At Finney Injury Law, we strongly believe in the value of education, and we are thrilled to announce our 2023 scholarship award recipients. We have awarded a total of $25,000 in scholarship money to 10 very deserving students. While our original goal was to award the scholarship to 5 students, it was impossible to choose just 5 from the exceptional pool of applicants this year, so we awarded 6 instead. We are delighted to support these students in their academic pursuits and are confident that they will make significant contributions to their communities and the world.
The selection process for our scholarship was competitive, and all applicants demonstrated a remarkable commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. The six students who received our scholarship are truly remarkable, and we are proud to introduce them here.
Richard Ables
Meet our first recipient Richard Ables, a law student at Saint Louis University a law student at Saint Louis University with a passion for making a difference. After graduating, Richard’s goal is to support non-profit organizations that are dedicated to community service and youth.
Cedric Birgans
Our second recipient is Cedric Birgans, a law student at the University of Illinois Springfield. Cedric’s passion for law knows no bounds. His profound involvement with the Illinois Innocence Project has fueled his dedication to championing the rights of the voiceless, while actively fostering new avenues for transformative change within the legal realm.
Maleek Colvin
Our third recipient is Maleek Colvin, a determined criminology student at Howard University. Maleek has a powerful vision: he aims to obtain a Ph.D. and establish a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting families who have endured injustice and find themselves without support. Whether it’s providing financial aid or offering valuable legal advice, Maleek’s mission is to be a source of relief for those in dire need.
Matthew Cook
Introducing our fourth recipient: Matthew Cook. Matthew is a talented student artist currently studying at Saint Louis University School of Law. His focus is on Intellectual Property and Civil Rights, as he aims to make a difference in the world of law. Matthew’s passion for social justice is evident in his captivating artwork. But he doesn’t stop there. His ultimate goal is to establish a consulting business that empowers artists and designers, equipping them with knowledge of their legal rights and how to safeguard their creations. Matthew is on a mission to protect and educate creatives.
Lilly Iller
Meet our fifth recipient, Lily Iller, a dynamic JD/MA student at Saint Louis University School of Law. With a passion for law and a drive to empower young girls and women, Lily aspires to be not just an attorney, but a source of inspiration for future generations. Join us in celebrating her commitment to advancing the legal profession.
John Meadows
Our sixth recipient is John Meadows. John is a passionate Political Science student who proudly represents the LGBTQ+ community at the University of Mississippi. He is driven by a strong desire to bring about positive and lasting change in LGBT legislation. With a focus on legal advocacy, John is determined to support and uplift his community.
Andrea Perez
Introducing our seventh recipient, Andrea Perez, a passionate law student at Saint Louis University School of Law. With a unique perspective as a first-generation immigrant, Andrea is driven to make a difference and become one of the few Hispanic attorneys, who make up just 5% of the legal profession in the U.S. Her ultimate goal is to support her community and ensure that those facing language barriers and limited resources are not overlooked or forgotten. Andrea is ready to be a valuable resource for those in need.
Hailey Porter
Meet our eighth recipient, Hailey Porter, a dedicated criminal justice student at Lewis and Clark Community College. Hailey’s ultimate mission? Joining the ranks of law enforcement to make a difference in her community. Eager to expand her knowledge, she plans to further her education at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville after completing her studies at Lewis and Clark.
Gabby Spiess
Introducing Gabby Spiess, our ninth recipient! Gabby is currently studying at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Growing up in Guatemala and the U.S., she has seen firsthand the injustices that many individuals face. Motivated by these experiences, Gabby aspires to become an attorney and use her expertise to fight for the rights of the underprivileged, challenge oppressive systems, and ultimately, strive for a more equitable society.
Keaton Whitley
Meet Keaton Whitney, our final recipient and dedicated political science student at Howard University. From the start, Keaton has always been certain of his passion for law and his desire to make a difference. Currently considering his future path, he is torn between becoming a trial attorney or specializing in human rights. Whichever path he chooses, one thing is clear – Keaton will be an invaluable advocate for his community.
We are incredibly proud to support these ten outstanding students in their academic and personal journeys. We believe that they will make a significant contribution to their communities and beyond, and we are thrilled to be a part of their journey. We want to congratulate them again, along with all of our scholarship applicants, on their achievements and their commitment to making the world a better place. As always, Finney Injury Law is committed to supporting education and giving back to the community, and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future.
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