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Scholarship
Mary Cone Barrie Scholarship 2011Two scholarships of $2,500 awarded for 2011-2012 academic year
“We value the critical role lifelong learning plays in enabling millions of people to transform their lives during these turbulent times.” Shaul Kuper, Founder & CEO 2011 – 2012 Academic Year Winners
“Our finances changed drastically,” he said “I decided that higher education was the answer to attaining a better quality of life for my family.” “Since my enrollment, my appreciation for my job, law enforcement, has hit a new level,” Puhak said. “My understanding of the law, along with its processes and procedures has afforded me more benefits in my current career.” Puhak was promoted in March 2011 to Detective Sergeant. He is now in charge of overseeing investigations and training new Deputy Sherriff Cadets. “I am proud of what I am achieving though my continuing education related to my career, but even prouder that I am steps closer to improving the quality of life for my family,” he said. “Once my undergraduate work is done, I plan to apply for higher state, or federal law enforcement positions. I am also studying for the Law School Admissions Test.” Asta Becker,34, a human resources assistant in Charlotte, North Carolina, is enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce at Pfeiffer University. She plans to graduate next summer and pursue a career in international business, where she can use her knowledge of other languages.
Becker moved to the United States in 2002 and enrolled in English classes in 2006 after finalizing her divorce. “It was very scary because I hadn’t been to school for over 15 years but I didn’t see any other opportunities,” Becker said. “I was very timid, not knowing what to expect and because my English was elementary at best. As each semester finished, I grew more and more confident and my English improved significantly. Receiving better grades than I ever had, I started to truly believe in myself.” “I always wanted more, it’s just that at the beginning I didn’t know how to get there,” she said. “I went step by step until I found out that education would let me take the path I wanted.” 2010 – 2011 Academic Year Winners
After losing her job in May 2009 and being diagnosed with cancer the following December, she has developed a new philosophy. “If you keep moving forward, you’ll have a life to look forward to,” she said, near tears. One year, five surgeries, and a battery of chemotherapy and radiation treatments later, the single mother of two said she feels back to normal and has a renewed sense of how important education is. Charlene Clay, 32, of Mequon, WI, expects to complete her degree at Concordia University, Wisconsin this December, and is close to finishing a state-offered course in alcohol and drug counseling. Ms. Clay said kids and her dreams keep her going. “My goal is to be able to treat young girls just like me,” she said. “Girls whose moms and dads have alcohol problems. They don’t have any hopes and dreams, or at least no one to tell them they can have some.”
2009 – 2010 Academic Year WinnersMasoudeh Kazemiashtiani of Richmond Hill, ON is currently completing the International Midwifery Program at the Chang School of Continuing Education at Ryerson University in Toronto. A medical practitioner from Iran, Ms. Kazemiashtiani said she strives to make a lasting contribution to her patients and the Canadian healthcare system. Jonathan Lambert of Leverett, MA is completing his Master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. A former professional baker, Jonathan wants to become a primary school teacher and make a difference in the lives of young children like his son. 2008 – 2009 Academic Year WinnerMargaux Wisniewski, a mother of five, has recently finished her degree at Rider University’s College of Continuing Studies in Lawrenceville, NJ. Her ultimate goal is to become a teacher so that she can better support her family and make a positive difference in the lives of her students. Click here for application.Should I apply?The Mary Cone Barrie Scholarship is available to any currently enrolled ‘new traditional’ learner residing in Canada or the United States who has demonstrated a propensity for lifelong learning. It is a yearly program that was established to recognize the efforts of learners who are improving their lives through continuing education and workforce development. We understand how difficult it can be to embrace the concept of lifelong learning, to go back to school with a full time job and a family. We are proud that we can contribute even a little bit to help make life a little easier. When should I apply?Applications are due by July 29, 2011. Note: 2011 scholarship entry is closed. When are the scholarships awarded?Recipients of this award will be selected in August 2011 by a committee that includes Andy and Jesse Barrie, husband and daughter of Dr. Mary Cone Barrie. Winners will be announced in September 2011 and will be contacted directly by Destiny Solutions. |
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Destiny Solutions launched The Mary Cone Barrie Scholarship Award in 2008 as a tribute to a trusted friend and mentor. – 
Joseph Puhak, 29, is enrolled in a Bachelor of Science, criminal justice program at Western Carolina University. A detective from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, he began his studies in 2009 after he found out he and his wife were expecting their first child. 
“I grew up in Lithuania back when it was under communist rule,” she said. “As a student, I never felt like I was excelling at my studies. Schools forced pupils to study instead of teaching them … and I felt useless and insignificant.” 
Stephanie Taylor, 46, of Newtown, PA, expects to finish her degree in business administration at Buck’s County Community College by the end of summer, 2011. 
Education has always been important to Ms. Clay, a single mother of three. “It is the root of your life,” she explained. “If you have education, you can go places. My message to other people? You can do it! Education is big. It’s important. It just makes life easier.”
