Meet the 2019 Scholars

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

McKenzie S.

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?"

"Just go for it," a motto that my friend and I have always told each other. This first began with me telling my friend to "just go for it" when she wouldn't feel confident in herself. It later turned around and began to apply to me. This motto may sound simple, but it has a lot of meaning to me. Recently, I used this motto when deciding my college future. I was unsure about the decisions I was making. I hit a point at which I wasn't sure what to do about college. I knew I wanted to go into Pharmacy, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to take on the responsibilities and leave home. I finally told myself to "just go for it," and I decided to apply to the University of Montana in Missoula, away from home. This was the best decision I made. I have proven to myself that I am responsible and I can really achieve any goal I set my mind towards. This motto has helped me through my journey with Cystic Fibrosis and never stopping me from living my life. Cystic Fibrosis has never held me back from achieving my goals and living my life to the fullest potential. I will forever continue using this motto and will always "just go for it."

McKenzie S.'s Artwork

McKenzie S.'s Achievements

  • Part-time employment at Tippin a Glass Cafe 2015-2018
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor 2017-2018
  • Teens in Parternship Leader/Volunteer 2015-2018
  • Salutatorian of Graduating High School Class of 2018
  • National Honors Society Member 2016-2018
  • Science National Honors Society Member 2016-2018
  • National Letter Carriers Food Drive 2015-2019
  • Key Club 2015-2017 (Vice President from 2016-2017)
  • President's Award for Educational Excellence 2018
  • Butte Education Foundation Distinguished Scholar 2018