2008
PFund Scholarship Recipients
Calista Adeboye
Haynes-Hettinga Award ($3,000)
The Haynes-Hettinga Award is for a deserving African-American or Native American student.
Calista is especially proud of her role as co-leader of the Roseville Area High School’s gay-straight
alliance. The group was struggling to maintain membership, but thanks to Calista, the GSA became active and productive by holding informational school events which engaged the students and staff. With other GSA volunteers, Calista created and taught a one-day GLBT unit in all the school’s health classes talking about bullying and hate crimes, appropriate terminology, heterosexism and how anti-gay bias hurts everyone. The class was so successful Calista and other GSA volunteers presented it each trimester for three years, receiving thanks and encouragement from students and staff alike. Calista has also been a presenter at Rainbow Families annual conferences and was an organizing panelist for a staff development workshop at her high school titled, “Heterosexism and Homophobia.” Calista looks forward to a lifetime of learning and educating others. Her unique ability to explain to adults how oppression operates, from both a GLBT and person-of-color perspective, makes her a great asset in advancing the work of social justice in all our communities.
Hailey Benson
Linde-Ostrander Leadership Award ($5,000) — permanently endowed fund
The Linde-Ostrander Leadership Award is awarded annually to
one person who is the most qualifi ed GLBTQ person attending
college, vocational school, graduate school, law school or
medical school who demonstrates leadership in bridging
differences and breaking down barriers between the GLBTQ and straight communities.
Hailey was surprised to find her high school less than supportive of the GLBT community and quickly worked to re-establish a gay-straight alliance as a resource for other GLBT students. Participating in the National Coming Out Day and the National Day of Silence helped Hailey bring needed attention to GLBT issues in a conservative school. Hailey is also proud to be captain of the Wayzata girl’s rugby club where she is learning about commitment, dedication and leadership as an openly lesbian young woman. Hailey challenges stereotypes of people’s perceptions of gender and sexual orientation in a school environment where students are praised for their similarities and not their differences. As one of her high school counselors states, “With poise and dignity, resulting from her approachable, genuine personality, she is a role model, leader and advocate for all students, especially GLBT youth.” Hailey plans to attend Mankato State University in the fall.
Derek Bromme
Carey-Taylor Award ($5,000)
The Carey-Taylor Scholarship is awarded to a GLBT student for the pursuit of a degree in instrumental music performance.
Studying trombone performance at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Derek possesses the unique qualities of talent, dedication and personality that make him “the best of what the Colleges and Universities of Minnesota expect from students,” as stated by one of his music professors. Derek says one of his greatest challenges was realizing and accepting that he was gay. Part of that process included writing a letter that was published in his local newspaper responding to a misrepresented article on gay subculture and violence. In that letter Derek pointed out that people too often express fear and ignorance about people they don’t understand or know and that people listen too often to whoever is talking rather than listening to themselves and their inherent sense of fairness. “Homosexuals want the same things as everyone else; love, happiness and acceptance…
what matters is not how much we hate, but how much we love,” wrote Derek.
Amanda Christenson
Dr. Tom Knabel Award ($3,000)
The Dr. Tom Knabel Award is for a high school student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.
When describing Amanda’s work as an intern at Out for Equity, program assistant Nathan Gottfried says, “she is at the forefront of student leaders.” Those words seem to be echoed wherever Amanda goes. Growing up, she has always been an activist, and when she transferred into Avalon School that activism and leadership only became stronger. Amanda served as president of the gaystraight alliance in both her junior and senior years working to facilitate discussions on GLBT history and activism, encouraging others to become involved. In addition to her GLBT leadership, Amanda
also was a mentor and respected peer mediator. She earned three medals on her academic decathlon team, two gold medals in language arts and literature and a silver medal in science, leading her school to win fi rst place in their category. Amanda plans to major in either sociology or psychology with a minor in women’s studies.
Jennifer Cornell
Quorum Award ($5,000)
The Quorum Award is given to a deserving student who
demonstrates leadership and the promise of entrepreneurial
spirit; and who is dedicated to working for equality.
Wendy Lutter of Friends School of Minnesota says, “Jennifer knows how to lead; she is also a skilled team member who works well with people of different backgrounds and abilities.” Jennifer has been the inspiration behind many initiatives. She created a recruitment program within the Minnesota Women’s Fire Fighters Association (MWFFA), which she helped found, that resulted in 25 women hires within a two year cycle. As a result, Minnesota now leads the nation in the percentage of women fi refi ghters at 17 percent. Jennifer also worked to create increased visibility of gays and lesbians in the fi re service. She gained approval for the fi rst fi re truck in the Pride Parade and recruited fire fighters (all women) to ride on it—now a crowd favorite. Also, Jennifer has served on University of Minnesota alumni committees that have planned and implemented training for women who want to run for offi ce. Jennifer is currently pursuing her J.D. at the University of
Minnesota with the goal of becoming an attorney working for the rights of women, lesbians and other disadvantaged groups in the workplace and other arenas.
Maria Cox
The Reverend Obed “Duke” and RuthE Lundeen
Social Justice Award ($1,000)
Songs from the Heart Award ($1,000)
Nancy T. Kelly Memorial Award ($500)
In college, Maria hopes to “bring people of all different interests and backgrounds together to promote tolerance for the GLBT community.” During high school, Maria started on this great conquest. As part of a non-profi t acting group, Skits Outreach Services, she helped the program to branch out to include not only teen issues such as teen pregnancy, drug use and racism, but also sexual orientation. As one with an artistic touch, Maria uses her skill as a leader to promote these intersections. She created a dance on racism which was received with high marks and was performed during Black History Month. Her high school director of theatre, Haeri Tollefson, describes her as “confi dent without being arrogant.” Maria plans to attend college and double major in psychology and dance, with a minor in theater.
Rowan-Marie Fakhoury
Kevin Winge Award ($1,000)
Community Award ($725)
Atheists for Human Rights Award ($500)
As one teacher explained it, “Rowan’s drive has always been to help others. She shows a remarkable compassion and respect for humanity.” Several faculty members comment that Rowan’s dynamic personality drives her as an exceptional student. In addition to excellent academic performance, Rowan is a leader in her school’s Anime Club and Environmental Society. With high energy and passion for inclusion, Rowan is active in Armstrong High School’s GSA
and fi ghting homophobia in the school. She hopes to attend Valparaiso University where she plans to pursue an education degree.
Noelle Harris
Meuwissen-Werb Leadership Award ($2,000) — permanently
endowed fund
All God’s Children Award Metropolitan Community
Church Award ($1,000)
The Meuwissen-Werb Leadership Award is awarded to a
deserving, out GLBTI student who demonstrates leadership
abilities in fostering integration and mutual respect between
GLBTI and straight communities. Preference is given to a
student with excellent academic achievements pursuing
a 4-year degree.
As a founding member of Apollo High School’s gay-straight alliance, Noelle displayed leadership early on, working with school administrators to explain the importance of GSAs in high schools. Noelle works both inside and outside of her school to bring about positive change for GLBT people in her community. When faced with the challenge of students removing fliers for GSA meetings, Noelle took the high road. Behind every GSA poster she placed notes that said, “You just
committed a hate crime,” for students to see when they ripped down the signs. Equipped with stellar academic achievements, Noelle plans to attend Augustana College in Sioux Falls. Her choir director notes, “Never before have I experienced such a level of commitment.”
Lenny Hayes
Wellness Award ($2,000) — permanently endowed fund
The Wellness Award is in support of a GLBT student with an interest in studying chemical dependency counseling or a GLBT student who is in recovery.
Lenny uses his education to help others seek a better life. A member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate tribe, Lenny works to advocate for GLBT Native Americans and break down stereotypes of two-spirit persons. Lenny recognizes the low percentage of Native Americans in the mental
health fi eld and will pursue a degree in the fi eld, allowing him to help GLBT Native Americans struggling with chemical dependency. Professors and classmates consider Lenny to be a dedicated, hard working student with a deep commitment to the mental health fi eld. Honest and driven to succeed, Lenny’s commitment to GLBT Native American communities is evident in everything he does.
Cory Jaques
Gilligan-Pospisil Award ($5,000) — permanently endowed fund
The Gilligan-Pospisil Scholarship is awarded annually to a GLBTA student who has experienced homelessness and/or is working to alleviate homelessness.
Frustrated, afraid and isolated, Cory ran away from home and school at the age of 17 to try and find a safe place for a gay teen like himself. Recognizing the importance of a high school diploma, Cory returned to school to complete his credits, and then moved to Seattle to fi nd a better life. In Seattle, Cory worked for a free clinic serving homeless communities and uninsured patients. His experiences at the clinic led him to pursue a medical degree at the University of Minnesota.
Expecting to fi nd an open and accepting community at the medical school, Cory was shocked when he encountered closed-minded professors and heterosexist classmates. Never before thinking of himself as a “GLBT activist,” Cory recognized the need to develop a group for GLBTA medical
students. Now as president of “In the Life,” a club for GLBTA medical students, Cory works with the medical school peers and administration to create safer spaces in the medical community.
Lisa Kane
Manahan-Bohan Award ($2,000) — permanently endowed fund
The Manahan-Bohan Award is for an outstanding lesbian student from the Madelia, Minnesota area or secondarily, an outstanding lesbian student from rural Minnesota.
Lisa is most proud of her work as intern with State Representative Karen Clark, where she could apply her skills as an out lesbian human rights advocate. Lisa’s deep passion for activism and advocacy grew from her roots in North Branch, Minn. and is complemented by a passion for music
and written word. As a singer-songwriter she explores identity through music, communicating a message of love and social justice. Lisa’s activist musical work earned her an award as Women’s Press Twin Cities Favorite Female Performer in 2002. Lisa puts her passion for equality and social
justice to work as a member of the Duluth Human Rights Commission, increasing engagement of marginalized populations. Lisa is completing a masters in management at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.
Teri Kline
Lutheran Award ($2,500)
The Lutheran Award is given to an outstanding GLBT or allied
Lutheran student or student attending a Lutheran school.
As activist, mother, ELCA Lutheran, sister and community volunteer, Teri has a positive effect on the lives of people in her corner of the world. Coming out as bisexual eight years ago, Teri sought a community of others like her to connect with, so she developed an online discussion group. As
a growing activist Teri joined the Bisexual Organizing Project (BOP) and soon became the chair of the board. This leadership brought Teri to the BECAUSE conference, furthering her commitment to organizing in bisexual communities. Teri finds joy in collaborating with allies to dispel myths about GLBT individuals. Peers note that Teri brings a “sense of clarity and accomplishment to her organizing that inspires those around her.” Teri is completing a degree in organizational management.
Jennifer Kolstad
Blue Earth Area Award ($2,000)
The Blue Earth Area Award is given to an outstanding GLBT student graduating from Blue Earth Area High School.
A graduate of Blue Earth Area High School, Jennifer received an award in 2007 for a paper that expressed the need for after-school programs for GLBT youth. Since then she has committed herself to developing a GLBT youth group. As a single lesbian mother, Jennifer understands the demands of parenthood and the needs of children as they grow up. Jennifer has the ability to connect her knowledge of confl ict resolution and restorative justice to her activism to address
various intersections of oppression such as race, religion, gender and sexuality. “She is an exemplary student who is very committed to social justice and is an outspoken advocate for equality,” says one social work professor. Jennifer is studying social work at Minnesota State University – Mankato.
Jamie Melchert
The Minnesota State University – Mankato Award ($2,000)
The Minnesota State University - Mankato Award is for an outstanding gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender student attending Minnesota State University - Mankato.
A graduate assistant in the LGBT Center at Minnesota State University - Mankato, Jamie works to provide safer spaces and resources for GLBT students. Jamie is an activist through education. At MSU-Mankato she coordinates a GLBT panelist program that educates her community beyond the
classroom. Jamie hopes to put a degree in educational leadership to work advocating for GLBTQ students in the school system. She believes in taking advantage of every teachable moment to talk to folks about gender and sexuality. “Jamie has a passion for enhancing the experiences of students and is a high-energy leader who uses humor and experience to create safer spaces.” Jamie is a respected leader on her campus and in her community, dedicating her time and talent to equality
for GLBT communities.
Amy Monson
Southeast Minnesota Award ($2,000)
The Southeast Minnesota Award is given to an outstanding GLBTstudent from or studying in southeast Minnesota.
Amy is recognized in her graduate program at the University of St. Thomas for breaking down barriers between GLBT and straight communities. Professors honor Amy for her intellectual honesty and ability to respectfully challenge heterosexism and homophobia in her school. As an English
teacher at Mayo High School, Amy advises the gay-straight alliance and promotes justice and equity for her students. Amy and her family serve as role models for GLBT communities in the Rochester area, standing up to oppressive systems and showing the strength of family. “Amy is a tremendous resource for both GLBT students and staff. She strives to advance awareness and support the GLBT
community on a daily basis,” says one co-worker.
Michelle Morse
Lutheran Award ($2,500)
The Lutheran Award is given to an outstanding GLBT or allied Lutheran student or student attending a Lutheran school.
Michelle is an out leader at Augsburg College, participating in a myriad of activities. Whether she is serving on the student activities board, student senate or working for the school newspaper, Michelle puts her passion for GLBT inclusion into all she does. As a recognized student leader, Michelle works across communities to develop allies. During new student orientation she coordinated skits for incoming students on GLBT equality. In the residence halls she created educational bulletin boards to educate peers about GLBT communities. During the senior year of her undergraduate program Michelle used her independent study to explore intersections of sexuality and religion. Now in a graduate program at Augsburg, Michelle continues to educate within GLBT and allied communities. Living as an out GLBT teacher Michelle works to change hearts and minds, creating welcoming environments for all students.
Andrew Schuster
Howard Liebhaber Human Rights Award ($2,000)
The Howard Liebhaber Award is given to an outstanding GLBT or allied student who demonstrates a commitment to alleviating oppression and works for social change.
Andrew is an active member of his community as an out football player and Boy Scout, working part-time at a local bank. He is also a committed member of his high school gay-straight alliance, combating homophobia and oppression in his school. Andrew uses his energy and passion to teach peers about HIV/AIDS and negative stereotypes of the disease. He uses his spare time to speak to classrooms about the importance of GLBT inclusion. As an accomplished advanced placement student, Andrew is highly praised by teachers and peers alike. Andrew is a recognized leader in all his communities and embraces the importance of all his intersecting identities in his activism.
Martha Streng
Holland-Federhart Award ($3,500)
The Holland-Federhart Award is for an openly GLBT or allied outstanding student, with a preference for a student in the performing arts or, secondly, in the arts.
Martha prides herself on her involvement with a local group called Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS). As a mentor in the program, Martha helps young girls explore their passions for math and science. In addition to science, Martha has a passion for the piano; she has been playing for twelve years and is a recognized pianist by the Minnesota Music Teachers Association. After two years of being afraid to come out of the closet, Martha is now an out and proud member of the GLBT community, using every opportunity to tell her story to educate others. As president of Southwest High School’s National Honor Society, Martha is a visible role model for younger students as they come out. One teacher states, “Martha is generous, hard-working, courageous and a leader of her peers.”
Mark White
RBC Wealth Management Award ($1,000)
Songs from the Heart Award ($1,000)
Mark finds passion in his high school theater and gay-straight alliance. He is incredibly active in both as an out leader in his school. Combining the two activities, Mark led the effort to stage a community theater and poetry event focusing on GLBT communities. Growing up in a devout Mormon family, Mark struggled with his own coming out. Eventually he found the courage to begin to tell his story to educate others. Teachers describe Mark as “mature beyond his years, independent and driven to create a more welcoming community in his area.” Mark will pursue a degree in literature and writing so he can continue to tell his story.
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