A selection panel for the LEAD Foundation has named Austen P. Graham winner of the LEAD Foundation Community Scholarship award. This scholarship provides $1000.00 toward tuition to a student with learning disabilities and/or AD/HD who is a Colorado resident.

Austin Graham, the LEAD Foundation’s 2009-2010 Community Scholarship winner was diagnosed with dyslexia in the second grade. He remembers feeling “stupid and out of place” when it came to reading. In fourth grade however, Austin discovered his love for science and math. By discovering and focusing on these strengths, Austin regained his confidence. Austen’s understanding of his learning disability, coupled with advocacy skills and a strong work ethic has allowed him to graduate from Fort Collins High School with a 4.0 GPA. In addition, Austin has spent over 100 hours volunteering for his community and is a returning starter on his high school’s varsity basketball team. Austin hopes a degree in Chemical/Biochemica. Engineering will help him “make a positive impact on our society and our environment” in the medical or health care field.

Seven honorable mentions were also selected by the panel. They are:

Natalie Dodd from Aurora learned from her parents that “hard work and persistence are the keys to successfully confronting and overcoming and challenge”. Natalie has used that lesson to overcome her struggle with ADHD and depression. Natalie is graduating from Overland High School and plans to pursue a degree in Social Work. She would like to become a licensed clinical social worker and work with abused children.

Kevin Fossey is from attended Berthoud High School and will be attending the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs when he plans to major in mechanical engineering. Kevin was not diagnosed with dyslexia until age seventeen and since then, has worked very hard to overcome his disability.

Trevor Grayson is from Gypsum Colorado. Trevor is an Eagle Scout and member of the varsity basketball and soccer team at Eagle Valley High School. Trevor’s work ethic, advocacy skills and desire to succeed helped him overcome dyslexia. The injury’s Trevor sustained through athletics have led him to an interest in medical science. He dreams of becoming an athletic trainer for a professional sports team.

Andrew Grossnickle Will graduate from Union Colony Preparatory School in Greeley this May. In addition to Tourette’s Syndrome, Andrew struggles with AD/HD, but recognizes that everyone has weaknesses. By taking classes at Aims Community College since the summer after his sophomore year, Andrew will have already earned his Associate Degree of Science when he starts at Colorado School of Mines in the fall.

Kueli Elizabeth Nolte from Steamboat Springs credits her education at Lowell Whiteman High School and her close relationship with her teachers for helping her overcome her learning disability. Kueli plans to pursue a degree in Architecture. Eventually Kueli hopes to “build sustainable housing and to promote lifestyles that are compatible with our environment”.

Maia M Sadler is from Grand Junction Colorado. She attended Fruita Monument High School where she was a member of the varsity volleyball team and National Honor Society. Maia Believes that her struggles with dyslexia have helped her become a gifted athlete and student. Maia plans to major in pre-medicine believing that will “help her attain a future in helping others”.

Rafael Ventura from Denver attended West High School. Rafeael has worked very hard to over come his speech and language disability, do well in high school and go on to college. Rafael has a gift for music. In addition to playing guitar, Rafael writes his own music and lyrics. He plans to major in audio engineer and music production.