Collin Elmore Receives Ear Community College Scholarship

Collin Elmore, Ear Community college scholarship recipient, 9/2024, Winona State University.

September 2024
Congratulations to Collin Elmore for being one of our Ear Community college scholarship recipients this year!

Collin was born with microtia and atresia of his right ear and grew up in Folsom, California. Collin’s family has always encouraged him to be a part of community, whether through hobbies or participating in school sports. Having a close family and being involved with the community has helped Collin embrace his microtia and atresia!

Collin doesn’t let his microtia or hearing loss define him. When he realized he needed to hear better, he benefited from a bone conduction hearing device system in the school classroom. He learned ASL as his second language, which he believes has helped him become a better communicator and allows him to stay connected to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. Collin believes in hearing his best and he supports others who would also like to hear their best. In fact, he and his family have advocated for hearing device legislation known as Ally’s Act, H.R. 2439/S. 1135, which would ensure that others have access to implantable hearing devices through their private insurance providers.

In addition to excelling in academics, Collin excelled in athletics too, becoming one of his school’s top athletes in baseball! Collin says, “my hearing impairment, rather than being a hindrance, has taught me to be more attuned to the nuances of the game, sharpening my instincts and enhancing my performance on the field. This dedication has not only contributed to my personal growth, but has also paved the way for the opportunity to play college baseball”.

Collin says that “commitment to overcoming barriers extends beyond personal accomplishments. He enjoys learning from and inspiring others facing similar challenges.” Two years ago, Collin and his family had the opportunity to host an Ear Community picnic, allowing them to give back to the microtia and atresia community and to children and adults in Collin’s same situation. Collin continues to help give back to the community today by playing baseball for Winona State University in Minnesota as a Deaf and Hard of Hearing athlete. As a  Geoscience major with a focus on hydrology, he plans to contribute to the protection of vital resources like Lake Tahoe and the Mississippi River.

Congratulations, Collin! We are SO PROUD of YOU! You ROCK! Have fun playing ball and go on to do great things with water conservation and management!
Thank you!
Melissa Tumblin
Founder – Executive Director
Ear Community