Justin Cooper(awardee) Kathryn Forestal (President of Foundation) Helena Smith (awardee) Sandra Reed (Executive Director of Foundation)

The Myria Reed Foundation for Children with Special Needs awarded two college scholarships for outstanding achievement. Awards are being given to two Special Education students from Senn High School in Chicago. Candidates were chosen based on their answers to four essay questions. These questions addressed their future college plans, greatest achievements and individuals who have made a difference in their lives. A short biography about themselves and explanation of why they should be awarded this scholarship was also required. Our scholarship recipients are first place winner, Justin Cooper, recipient of a $1,000.00 award and second place winner, Helena Smith, recipient of a $250.00 award. On Wednesday, June 18,2003 the awards ceremony was held at North Community Bank, 5342 N. Broadway. North Community Bank contributed $500 towards the scholarships.

Our first place winner, Justin Cooper qualifies in the special education program due to a physical disability, Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. Because of his physical challenge, Justin received homebound services from Senn High School. In a recommendation letter from Assistant Principal, Dr. Janet Lang, she comments, “If you knew Justin, you would see a fine young man, full of life and hope. He exemplifies determination and persistence. He begins each day with energy and a zest for life anticipating the challenges that the day will offer him.” Justin has done voluntary work with the Health Initiatives for Rainbow/Push Coalition and feels working with them was one of his greatest achievements. Justin states, “ I feel that I did make a difference in some lives and was able to give back and uplift young people.” Justin is enrolled to attend Truman College in the fall semester. His career goals are to be an entrepreneur in the area of business/music and media production.

Second place winner, Helena Smith, has been accepted at Northeastern University for the fall semester. She participated in the special education program due to a learning disability. Her extracurricular activities include voluntary work with the Red Cross Club, where she learned to administer and instruct CPR; her other hobbies include poetry and reading. She also attended 15 weekly meetings at Girl World, a program at Alternatives Inc. in Uptown, to discuss important issues for young women today. She plans on majoring in Media Arts. Helena’s Senn H.S. English teacher/Senior Advisor, Rosetta Tetteh gave her a strong recommendation. Tettah comments, “Her commitment to her education moves her in a spirited way to complete her tasks with successful results. Determined and respectful are accurate descriptions of Helena.” Both recipients serve as an inspiration to young people and their community.

Since their unveiling in 2000, The Myria Reed Foundation has provided programs and scholarships for Special Needs Children and their Families in many communities. Their mission is to provide the necessary resources and tools that will assist children in an already difficult world. Sandra Reed, 46th Ward committeeperson, is the founder and executive director of this not for profit organization.