Memorial Scholarships
Two families, many scholarships.
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PursuitSAFETY families continue to give and give in spite of what was taken from them. The Steven Ehrensperger (pictured, right) Memorial Scholarship and the Paul Farris (pictured, left) Memorial Scholarship recipients are pictured below. Send your memorial scholarship information, include pictures, to Susan Gonzales at PursuitSAFETY. |
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An endowment fund has been established with The Georgia Tech Foundation in memory of Steven Ehrensperger by his grandparents, Fred and Joyce Ehrensperger. Steven, the son of David and Brenda Ehrensperger, was tragically killed at the age of 20 in a car wreck in November 2007. Earnings from this fund will be used for a scholarship awarded each year to a deserving high school graduate from the Birmingham area who is entering Georgia Tech as a freshman.
This scholarship will be known as the “Steven Ehrensperger Memorial Scholarship.” While Steven did not attend Georgia Tech, he loved the school and its heritage, was an avid Georgia Tech sports fan, and possessed the traits and characteristics that are desirable in Georgia Tech students.
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The second annual Steven Ehrensperger Memorial Scholarship 2010 has been  awarded to Vestavia Hills High School graduating senior Harrison Bartlett (pictured at right). He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Jimmy Bartlett. Harrison plans to enter Georgia Tech in the fall and study biomedical engineering. |
The inaugural Steven Ehrensperger Memorial Scholarship 2009 wa s awarded to Enterprise High School graduating senior Brett Kubica (pictured at right). He is the son of Col. and Mrs. Scott Kubica of Ft. Rucker, AL. Brett entered Georgia Tech in the fall to study aerospace engineering.
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With Harrison Bartlett are (from left ) Joyce Ehrensperger, Cindy Bartlett,
Harrison, Jimmy Bartlett, Fred Ehrensperger, and David Ehrensperger.
| A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a Somerville and Edina high school graduating senior by the Farris family. The requirements are simple: The candidate must be a respectful and caring student exhibiting a love of learning and a passion for music, the arts, or another extracurricular activity. Our family would like the candidate to understand something about Paul's life and what we are doing to ensure that his spirit lives on forever. Please visit www.paulfarris.org. |
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The Paul Farris Memorial Scholarship 2011 was awarded to Edina stud Christina's passion is in dance and it is clear to see that she is driven to achieve her dreams though focus, dedication, determination and effort. Christina said in her application, "My life always has a theme song, it changes every day but there is a beat or tune in my head that my heart dances to even when my body is still...' She also stated, 'If I can help someone in even the smallest way to have a better day I will, even just to say hi or send a smile their way...' We found this is interesting because Christina's statements and sentiments reflect our son Paul's passion and caring. Paul truly had a positive influence on many people, even if only for 23 years. We believe Christina will make meaningful contributions throughout her college studies and career. So congratulations to Christina - we are extremely pleased to present you with the 2011 Paul Farris Memorial Scholarship." |
The Paul Farris Memorial Scholarship 2011 was also awarded to: Salvador Moises Zelayandia-Pineda and Mitchell Freitas. Both Salvador and Mitchell presented thoughtful, well written and motivating essays. Like so many of the applicants, they have each given back to their school and to their community. They each have a passion, Salvador with music and Mitchell with film. It is clear to see that they are each driven to achieve their dreams though focus, dedication, determination and effort.
Ritesh Adhikari In 2009, the following students at Somerville High received the scholarship: Huong Nguyen and Rebecca Wood-Spagnoli. In 2010, the Farris family extended their scholarships. Huong Nguyen and Rebecca Wood-Spagnoli are especially appreciative. They regularly contact the Farris' with updates on their studies and activities. |
Paul was born in Wisconsin and moved to Minnesota when he was four. He was a 2002 graduate of Edina High School and a 2006 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Tufts University, with a double major in History and Political Science. In the early morning hours of May 27, 2007 Paul Farris died as the result of a senseless high-speed police chase in the Boston suburb of Somerville. Paul and his girlfriend Katelyn were coming home from a night out when an SUV being pursued by the Massachusetts State Police slammed into the taxi in which they were riding. Paul, who was wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the taxi and died at the scene. The taxi driver Walid Chahine died a week later, leaving a wife and 4 year old son. Katelyn was severely injured and was unconscious for almost four weeks. She remained in Massachusetts General Hospital for four months and continues her rehab with her parents in New York. Her ongoing physical and emotional recovery is nothing short of miraculous. This has been an indescribably sorrowful and difficult time for families and friends. Most will never completely heal from the emotional scars. Paul was an amazing 23 year old. He had been working as an insurance claims adjuster for the previous year and had already taken his LSATs. Paul planned to attend law school in the fall of 2008. Paul's friends will tell you that he was truly a "good friend" who cared about people, was there for his friends and was always willing to help. Paul was also a lover of music – just about any music. Paul was active in high school and college choirs. He played guitar and was the lead singer in the Boston band, theMark. We have all of Paul’s music available at our website. Paul was passionate - about learning and about life. This scholarship is for a student who exhibits a similar passion for life. |
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ent Christina Robb. Christina presented a thoughtful, well written and motivating essay. Like so many of the applicants, Christina has given back to her school and to her community. .jpg)
The Paul Farris Memorial Scholarship 2010 was awarded to the following students at Edina High School: Liv Redpath (left) and Taylor Lentz (right).