PERSEVERANCE Scholarship for a High School Senior

Hi, my name is Linda Oldiges from Carmel, Indiana. I'm starting a bike ride across America on 3/7/24 in San Diego, CA, expecting to complete it by 5/1/24 in St. Augustine, FL.

Cycling across America has been a lifetime goal but I know it won't be easy. I only started riding consistently a few years ago and I’m not the fastest of riders but I hold onto the idea that the turtle wins the race. I am NOT doing this on an assist/E-bike, but rather the strength of my own legs and mental PERSEVERANCE.

This leads me to my fundraiser. There are many people in this world that need a lot of PERSEVERANCE to overcome difficult situations in their lives. They might be dealing with tragedy, difficult family situations, or tough environments. This can be especially true for young adults with a life that seems so overwhelming, it's easier to succumb rather than defeat. However, they are still trying to rise above their challenges, working hard for good grades, avoiding bad choices, and even working a part time job, but finances are still difficult. These are the kids I want to help. Anyone who works hard to PERSEVERE through tough challenges to pursue goals could use a hand up.

I service several high schools with my photography business and would like to help kids of this age. I have very hard-working kids myself who benefited from scholarships and are now graduated with successful careers. My scholarship would go toward a well-deserving kid who wishes to attend a traditional college or trade school, however could use an extra financial boost to do so. Our communities need good people to fill important jobs. A good-paying job helps a young adult rise above their own difficulties to create a better life for themselves and their future families.

I am raising money for this scholarship through a GoFundMe page so everything is transparent. Donors will know how much is being raised and future scholarship winner(s) will be shared with all who help in this cause. My goal is a $5,000 scholarship, but if we raise more money, additional scholarships can be awarded. This scholarship opportunity will be advertised through the schools I currently work with, but any high school senior can participate, as I invite anyone to nominate a deserving recipient. Candidates will be given a questionnaire and asked to tell their story. Scholarship collections will cease on May 1st at the end of my ride, and we'll review scholarship applications at that time, awarding a student by their high school graduation. The scholarship funds will be paid directly to their school of choice.

If you need more information about my ride and journey, you can follow me through the Facebook group "BOOMER GRAMMY PEDALING BIKE ACROSS AMERICA". Please help me support a worthy kid(s) who simply needs a hand up to improve their life.

Thanks for your consideration!