Meet the 2019 Scholars

Get to know the hopes, dreams, and talents of this year's winners.

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Pearl S.

Undergraduate Recipient

"Choose one inspirational quote or motto that has helped you throughout your journey with cystic fibrosis. How do you live by your quote or motto and how has it motivated you to accomplish your goals?"

“Ever forward, but slowly.” This quote was a command from General Gebhard Leberecht von Blücer to Russian troops at the Battle of Leipzig. While they may seem insignificant, these four little words hold much power within them for they reveal the battle tactics of a great man. Instead of being impatient and forcing his troops to rush recklessly into battle, General Gebhard Leberecht von Blücer encouraged the men to win the battle in a slow and steady fashion. Refusing to be overcome by the fear of what lay ahead, he approached the fight determined to win, no matter how slow the victory came. Likewise, I have adopted the same battle tactic. The battle against cystic fibrosis is not won by impetuously running in and fighting. There is no medication that offers me a quick-fix and rescues me from my war. CF is an ongoing battle where victories, large or small, may be hard-won and slow to come by. Each day is a new battleground. Yet I do not give up. I keep moving forward. I continue to take my medications and do my medical treatments daily, even if sometimes I may not notice a change in my health. Fear for my health is not allowed to rule my life. Certainly, the battle may be rough and appear frightening, but I am reminded of General Gebhard Leberecht von Blücer’s orders and continue to push forward day by day toward victory, however slow my fight’s progress may be.

Pearl S.'s Artwork

Pearl S.'s Achievements

  • Actively enrolled in Vanguard University as a dual enrollment student.
  • Serve as the lead teacher for the Junior Bible Quiz program at Newport Mesa Church.
  • Helped teach as a Commander at Royal Rangers Outpost 33 for all four years in High School. Classes taught include: Firearm Safety Merit, Marksmanship Merit, Advanced Marksmanship Merit, and BB Gun Merit.
  • Attended a leadership class and through completing became a Student Leader for Solid Rock youth group.
  • Have taken English horseback riding lessons all four years of High School.
  • Hold the job of lungeing and caring for horses as needed by the owner.
  • Participated in Teen Bible Quiz during my sophomore and junior years and held the title of Team Captain.
  • Participated in the Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festival all four years of High School and presented at the national level for two of those years.
  • Presented a motivational speech at a dinner theater fundraiser hosted by Newport Mesa Church for the Speed The Light ministry.
  • Volunteered to serve at Costa Mesa High School’s Let’s Be Kind Day.