2014 Erickson Scholars

2014
R I C H A R D P. E R I C K S O N
SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS
SARAH BALE
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE, SAINT PETER, MINNESOTA | Sarah’s most important
accomplishment, she says, is graduating high school. She is not taking her education lightly
“when millions of children in the world today don’t have access to quality education.” Sarah’s
family is very supportive of her and her goal — to help others to learn. “It’s exciting to think
about the future and what I might be able to accomplish.” | Sarah’s mother, Lisa, is an attorney,
Lifetouch Inc., Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
KAYLA BARBOUR
HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY, HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA | Challenged and motivated by her
sister, Kayla says, “Making the dean’s list both semesters during my freshman year of college
was a nice reflection of my hard work and humbling to see how proud my parents are. I feel I
am meant to be a teacher; I want to equip myself so that my future students receive the best
education possible.” | Kayla’s father, Jeffrey, works in production technology, Lifetouch National
School Studios, Charlotte, North Carolina.
DEENA COHEN
BARNARD COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK CITY | “My role model is my mom
who always exudes confidence and commitment. I’m anxious to see where the next four years
lead me,” Deena says. Exciting for her was being accepted into the Rockettes Summer Intensive,
a program that taught her innumerable lessons about hard work and dedication, applicable not
only to dance — her major — but to education and everyday life. | Deena’s mother, Debra, is a
yearbook specialist, Lifetouch National School Studios, West Hartford, Connecticut.
SAMUEL COOK
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY, STARKVILLE | Samuel has always enjoyed math and science
so he plans to study aerospace engineering. His parents have motivated and encouraged
him, he says, and his father and role model has shown by example what is important in life.
Samuel says, “My most important accomplishment has been learning to play the trombone
and be great at it, something I can enjoy throughout my life.” | Samuel’s mother, Shannon,
works in customer service, Lifetouch National School Studios, Tyler, Texas.
SAVANNAH DEARHAMER
COE COLLEGE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA | Savannah plans a career in art history. Spending a
semester in Florence as an art historian and apprentice for an art restorer was a highlight.
Savannah says, “My parents have gifted me with their encouragement and inspiration. Unlikely
as it seems, I also have been inspired by the life story of famous French singer Edith Piaf, who
persevered despite great hardship.” | Savannah’s mother, Bridget, is an executive assistant in
the finance department, Lifetouch Inc., Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
NOAH DEKAM
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, RIVER FALLS | Noah says his father, now deceased, taught
him to always give 110 percent, that nothing comes easy. Despite family hardships, “I am
proud of how I have continued to do my best in life.” Because of his love of the outdoors,
he plans to study conservation in college. “This field is always changing, and with change
comes a greater need to preserve our natural resources for future generations.” | Noah’s
grandfather, Michael Mullen, is retired senior director, information technology, Lifetouch
Inc., Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
TAYLOR DONOVAN
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, COLUMBUS | Taylor’s greatest accomplishment thus far, she
says, is being accepted at The Ohio State University, a dream she has had since she was in the
third grade. She hopes to emulate her parents who, to her, represent the meaning of hard work,
love and dedication. Taylor’s chosen course of study: international studies. | Taylor’s father,
John, is a photographer, Lifetouch National School Studios, Kettering, Ohio.
OLIVIA ETCHISON
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS, FAYETTEVILLE | Olivia has been interested in the medical field
since a very young age. She plans to study nursing, feeling called to eventually work with
Doctors Without Borders, an agency that delivers emergency medical aid worldwide. “I feel
my biggest accomplishment is helping those who are less fortunate — feeding the homeless
at my church and supporting others in need through a variety of volunteer opportunities. I
love every minute of it,” Olivia says.
COURTNEY FARNSWORTH
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS, CONWAY | “I have always looked up to my grandmother
who worked with children her entire life, making an impact on many young lives,” says Courtney,
who plans to major in elementary education. “I worked hard to receive high honors in high
school to prepare for college because I really want to help children develop excitement for
education at a young age.” | Courtney’s mother, Rebecca Oxford, works in the personnel office,
Lifetouch National School Studios, Rogers, Arkansas.
MIKA GIEDT
MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY, MURFREESBORO | “I have always wanted a career
that offered an opportunity to help others,” Mika says, an example set for her by her mother.
Serving others through mission trips to places such as Costa Rica and Kenya has solidified this
for her. “The things I am learning in my classes will enable me to help hurting people and that is
very exciting.” | Mika’s mother, Kelly, is a sales support representative, Lifetouch National School
Studios, Franklin, Tennessee.
SARAH GRAMS
WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SUGAR GROVE, ILLINOIS | “I have a passion
for learning and an eagerness to acquire new knowledge.” Sarah, who plans to major in
therapeutic recreation, is proud of being a three-sport athlete in high school — she was
named Female Athlete of Year as a senior — and was also actively involved in the music
department, both a rarity at her school. | Sarah’s grandfather, David Frerich, is retired from
Lifetouch National School Studios, Batavia, Illinois.
MICHAEL HANSTAD
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, AMES | Michael’s parents have played a large role in his life. His father
emphasized life lessons, and his mother taught him that hard work pays off. He is especially
proud of his volunteer work, including a mission project where he helped build a home for a
family. Michael says, “I want to succeed at anything I tackle, but to do that I need to equip
myself, and college will help me do that.” | Michael’s mother, Nancy, is a sales professional,
Lifetouch National School Studios, Williamsburg, Iowa.
LAUREN HOVEY
GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY, MILLEDGEVILLE | Lauren’s parents set the bar high
for her. She is proud of being nominated twice for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program,
designed for intellectually gifted and artistically talented students. Lauren says, “Though I was
not able to attend the program, I learned valuable lessons from the application process.” She
plans a career in art therapy, effective in treating mental health disorders. | Lauren’s mother,
Anne, is a yearbook account executive, Lifetouch National School Studios, Fayetteville, Georgia.
MOLLY LOGELAND
CONCORDIA COLLEGE, MOORHEAD, MINNESOTA | “Most important in my life thus far
is acceptance into the social work program at Concordia.” Motivated and encouraged by
family, particularly her mother, Molly says, “My education has always been important to me.
I’m not only continuing for myself, but for everyone who has been there for me along the
way.” | Molly’s grandmother, Mary Carlson, is retired from Lifetouch National School Studios,
Bloomington, Minnesota.
NICOLA LOGHRIN
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA | Inspired by her music teachers, Nicola
plans a career in music education. A great sense of accomplishment is a student virtual
band/choir project she recorded, produced and directed when it was not possible for the
groups to perform together. Equally exciting was seeing music students she peer-tutored
succeed. “These kinds of things are what motivate me to pursue music education.” | Nicola’s
father, Greg, is a photographer, Lifetouch Canada, Kitchener, Ontario.
KENDALL MOTSINGER
MEREDITH COLLEGE, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA | Majoring in nutrition, Kendall says, “My
career goal is to eventually work with a college sports team as a sports nutritionist.” Though
not exactly related to anything nutritious, she says her peak accomplishment is being the main
yearbook editor at her school. “It’s an incredible feeling to know that you created something
that the entire school gets to read.” | Kendall’s father, Christopher, is a sales professional,
Lifetouch National School Studios, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
CAMERON OLIVE
CAMOSUN COLLEGE, VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA | Great soccer referee, Pierluigi
Collina, is a role model, Cameron says, due to his impeccable decision-making and management
skills despite working in a traditionally hostile environment. Highlights for Cameron include
receiving a BC Soccer Youth Official of the Year Award, recognizing his hours spent officiating,
and earning a scholarship from BC Soccer Referees Association. His career goal: law enforcement.
| Cameron’s father, Tony, is a lead photographer, Lifetouch Canada, Victoria, British Columbia.
ERIN PATAK
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK CITY | Establishing a professional career as a
ballet dancer at a very young age would not have been possible without the support of
her family. Erin says, “I moved to Germany to pursue a position with a European ballet
company. Thus, I had to forfeit the traditional college experience. Now, ‘after the dance is
over,’ I am returning to college to earn my degree.” | Erin’s mother, Robin, is an accountant,
Lifetouch National School Studios, Tomball, Texas.
DEREK PETERSON
LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE | “Math and science have always been
my academic strengths,” says Derek, “and that led me to study engineering.” Throughout
his quest to become an Eagle Scout, he learned a lot about self-motivation and how to
work independently while earning merit badges, arranging meetings with coordinators
and completing his leadership project, all of which he says, “gave my self-motivation a
real boost.” | Derek’s mother, Nancy, is a production systems analyst, Lifetouch National
School Studios, Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
LORI PETRASHUNE
PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY, PENNSYLVANIA | “The necessity for learning and the pursuit
of higher education have been encouraged by my family.” Her mom is her inspiration, who,
Lori says, “can do anything. I think every day is an accomplishment if you live it to the best
of your ability. It only makes for greater opportunities.” | Lori’s mother, Pamela, is an event
photography manager, Lifetouch National School Studios, Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
COLTON PLOURDE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES | “My father always provided insight and
inspiration to help me surpass any obstacle. Being accepted to UCLA is the first step toward
the rest of my life.” Colton says his pure thirst for knowledge, and the enjoyment which comes
along with it, are the most important factors in his eagerness to continue his education and
study business economics. | Colton’s grandmother, Connie Cimaglia, Irvine, California, is a
Lifetouch National School Studios retiree.
ALLISON RICHARDS
JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY, HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA | Allison says she is energized by
family support and that of a close friend. “I want to be a social worker. Being accepted at JMU
is a giant step toward that goal, an important accomplishment along with a couple of others
of which I am proud — learning to make my own decisions and competing with the USA Jump
Rope team at World Jump Rope competition in England.” | Allison’s mother, Denise, is a sales
representative, Lifetouch Preschool Portraits, Columbia, Maryland.
KATHERINE SMITH
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE | With numerous responsibilities as president
of National Honor Society, Katherine says she developed leadership skills and improved her
organizational skills and ability to delegate, valuable expertise as she moves on with her career
in music education. “I hope to emulate the choral director at my school. Because of her, I feel
called to teach music and spread the joy music brings to me.” | Katherine’s father, Mark, is a
territory manager, Lifetouch National School Studios, Little Rock, Arkansas.
HANNAH STELFLUG
BUTLER UNIVERSITY, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA | Hannah has her work cut out for her with
studies in biology and chemistry toward becoming a developmental pediatrician and working
with special needs children. She has a strong family support system — her parents, and her
brother who has guided most of her major decisions in life. She says, “I want to make an
impact in my community just like they have.” | Hannah’s grandmother, Diane Stelflug, is a
printer, Lifetouch National School Studios, Farmington, Minnesota.
KANDYCE TOLBERT
MOUNT ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY, EMMITSBURG, MARYLAND | When she took part in a
technical school’s biomedical program in eighth grade, Kandyce says, “I wanted to be a
cardiac surgeon.” However, once she started the program, she decided she would like to
become a plastic surgeon. Her most important accomplishment? Being accepted into the
premed program at Mount St. Mary’s, bolstered by a generous scholarship. | Kandyce’s
mother, Malisa, is a satellite manager, Lifetouch National School Studios, Salisbury, Maryland.