KIRBIE NICOLE BRITTAIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Normal CommunityWest High School
Normal, Illinois
BACKGROUND:Kirbie Nicole Brittain was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 10, 1993. She lived in 7 different states during her 15 years of life. At age 8, Kirbie was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma Bone Cancer to her left leg/ankle. She underwent many surgeries and a yearlong chemotherapy regiment before suffering heart and lung failure at age 9. As she beat Cancer, the long term effects of the chemotherapy caused her heart to slowly deteriorate, requiring the need for a heart transplant. At age 13, Kirbie received her new heart on February 9, 2007, yet again, beating her challenges. Her heart allowed her body to start growing and maturing as she grew into a beautiful young lady, both on the inside and out. While on vacation, August 16, 2008, Kirbie again was struck with a virus to her heart, causing her to go into cardiac arrest. This left Kirbie in a coma at age 15. She fought for 16 courageous days before her body could no longer fight. Kirbie Nicole Brittain lost her 7 year fight on September 1, 2008. As Kirbie left this world, her spirit, attitude, genuine love for all people and her unselfish caring drive to always put others before her challenges has left a wonderful legacy in the Bloomington-Normal community. As we carry on what Kirbie started, we were proud to grant The Kirbie Nicole Brittain Memorial Scholarship to 5graduating seniors at local high schools. Since its inception in 2011, we have awarded 20 scholarshipsat the five public Bloomington/Normal high schools for a total of $20,000.00. Our goal for 2017 is to award one $1,000 scholarship to all of our area Bloomington Normal high schools. We are also a part of the Umbrella of Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, soFriends of Kirbie is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Criteria:
- Candidate must be a full-time student.
- Candidate should have a faith-based background.
- Candidate must be able to show that he/she has overcome obstacles (medical, financial or tragedy) in his/her life and have displayed a courageous attitude with caring attitude towards all.
- Candidate must be a high school student in good standing.
- Three letters of recommendation should be submitted for consideration. One from an established community leader, one from a faculty member that has helped to shape the individual, and one from a member of Candidates church (please attach to application).
- Candidate must submit a one-page written letter of intent outlining career goals and reason for pursuing the Kirbie Nicole Brittain Memorial Scholarship and why recipient believe he/she qualifies.
- All applicants will be reviewed by selection committee with final qualified applicants to complete an oral interview by a subcommittee of The Friends of Kirbie Foundation.
Instructions:
- Entire application must be TYPED.
- Submit three (3) copies to Counseling Office by Wednesday, March 1, 2017
- Please direct questions to Dr. Lynette Mehall at or call 309-726-2611 or 309-826-6024.
PART I
Name:Local Address: / Phone Number
City / State / Zip
Permanent Address: / Permanent Phone Number:
City / State / Zip
Parents’ Names and Address(es):
Option/emphasis area:
Expected Graduation Date:
Cumulative Grade point Average:
Choice(s) of Colleges:
PART II
- List positions of responsibility, such as offices in school / professional/community organizations you have held in the last four years.
- List your additional participation in school /professional/ community organizations in the last four years.
- List any volunteer work which you have given your time to in the last four years.
- As financial need MAY be considered, you may attach a statement indicating your financial need if you wish.
PART III
A. Submit a one-page written letter of intent outlining career goals and reason for pursuing the Kirbie Nicole Brittain Memorial Scholarship and why you believe you qualify over any other candidate.
B. In 50 to 100 words, identify the qualities of an outstanding leader in a high school in the Bloomington-Normal community.