, entrepreneur and author best known for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, delivered an inspiring keynote address

about accomplishing goals and achieving success. Mrs. Candy Carson was on hand when Beth LeFriant made a landmark announcement regarding a multi-million dollar gift from the Eleni and Wolfgang Gagon Estate to benefit deserving students in California.

HIGHLIGHTS:Emceed by FOX45’s Jennifer Gilbert, the 21st Annual Maryland banquet was one to remember. Dr. and Mrs. Ben Carson presented The Power of Excellence Award to Sia Kyriakakos, 2017 Maryland Teacher of the Year the Trailblazer Award to medical

innovator, Dr. Tony Nobles. Popular television personality Steve Harvey was honored with the Generous Heart Award and encouraged scholars to have a dream. Carson Scholar Lena Goldstein wowed the crowd with an exquisite operatic piece. The afternoon highpoint was the Gagon Legacy video and gift announcement by friends of Eleni and Wolfgang. Five outstanding Carson Scholar alumni were inducted into the 2017 Hall of Fame.

WEST COAST 78 new scholars, 57 previous scholars

MARYLAND 170 new scholars, 375 previous scholars

305 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 310Towson, Maryland 21204

410.828.1005 | Fax: 410.828.1007 | Toll Free: 1.877.77DRBENwww.carsonscholars.org

carson annual scholars report fund 2017 · 2018-12-19 · benjamin s. carson, sr., m.d. candy...

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