The Christian Opportunity Center (COC) announced the recipients of two scholarships for 2023 local high school graduates. The scholarships, made possible by the COC Foundation Fund, are designed to recognize exceptional students in the COC service area and to provide financial assistance for their continued education. The two scholarships offered are the Sarah M. Braun Memorial Scholarship and the Proving What’s Possible Scholarship.

 The Sarah M Braun Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that was awarded to Alizabeth Orey from Indianola. The scholarship is named in honor of the late daughter of former COC Executive Director Rod Braun and wife, Robin, a current COC employee. It is made possible by the COC Foundation Fund and presented to a high school senior pursuing an academic focus in human services. 

The Proving What’s Possible Scholarship is a $500 one-time scholarship awarded by COC to a graduating high school senior with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) who has had a successful high school career and wishes to continue their education at a two-year community college, a vocational/technical training program, or a specialized program.

 This year, the scholarship was awarded to Samuel Ball, a Knoxville Senior who has been on the honor roll for four years and is highly involved in the Marching and Pep band. Despite facing challenges, Ball is eager to continue his education and develop more skills to find a good career and live independently. He plans to attend the University of Iowa’s REACH program in the fall.

Background

Orey is a highly accomplished honor student who is deeply involved in community service and volunteering in her community. She is also actively involved in Student Council, Band, Choir, Mayor’s Youth Council, and many more activities. Orey plans to attend Simpson college in the fall to study Pre-med, psychology, and neuroscience. She is a member of St Thomas Aquinas church in Indianola. 

 COC is proud to recognize Samuel Ball’s achievements and dedication to his education. COC believes that every individual, regardless of their disabilities, deserves the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. The Proving What’s Possible Scholarship is one way that they can support and encourage young people like Samuel to reach his full potential.

 COC hopes that the Proving What’s Possible scholarship will inspire other students with learning disabilities to pursue their education and demonstrate that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and the right support.