Meet the 2019 Scholars

Get to know the hopes, dreams, and talents of this year's winners.

Elliot V.

Undergraduate Recipient

"Choose one inspirational quote or motto that has helped you throughout your journey with cystic fibrosis. How do you live by your quote or motto and how has it motivated you to accomplish your goals?"

"Make your life a masterpiece; imagine no limitations on what you can be, have or do" - Brian Tracy I want to be a role model for younger kids that have cystic fibrosis who dream of playing sports. I want to show them to not put limitations on what they can do. It has been my experience that being compliant with my daily medicine and respiratory therapy set me up for successfully participating in sports. As well, my participation in sports adds another layer to my physical and mental health. Physically I get very good workouts which helps with my lung function. Also, I have to be mentally tough to stay in the game. By staying focused on my health and training hard, I was able to make it to the state championships in two sports my senior year. In fact, my hockey team won the State Championship in 2019. Although, I have struggled at times, it has not stopped me from pursuing a life that I dream of - a life without limitations. So what exactly does that mean. This means that even though I struggle with cystic fibrosis, I don't label ourselves with limitations, I don't let anything get in the way of accomplishing whatever my mind desires, because I am stronger than the average person. I battle something that no-one else can experience and a few bumps in the road didn't ever stop me, and it never will.

Elliot V.'s Artwork

Elliot V.'s Achievements

  • Varsity Hockey Team 2017-2019
  • JV Hockey Team Captain 2016-2017
  • Volunteer at Local Hospital 2018-2019
  • Hockey State Champions 2019
  • Waubonsie Valley Varsity Golf team 2017-2019
  • Varsity Golf State Qualifier 2018
  • DuPage Valley Conference Academic All Star 2015-2017
  • ISHL Academic All Star 2015-2017
  • DuPage Valley Conference Varsity Golf Sportsmanship of the Year Award 2017
  • ISHL Goaltender of the Year Award 2016
  • ISHL Goaltender of the Year Award 2017
  • Illinois West Award for Perseverance and Dedication 2019
  • Waubonsie Valley Hockey President's Award 2019
  • Hardest Worker on the Team Award (Hard Hat Award) 2015-2016
  • Hockey State Championship, 2nd Place 2018
  • Illinois West Hockey Conference Champions 2019