Teri Hall Memorial Scholarship

Lucille lost her mother to Gastric Stomach cancer at age 4. She said, “it has been the hardest thing I had to learn to live with; a piece of my identity, my role model missing from my life.”

Nathaniel’s father was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer, and passed away a year later when Nathaniel was 11 years old. Nathaniel quickly learned how life continued moving forward while he was falling considerably behind. Being out of school for three weeks, and having to move into temporary housing shortly thereafter, left this sixth grader struggling. However, 2 years later, Nathaniel was achieving straight A’s and high honors.

Camilo’s father was diagnosed with cancer when he was 13, and losing him left an unfillable void for his mom and him, because while he was growing up, his father was his biggest hero and friend. Camilo says, “I understand now Life is a gift, and my mom is my company, team and best friend.”

Last year, in Ryan’s second semester of junior year, he was diagnosed with cancer, requiring surgery and chemotherapy. Weightlifting was usually his coping mechanism, but he was unable to continue with weightlifting due to side effects from the chemotherapy. Undeterred, Ryan says, “regarding cancer’s impact on my future goals, it has only fueled my ambitions.”

Beyond her academic achievements, Reese is deeply committed to giving back. She volunteers at Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine, where she helps children undergoing cancer treatment enjoy a fun and memorable summer experience.

Bridget witnessed firsthand the importance of a strong support system—both within her family and in the medical field. Her father’s recovery after thyroid cancer included physical therapy, and Bridget, too, has faced significant health challenges, undergoing four shoulder surgeries and extensive physical therapy. Inspired by the dedication of her father’s and her own physical therapists, Bridget has chosen to pursue a career in physical therapy.

When Erin’s dad was diagnosed with cancer, he asked her to stay positive. Sadly, he lost his battle to liver cancer after just seven months, when she was only thirteen years old. Every day Erin wishes, and knows her dad also wishes, that he could be standing next to her for all life’s important moments. But, she says,” Michael Robert Paul shaped my life in more ways than I can count; whether that’s not to be afraid even when I might be, staying positive, and looking for the good, even in the darkest situations.”

Adriana’s story is one of hope and resilience. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer before Adriana was born and experienced a recurrence a year later. Despite being told she may never get pregnant, Adriana’s mother never gave up hope—and that hope was realized with Adriana’s birth. Through her mother, Adriana learned the importance of gratitude and the power of simple acts of kindness.

Ian’s journey has been deeply shaped by his family’s experiences with cancer. His mother has battled breast cancer three times—first diagnosed when he was in first grade and most recently during his senior year. Despite these challenges, Ian is grateful for the time he has spent supporting her, accompanying her to appointments, and, most of all, celebrating her victories over cancer. In addition to his mother’s diagnosis, his father has faced skin cancer, while both of his grandmothers have fought cancer.

When Braden was eight, he lost his father, his best friend, to cancer. He remembers his father telling him he loved him very much, wanted him to keep being the man he raised him to be, and to continue playing football. Braden always strives to be the best version of himself, to make his father proud and to honor his wishes.