KCI is pleased to announce that the 2024 Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to 10 students.
The annual program offers children of KCI employees the opportunity to receive $4,000 to put towards the cost of their education.
The 10 awardees were selected from 54 applicants companywide. The selection criteria included academic achievement, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors and accolades, work experience, and educational and career goals.
Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s scholarships:
Mary Brantley, 20, daughter of William Brantley (Transportation Design South)
Attending the University of Rhode Island, Mary is studying marine biology and marine affairs. Now in her junior year, she recently spent the summer studying sharks and hopes to continue exploring this field throughout the rest of her college career. After graduation, Mary would like to attend graduate school for marine biology, furthering her goal of obtaining a career in marine research.
Sabrina Chinnock, 18, daughter of Thomas Chinnock (Survey-Mapping North)
Entering her freshman year at Rowan University, Sabrina will be studying Early Childhood Education and literacy studies. Already having garnered extensive childcare experience, she has worked as a special needs caregiver, babysitter, and counselor at several summer camps. Sabrina aspires to become certified to teach prekindergarten through grade 6 and plans to earn her master’s degree in the future.
Margaret Lober, 19, daughter of Jim Lober (Site-Civil North)
A junior at Georgetown University, Margaret is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in science, technology, and internal affairs while simultaneously working toward a minor in physics. Her goal is to establish a career working with scientific innovation and public policy. Margaret’s passion for science is longstanding, and she looks forward to challenging herself both educationally and vocationally.
Aubrey Masaoy, 18, daughter of Aurelius Masaoy (Survey-Mapping North)
Aubrey will be beginning Fairleigh Dickinson University’s nursing program, pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner. Inspired by various family members working in the healthcare industry, she became passionate about helping others at a young age. Upon earning her bachelor’s degree, Aubrey hopes to begin leveraging her skills to positively impact the lives of those most vulnerable, providing quality care for those in need.
Keelin Mielke, 18, daughter of Christopher Mielke (Survey-Mapping South)
An incoming freshman at Christopher Newport University, Keelin will be majoring in business administration and minoring in both leadership and the Spanish language. She is hopeful that garnered knowledge from each subject will help further her goal of obtaining a career pertaining to the world of formula one racing.
Ellis Murray, 18, daughter of Brian Parnell (Construction Management South)
Attending Drew University, Ellis will begin her freshman year working toward a bachelor’s degree in biology. Ultimately seeking to become a practicing orthodontist, Ellis anticipates completing a dental residency program, passing the National Board Dental Examination, and earning her dentistry license after graduation. Despite the competitive and arduous nature of entering the profession, she is “willing and eager” to rise to the challenge.
Cassidy Nuss, 18, daughter of Robert Nuss (Transportation Design North)
Cassidy will be studying pre-medicine with a minor in neuroscience as a freshman at Pennsylvania State University. Interested in both emergency response healthcare and psychiatry, Cassidy has volunteered in hospitals to further hone her niche. Upon graduating, she plans to pursue a career as a physician.
Courtney Nuss, 21, daughter of Robert Nuss (Transportation Design North)
Entering her senior year at James Madison University, Courtney has nearly earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. While pursuing this achievement, Courtney refocused her career aspirations, and is now looking forward to continuing her education post-graduation with a master’s degree in higher education administration. After this, she hopes to leverage both degrees working in college admissions and advising.
Jakob O’Briant, 18, son of Kevin O’Briant (Water & Environment South)
Beginning his first year at North Carolina State University, Jakob will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. He is most interested in learning more about medical imaging technology and believes it is the key to solving any issue within the medical field. Jakob seeks to honor his late grandmother and grandfather, utilizing his education and modern innovation to help others overcome life-threatening illnesses.
Aubrey Shumpert, 19, son of Mark Shumpert (Site-Civil South)
As a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, Aubrey is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on environmental engineering. Upon obtaining his degree, Aubrey plans to seek a career in environmental conservation. Over the summer, he participated in an internship with the South Carolina Department of Transportation – District 4’s Bridge Maintenance Division, garnering valuable engineering experience early on.
Congratulations to all the recipients and applicants who are continuing to fuel personal growth through education.