Penny Blauvelt

NGS Scholar, Penny Blauvelt, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 2016. She also graduated with her Master’s Degree in Physical Education at Central Connecticut State University in 2022. She is now starting her 11th year teaching Physical Education & Health in CT.

Penny’s father, Army Reserve Master Sergeant Christopher Blauvelt, was severely wounded in action when his vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. Penny was in her senior year of high school, and she put her college ambitions on hold to go to Walter Reed and take the responsibility of being her father’s non-medical attendee and caregiver while he was recovering. No Greater Sacrifice was made aware of Penny’s college ambitions and found it a true honor to support her.

Regarding NGS, Penny says, “Without No Greater Sacrifice all of my accomplishments would not have been possible. With No Greater Sacrifice’s support it has allowed me to fulfill my teaching dreams, go to graduate school, and create a life for my family without college debt. Even years after I graduated, NGS continues to be a positive part of my life. I will always be extremely grateful for NGS. They have not only helped me but helped my younger siblings. For this my family is forever grateful. No amount of thanks can truly express my gratitude. The organization, donors, and volunteers will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my life.”

Penny is happily married, has a 3 year old daughter, and is expecting another daughter in the Fall of 2026.