As you then can imagine, selecting the winner from another record-setting number of applicants, this time from 26 states, became more challenging. The 2006 recipient is Amanda Merrill of Highland Village, Texas.

Amanda was diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade. She has developed a very strong work ethic and excellent study skills while taking a challenging curriculum at Edward Marcus High School.

Her leadership was evident in a variety of areas. She served as president of her church youth group. She received the Young Womanhood Recognition Award from her church for achieving personal goals and contributing many hours of community service over a six year period. She was captain of both her cross country and track teams and was voted Athlete of the Year and Most Inspirational for her team.

During her junior year of cross country running, Amanda suffered a stress fracture in her femur. For several months, she attended team workouts on her crutches, fulfilling her responsibilities as team captain. She attended every weekend meet, navigating the difficult courses on crutches. Through painful and difficult sessions with her physical therapist and with the support of her coach, teammates, and family, she returned in her senior year as one of the team’s top runners competing on one of the state’s top teams.

Amanda considers her greatest success to be tutoring children with learning disabilities. She said, “I love giving them hope. I am able to offer them empathy and compassion because of my lifelong struggle with dyslexia. I love being their cheerleader, as well as their coach.” She also works with children who struggle with obesity. Finally, she was invited to work at a summer camp for teenage girls and to serve on a multi-community committee to help organize an annual youth conference and monthly youth dances for over 200 area youth.

For seven years, Amanda attended a class called MTA, multi-sensory teaching approach. This is where she learned a variety of coping skills, such as highlighting important information, outlining, and test-taking strategies. One of her most important achievements was developing strong organizational skills. By organizing her time well, she has time for tutoring, text book review, and extra credit projects. This skill reduces the stress level in her life as she balances school, extracurricular activities, work, and church involvement.

Amanda will attend Brigham Young University where she plans to major in education, specializing in helping children with learning disabilities. Her work experience has provided valuable insight into future career options. She noted, “Having been born with dyslexia has strengthened me and instilled within me a desire and a belief that I can achieve my goals.”

This young lady finds joy in many areas of her life: the fun she has with her running pack, the beauty of the sunrise during practice, the look on children’s faces when they are finally able to understand a concept that had previously been difficult for them, her love of learning, and her supportive family, especially her four siblings.

The Society member who nominated Amanda is Susan Lenox of Plano, Texas.

Completing the application for this scholarship is not an easy task, especially since it asks students with language challenges to do extensive writing. Hopefully, through this process, they have all learned valuable understanding about themselves that will enhance their future success.