With the cost of higher education on the rise, many recent Maryland high school graduates and their families are facing difficult decisions about financing a college education. Three local young women have dealt with an added financial strain to consider: each has a parent living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Capital Chapter’s Ellen Carol Segal Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to students from the D.C. metropolitan area, who are affected by MS. Finalists must demonstrate academic performance, leadership and community involvement, work experience, clearly identified goals and aspirations, and financial need. Each of the scholarships recipients receive $3,000 allocated for their first semester of post-secondary education, and some are granted renewals.

The scholarship was started by National Capital Chapter board member Bruce Pearlman in memory of his late wife Ellen, who passed away from complications of MS in 2007. The fund honors Ellen’s deep commitment to education while helping to offset the financial obstacles for families affected by MS. Pearlman pledged $50,000 to be paid over five years, and has since worked diligently to encourage others to support the fund, growing it in both size and duration.

Scholarships have been awarded to Imani Simpkins, Jacqueline Morgan, and Niya Norwood. All three graduated in the top of their class. All three have ambitions that begin with higher education. All three are affected by MS.

Imani Simpkins of Bowie, Maryland, will pursue a degree in elementary education from Spelman College. During her high school career, Simpkins served as student body president and volunteered with Best Buddies, Girl Scouts, and a support group for people living with MS, started by her mother who lives with MS. Imani helps out around the house and holds after-school jobs, even as she maintained a rigorous academic schedule.

Simpkins confidently states that her mother’s diagnosis has had a positive impact on her life, a statement which is often met with confusion and concern. However, it is through her mother’s diagnosis, and shortly after her founding of the MS You Are Not Alone (Y.A.N.A.) self-help group, that Simpkins has learned not only to lead by example but also the magnitude to which she can positively impact the lives of others.

“The way in which my mom has embraced her ‘new life’ with MS gives me the encouragement to know that I, too, can learn to adapt to any given situation,” said Simpkins. “I have learned so much watching my mom give of herself to her family, her self-help group members, and her community. It’s this giving spirit that propels me to want to be a teacher.”

Jacqueline Morgan of Waldorf, Maryland will also pursue a career in teaching, attending Pennsylvania State – University Park in the fall. She graduated with recognitions including academic honor roll and a scholar-athlete award. Mo