Area students recognized with scholarships

4/3/2017
BLADE STAFF

Winners of the Undefeated Spirit Foundation scholarships were recognized Sunday.

Former UT football player Chuck Ealey stands with, from left, Start student Mahogany Jackson, Whitmer student Malik Moore, and Lake student Emily Lovell.
Former UT football player Chuck Ealey stands with, from left, Start student Mahogany Jackson, Whitmer student Malik Moore, and Lake student Emily Lovell.

Former University of Toledo football player Chuck Ealey started the foundation, which awarded a total of $3,000 in college scholarships this year to 15 area high school seniors.

The students were recognized at an awards ceremony at the University of Toledo.

Three students received top awards worth $500 each.

Mahogany Jackson, a multi-sport athlete at Start High School, and Malik Moore, a Whitmer High School football player, were recognized for their leadership and athletic abilities.

Emily Lovell of Lake High School won the essay contest.

VIDEO: The Undefeated Spirit Foundation awards

This year, more than 50 students from nearly 20 area schools entered the writing contest, which required the submission of a 500-word essay in which they shared stories on the theme of “undefeated spirit.”

Emily wrote about suffering a stroke three years ago and her physical and emotional recovery.

“Since those days, my life has changed completely. Somewhere along the line I let go of my anger and discovered my passion. I will pursue a double-major in occupational therapy and special education, committing my life to the service of others,” she wrote in her winning essay. “I learned how to overcome anything, and I am excited to share the lessons I learned with the world. Nothing can defeat me.”

Mr. Ealey partnered with the Leadership Toledo organization to create the essay contest.