What does this scholarship mean to you?
OUR 2012 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
“This scholarship is more than just an opportunity to honor those of us who have made hard work and determination a part of our lives. It is a way for us to remember Brian and to also remember that he was an optimistic, deserving and goodhearted person just like we are. I am honored to be a part of the Brain LaViolette Scholarship Foundation family and will keep Brian’s optimism alive forever.”
Lily Arendt, 2012 Brian LaViolette Scholarship recipient
"I wanted to let you know Marissa's comments to me as she was holding the medal that was around her neck, "this is the most special thing I have received...I will keep this somewhere very special, it means to much to me."
She was so moved by the presentation and what it meant to the family. I am not sure I have ever seen a kid get the magnitude of something as much as she did. She was so honored and touched. Thank you for letting me part of such a beautiful tribute."
Jerri Wommack, Counselor- A.C.Reynolds High School, Asheville NC
“Thank you for selecting me to receive the John Bradley Scholarship of Honor. John Bradley risked his life to serve our country. To be a part of a scholarship that honors his service and to honor Brian LaViolette’s life is remarkable.
Brian had a saying “The Journey is the Reward”. I believe in that saying that the steps to the destination is just as important and worthwhile than the result. Brian appeared to be a person who influenced many and still is through his scholarship foundation. Although his life was short, he is helping many people, including myself to pursue our dreams. I personally want to thank his family and friends with what they are doing to help others.”
Madelyn Fellinger, 2012 John Bradley Scholarship of Honor recipient
"I must tell you very modestly that all the work on Eric's Award to date was paid for last night when I got to stand between last year and this year's recipients. What a terrific feeling to know that I had a small part in this fabulous effort to memorialize Eric and Brian. Thank you for all your support and efforts."
Stan Clark, Board member and co-chair for the Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor
“I would like to thank the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation for helping me achieve my dreams. I graduated in 1997 and I remember having Kim in some of my classes. At age 32, I decided to return to school full-time to pursue a dream that I have always had to become a social worker and go on to attain my masters.
With two children 5 ½ and 3, it is very important to me to model the value of education to them. My only regret is that I waited so long to pursue it. To be a warded a scholarship from your foundation truly is an honor."
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Ann Bliss (Ann Albers Bliss)
"Winning this schoalrship meant so much to me. It made my entire school year just to win this award and walk on stage and shake hands with the Cathey family. I never had the pleasure of knowing James, but from what I heard from people that did know him, he was an amazing person. I hope to do him and everyone else proud during my career in the military.
I am going to keep the medal my whole life and treasure it because I feel as if it is represents my whole life through high school up until I graducated. Thank you so much for giving me this amazing award. It has changed my life for the better and I will remember as long as I live."
Jacob McCreary, 2012 James Cathey Scholarship of Honor recipient
"I can only begin to imagine the impact these scholarships have on the family of the service member and on the individual is fortunate enough to receive your generosity. What an amazing program you've created!”
Best regards, Vice Admiral Debbink
"Thank you again for all you do for so many children, students, cadets and service members. Your attitude, effort, work-ethic, profession and selfless service (all in Brian's memory) are humbling."
Col. David A. Jones- United States Military Academy-Robert Foley Scholarship of Honor
“To me, this scholarship opens doors to education in order to allow me to help counsel kids in the near future. My passion is to help children because they are the future and it is important to help them. This scholarship allows me to pursue my passion and help kids.”
Krista Strenski, 2012 Isaiah Hunt Scholarship of Honor recipient
“I would like to thank you and your family for providing the Scholarship of Honor medal and award in honor of Ryan Jerabek. It was one of the best experience in my life receiving such a special recognition honoring the lives of both your brother Brian, and that of Pfc. Ryan M. Jerabek.
The special symbols on my medal will be a constant reminder to me to stay strong and focused to be glad to live in this great country with the freedoms we enjoy and to always strive to protect them. It is truly something I will cherish forever. Thank you.”
Alyssa Rentmeester, 2012 Ryan Jerabek Scholarship of Honor
“This scholarship is a great honor. It means so much to me to be recognized as a student with so much support. I want to thank everyone who is helping me on my college journey. It is a greatly appreciated. Thanks again!”
Katie Doell, 2012 Ron Sager Scholarship of Honor recipient
"Thank you for providing us with an opportunity to be a part of Brian's journey. The gift of our sons has and continues to illuminate the lives of others."
Rita and Ken Jerabek-a Scholarship of Honor was established in honor of their son, Ryan
“I am honored to receive an award from this foundation! I’m honored to get a scholarship that means so much. I hope that I will do well by your scholarship. This means that the money I saved from my job and can pay for Freshman year of college.”
Danielle Zahn-2012 Ollie Bogsted/Brian LaViolette Scholarship
“This scholarship means a lot to me because it lets me know that not all scholarships are mant for those who are attending college but for those who are going in the Armed Forces as well.”
Jacob Albiston, 2012 Mike Colalillo Scholarship of Honor recipient
“I cannot thank you enough for the Jesse Thiry Scholarship of Honor. It means the world to me of all the scholarships available. This is they only one I truly cared to win, but don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful for the others too1 It is what I stand for and I will strive to live up to this honor to the best of my abilities. “
Karissa Peronto, 2012 Jesse Thiry Scholarship of Honor
