Epilepsy Awareness and Scholarships

Friday, September 1st

Due Date. 2023 High School College grads in the D/M/V area who are living with Epilepsy or pursuing Creative Arts  and are upcoming college freshman are encouraged to apply today. Share with family/friends. Click on the link below .  Minimum award $1000

https://form.jotform.com/ejperry/krpmf-scholarship-application-2023

Clifton or  CJ  as he is affectionately known by family and friends graduated from James Madison High School with a 3.81 GPA.  One of his high school outside activities included French Painting.  CJ will be attending "The University of the Arts" in  Philadelphia majoring in Video.  CJ has shared  that during the shutdown from COVID impacted his both his body and his mind.  As a result  he is determined to protect his physical and  mental health .  One of his quotes, "  Health is wealth and healthy living is his number one priority. : CJ is also an ally for those who live with Epilepsy and promises to  share his knowledge of  Epilepsy and SUDEP with his college  classmates.  The future is bright and we are in good hands with young  men like CJ.   In  August 2022, Cj was awarded a $1500 scholarship. 

The KRPMF salutes you and look forward to collaborating with you.  We can't wait to see your first film...

Christian is the first recipent of the scholarship from the KRPMF for members of Children of the Gospel  (COTG)  Choir.  He is also a 2022 Senior who graduated from Bishop McNamara High School  with a  3.812 GPA.  He  has been accepted and will be attending Berklee College of Music ,Boston Campus majoring in Music, 

In addition to being a academic achiever,  Christian's high school activities included being in the Black Cultural Aliiance Club, Social  Activism Society and being inducted into the Thespian Honor Society.   His acting and vocal talents awarded him the opportunity to be a cast member of The Enchanted, Supporting Lead, Papa Tellier, Spring Musical and of the Sankofa Production - as a Vocalist.  

As a member of the COTG, Christian's melodious tenor voice  has also given him the opportunity to serve as a lead soloist, click on the link Performances & Music w/ Hyperlinks:  Children of the Gospel Performance at the Sixth & I Synagogue w/ Matthew Whittaker, February 2020:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDcRR5bHa95/

According to Christian,  how can he help spreading awareness about Epilepsy by, " Simply talking about it with people around me. Many people underestimate the power of communication and simply speaking to someone about something. One does not have to have millions of followers on social media, or have the most money on the planet to enact positive change in their community. "   Additionally, Christian  stated he could, " listen to those with Epilepsy, hear what they have to say and uplift their voices and support them during times like Epilepsy Awareness Month in November. "      In August, 2022, Christian was awarded a  $1500 scholarship.

As Christian transitions to Berklee to pursue his vocal dreams, we look forward to attending his next show!       

Janay is a 2022  Senior who graduated from Washington  Leadership High School in June.  She is pursuing her college education at the University of  the District of Columbia.    

The following is an excerpt from Janay's winning essay on " What Epilepsy Means to Me". 

"To be very honest, I had never heard of Epilepsy until Kayla Ross Perry’s passing.

On July 6, 2017 one of our close family friends passed away from this terrible disease.

We were devastated and heart broken to say the least, in particular, my siblings and I because we

had no idea.  

During my time of reflection, it has increased my awareness of this illness. I believe and think

wholeheartedly schools in particular, middle and high schools, should hold some type of class discussion on this topic, and so many others, like mental illnesses, just to insure everyone’s awareness is on the same page. 

We should all know what to do and whom to call, if ever at anytime we come across someone who’s having an episode. You could be the right person at the right time to possibly save someone’s life. The more you know and the more educated you are, the less scary it is and you’re better mentally to help. A lot of people are not aware of this disease, as I wasn’t until it happened to our friend Kayla Ross Perry.

What I would do to educate my classmates and friends, would be to invite them to the

Kayla Ross Perry Foundation’s website to get even more informed about this terrible disease. Next, I  would invite them to the annual KRPMF to see all of her loved ones"

Janay, with your insight, compassion and determination we know you are gonna be successful  in your pursuits and in spreading the news about Epilepsy

LaShaun is a 2021  Senior who graduated from Dunbar Senior High School in June with a 3.64 GPA. This creative, talented and intelligent young lady is attending University of District of Columbia pursing Fashion Merchandising. 

She was the founder of the modeling team Crimson Models. She was also a Majorette and served as an Ambassador for SNEAKERS,Inc. In her own words, "Having a passion for fashion places me in direct contact with my creativity. The same holds for those who have been diagnosed with epilepsy. No one living with this disease should have to feel alone, like an outsider, nor be viewed as someone walking with an inside ticking bomb ready to blow at any time. Just as fashion evolves throughout the years, trends and styles venture out more to support and advocate for those living with physical and emotional challenges, the local community, international and global regions must be provided with opportunities to be educated and aware of thee importance of unity without judgment."

The  Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Scholarship is important to me because the financial assistance will help me further my education, my career, and also help me maintain the legacy of Kayla whose goal and mission was to not be afraid of who you are, what you are facing but live in the moment. KRPMF looks forward to partnering with you LaShaun!

At the end of August,  two KRPMF board Members Bernard and Edana Perry, delivered the $1000 scholarship check to LaShaun and her family. 

Continue to influence your world and make it happen.  Shout out to LaShaun's family and village for being her foundation and cheer leading squad. 

Christen is a 2020 Senior who graduated from  Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George's Community College. this past June.  Congratulations to Christen and her family on this great accomplishment.  After being accepted to several universities and colleges, Christen has decided to attend Stevensenville University in Maryland in the Fall.  She will be studying to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science and working towards a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.” 

Christen shares her plans on how she can educate her classmates on Epilepsy, " My plan is to use my tenure as a Service Scholar and cheerleader to educate my classmates and the Stevenson community by making Epilepsy education my platform. I can do this by keeping up with activities, walks and other activities posted by the Epilepsy Foundation and other organizations such as the Kayla Ross Perry Memorial Foundation. When these organizations post activities, my goal is to inform my Service Scholar group and cheerleading squad so that we can possibly participate in the posted activities. This in turn will serve as an opportunity to educate and reduce their fears and prejudices about Epilepsy ."  We look forward to partnering with you Christen.

On Saturday, August 15, 2020, two KRPMF board Members Bernard and Edana Perry, delivered the $1000 scholarship check to Christen and her mom. 

We are so excited for you and all that you will accomplish. Go Christen!

Congratulations! Christen is a  2020 graduating senior at the Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George's Community College. She plans to attend  a 4 year university in the fall. When Christen was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2019, she began sharing her  story on her Instagram account to advocate and spread awareness about epilepsy, seizures, SUDEP and Seizure First Aid..  We salute Christen and agree with her slogan, " I refuse to allow Epilepsy to keep me from reaching my goal of obtaining my degree in Medical Laboratory Science and working towards a career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.”  . Follow Christen on her Instagram page @4ever_dcu.. We will  be following Christen as she pursues her goal.  Go Christen!