2021 Amaze Yourself Scholarship Recipients

Awarding Students Pursuing Degrees in Healthcare for the 10th Consecutive Year

Robert Yu | First Place Recipient

Samuel Merritt University | future Physical Therapist

Robert Yu is a recent graduate of UC Berkeley and a future Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Samuel Merritt University. After graduation, Robert plans on pursuing a career as a physical therapist – a passion of his that started after an injury he suffered during a Wushu competition.

Robert was inspired by the physical therapists he worked with after his injury and hopes to help others the way that he was helped one day. His passion and drive to succeed and care for others has led to the receiving of many awards and certifications. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Robert has been awarded the All-Around Grand Champion for the Gold Cup Circuit eight years in a row and was a member of the US National Wushu Team. He is also a Wushu and dance instructor and choreographer.

Lauren Menke | Second Place Recipient

Case Western Reserve University | future Cardiologist

Lauren Menke is a recent high school graduate and a future student at Case Western Reserve University. After graduation, Lauren plans on continuing her education to become a physician. She hopes to one day become a cardiologist, specializing in prevention, education and early care.

Lauren’s drive to succeed and one day help others has led her to receive many awards and recognitions in high school. In addition to her educational achievements, she also was an athlete, participating in cross country and swimming, band member and volunteered with numerous organizations. Lauren also helps host a race, 4 Miles for Heart & Health, in honor of her father.

Gerita Perry | Third Place Recipient

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center | future Registered Nurse

Gerita Perry is a current nursing student at the University of Tennessee and a future nurse. After graduation, Gerita plans on starting her career in nursing and one day becoming a Nurse Practitioner and specializing in women’s health.

During her amazing journey through nursing, Gerita received many academic achievements and is a loving mom to her son. In addition to her educational success, Gerita has worked tirelessly to help others, volunteering at her old elementary school, A Step Ahead Foundation, and as a COVID-19 vaccinator. She is also an active member of the Student Nurse Association and Black Student Nursing Association at UTHSC.

Applicants receiving secondary education support packages:

Kathleen Luu - Future Physician Associate

Kylie Daguio - Future Physician

Abigail Ahyong - Future Physician - Family Medicine

Celleen Jao - Future Physical Therapist

Erin Hamann - Future Nurse

Cynthia Nguyen - Future Physician Associate

Faith Chadwick - Future Physician Associate

Charlotte Pete - Future Occupational Therapist

Aubrie Jones - Future Physician Associate

Uroob Saeed - Future Physician - Cardiovascular Sonography

Ashton Young - Future Veterinarian

Brittany Horowitz - Future Occupational Therapist

Sareena Jivraj - Future Physician

Lena Krone - Future Occupational Therapist

Olivia Rhoads - Future Speech Therapist

Erika McCracken - Future Physician Associate

Simone June Bagalso - Future Occupational Therapist

Maria Krakovski - Future Physician

Rachael Feeney - Future Veterinarian

Mark Ehioghae - Future Physician

Kendra Walsh - Future Physician

Brandon Fields - Physician

Roberto Ramirez - Future Physician - Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Katherine Siegel - Future Nurse

Trinity Brisbane - Future Nurse

You ALL are amazing.

To all of those who applied, thank you. We were not just impressed by this year's applicants but moved by your stories that brought us tears and laughter. While the submissions were abundant, one fact rings true, you are ALL amazing!

See you all next year!