A new year of school is upon us! Thank you, our supporter, for ensuring 129 NGS Scholars reach their dream by attending college this year.
In light of this academic year, No Greater Sacrifice (NGS) is proud to highlight a few out of 30 incoming college freshman: McKenzie, Rodrigo, and Hayden.
Matt Mendelsohn Photography & Creative
McKenzie McMahon graduated from Jackson Heights High School in Holton, Kansas. She participated in high school sports including basketball and volleyball and was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and the Jackson County Youth Coalition. She and a fellow student also organized a community book drive collecting more than 200 books.
A Certified Nursing Assistant, McKenzie has worked at a local nursing home for the past two years. Always looking for ways to better serve her charges, McKenzie held blanket drives and collected holiday cards to boost the residents’ spirits.
With the desire to build upon her health care experience, McKenzie will attend the University of Nebraska - Lincoln where she will major in Community Health. Ultimately, she plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy.
McKenzie’s father, Army Captain Jason McMahon, completed over 22 years of service before being killed in action during a combat deployment in Afghanistan. “My father is my biggest inspiration and has impacted my life in the most positive way. The NGS scholarship gives students needed funds to pay for educational expenses, but I believe this scholarship offers more than money. The No Greater Sacrifice scholarship means I have supporters; people who believe in my future. I possess higher goals, and I look forward to striving for them!"
Matt Mendelsohn Photography & Creative
Rodrigo Fierro graduated from Harker Heights High School in Killeen, Texas, in the spring of 2022. He played goalkeeper on the high school soccer team. Rodrigo will begin his freshman year at The University of Texas at Austin this fall where he will study Aerospace Engineering.
Rodrigo’s father, SSG Robert Fierro, proudly served in the Army for ten years. While in Iraq, SSG Fierro was shot in the head and chest. Since the shooting, he has undergone numerous surgeries. His injuries include but are not limited to traumatic brain injury, seizures, and a lack of feeling on the left side of his body.
Rodrigo says his scholarship from NGS, "Relieves the stress and allows me to pursue my major and my career. My major is expensive and I’m thrilled to be able to pursue it without worrying about the cost." NGS is extremely proud of Rodrigo and looks forward to supporting him on his journey.
Matt Mendelsohn Photography & Creative
Hayden Hickman graduated from Ridgefield High School in Clintwood, Virginia, in 2022. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and participated in various school clubs including Future Farmers of America (FFA), Beta, Key Club, DECA, and the Bible Club.
Interested in rocket and propulsion system design, Hayden is excited to pursue an Aerospace Engineering major at the University of Alabama (UA). After completing his undergraduate degree, Hayden would like to pursue an engineering career at SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, or NASA.
Hayden’s father, Army Sergeant First Class Jason Omar Bradley Hickman, served as a Combat Engineer for 11 years with tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2010, while on patrol in Afghanistan, SFC Hickman’s platoon came under enemy fire. When a vehicle struck an outpost barrier and caused an explosion, SFC Hickman was thrown from the blast resulting in life-threatening injuries. Despite being promptly airlifted to a Forward Operating Base, SFC Hickman did not survive.
The NGS scholarship will allow Hayden to focus on navigating college life instead of worrying about the costs of higher education. He looks forward to meeting fellow UA students, networking opportunities, and a lifetime of learning; experiences that are priceless to Hayden.
Isabella Ravella
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Thank you to our wonderful donors for their support, and also our generous program partners, Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund and Gary Sinise Foundation for their tireless support of our families of fallen and severely wounded Service members.
We would not be here without your generous support. McKenzie, Rodrigo, and Hayden join a wonderful rank of Scholars who are all on their unique path to success across numerous campuses nationwide. Here is a list of the current 98 educational institutions NGS Scholars are attending: American Public University System Anderson University Arizona State University Auburn University Austin Community College Belmont University Bob Jones University Boise State University Boston University Bowie State University Clemson University Cleveland State University Coastal Carolina University College of William & Mary Colorado State University Dallas Christian College Davidson Davie Community College Duquesne University East Carolina University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott Emory University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida SouthWestern State College George Mason University Glen Oaks Community College High Point University Howard University Iowa State University James Madison University Johnson and Wales University Liberty University Loyola Marymount University Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Midwestern State University Mississippi College Mitchell Technical College Norfolk State University North Carolina State University North Central Texas College Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma State University Pasco-Hernando State College Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University - Altoona Sacred Heart University Salisbury University Sam Houston State University San Diego State University Savannah College of Art and Design Slippery Rock University St. Mary's College St. Philip's College Summit Salon Academy Temple University Tennessee Technological University Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Texas Christian University Texas College Texas State University Texas Tech University Troy University Tyler Junior College University of Akron University of Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of Central Florida University of Colorado Boulder University of Hawai'i at Mānoa University of Houston University of Iowa University of Mary Washington University of Memphis University of Missouri University of Nebraska - Lincoln University of North Carolina - Charlotte University of North Carolina - Wilmington University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of North Georgia University of South Alabama University of South Carolina - Columbia University of South Dakota University of Southern California University of Southern Mississippi University of St. Andrews University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at San Antonio University of Toledo Utah State University Valencia College Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Military Institute Wake Forest University Western New England University Yakima Valley College *NGS complete Higher Learning listing |