Michelle C. Helton

Permanently Disabled

Michelle C. Helton has an earned Associate of Applied Business Degree in Business Administration Information Technology from the University of Cincinnati. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree at Old Dominion University in Park, Recreation & Tourism Studies with a concentration in Tourism Management. While at Old Dominion University, Michelle has consistently maintained a GPA between 3.0 & 4.0 of which she currently has a 3.79GPA.

While her main focus is to provide assistance to others, she seeks other every opportunity to sharpen her skills interpersonally, creatively, and as an effective leader. She states, “Gratefully through my academic pursuit, I am able to combine my enjoyment of travel, planning, and creating memorable experiences for others without being limited by my disability.

Jordan Frederickson

Spouse

Jordan Frederickson is the Spouse recipient of the 2017 VA-ACME Scholarship Award. She began her college career in 2007 majoring in English at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Currently, Jordan is on track to earn her BSN in 2018. She is halfway through the dual enrollment program with ODU and TCC with a 3.88 GPA.

In addition she is helping families by volunteering over 70 hours at The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter in their child life department. Her job is to provide comfort and distraction to patients and their families during their treatments with toys, art supplies and games in CHKD playrooms and at their bedsides.

Stephanie L. O’Sullivan

Active Duty

Stephanie is currently on active duty in the United States Coast Guard pursuing the Inter-service Physician Assistant Program to become an officer as a Physician’s Assistant. In addition, one of her collateral duties in the Coast Guard is a victims’ advocate. Stephanie O’Sullivan has earned an Associate of Arts in General Studies with a 3.89GPA. She is currently working on the requirements and college courses needed in order to apply for the PA Program and the VA-ACME scholarship will help to bridge the cost gap between tuition assistance and the cost of her undergraduate degree program.

In addition she uses her platform in the Coast Guard Enlisted Association to get others involved in volunteering and donating to Avalon. This past season the organization was able to donate over $400 worth of Christmas gifts to the shelter.

Jennifer McQueen

Veteran

The Veteran recipient of the 2017 VA-ACME Scholarship Award is Jennifer McQueen. Hailing from Bloomfield, New York, Jennifer joined the United States Army in 2005. She began her career at Fort Eustis, VA for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) where she would learn her trade as a Transportation Management Coordinator. Upon completion of this training she received he first set of orders to Korea.

She graduated with honors from TCC with in 2015 and is now working towards her B.S. in Business Administration at Old Dominion University with a 3.35 GPA. She is active in several charitable organizations to include The Salvation Army.

Grace Park Jeffrey

Dependent

Grace Park Jeffrey is the scholarship award recipient in the category of Child of Active Duty, Reservist, National Guard Member, or Retiree.

The daughter of a retired Navy commander, Grace currently attends Kellam High School, has a 4.37 GPA, and is ranked number 2 out of a class of 458. She has been accepted to Duke University (Fall 2017) where she plans to major in Environmental Engineering.

Two causes that are dear to Grace’s heart are global health and environmental advocacy. She hopes to join the Peace Corps to pursue sustainable development initiatives in the less developed world. In addition, Grace plans to start her own non-profit organization that will focus upon clean water and safe agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America.