Ear Community proudly awards its eighth college scholarship

James Welsh of Illinois, Ear Community college scholarship recipient, September 2018.

Meet James Welsh of Roselle, Illinois, a freshman entering his first year of college at Bradley University in Peoria, IL.  James has proven that he comes from a long line of hard-working people. James was born with Microtia and Atresia of his right ear, and even though he has struggled, his hearing loss and Microtia have never gotten in the way of his goals in life.  While James has never had reconstructive surgery and does not wear a hearing device, he has always been involved in top roles in school, has always been a hard worker, and is a confident individual. While attending Lake Park High School, James was very involved with his school’s basketball team, National Honor Society, and DECA.  In order for James to qualify for the National Honor Society, he needed to have a 4.75 GPA or higher, but he surpassed that and maintained a 5.0 GPA!

James has a lot on his plate as he volunteers at Summer camps for children with disabilities, working for Jimmy Johns, and being so active with his basketball team.  He has always loved math and is able to analyze and balance all the various tasks that require his focus. As James enters college, he plans on earning a degree in Accounting and a minor in either economics or journalism.  James says that, “the whole point of college for me is that I get a good education that I can use to make an impact on the world that I live in.”

James applied to Ear Community for our college scholarship before the end of his Senior year of High School.   “Whenever funds are available, Ear Community is always proud to help individuals who have Microtia and Atresia with their education.” says Melissa Tumblin.  “There is no doubt in my mind that James will excel at his education and in anything he puts his mind to in life”. In his application letter, James shared that he is “just ready to work hard and hurdle every obstacle that is thrown at me”.

Ear Community is proud to have been able to help James further his education by awarding him a college scholarship in the amount of $750.00 (USD).  James was awarded the Ear Community scholarship just in time for his first semester of college this fall. All of us at Ear Community wish James the best of luck with your education and with your dreams.

Thank you,
Ear Community Board Members
www.EarCommunity.org