scholarship
Minnesota State University-Mankato Award ($2,000)
Meghan is an out student leader at Minnesota State University Mankato. She serves as a peer advocate with the MSU LGBT Speakers Bureau, is a facilitator of the campus coming out group, organizes social and educational events throughout campus and is planning a staged reading of the Laramie Project. Meghan is currently a Gender and Women’s Studies major and is pursuing a non-profit leadership certificate. According to Maria Bevacqua, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Gender & Women’s Studies, "Meghan brings together a keen intellect, a concern for civic responsibility, and a sincere commitment to advocacy on behalf of LGBT individuals, communities and movements.
recipient Lisa Beane Minneapolis, Minn.
scholarship
Thomson Reuters Law Student Award ($2,500)
Throughout her educational career, Lisa has shown remarkable dedication. As a graduate student at Penn State University, Lisa served on the Commission on LGBT Equality. During her time on the Commission, through Lisa’s research, strategy, and perseverance, the group met their ten-year goal of establishing a minor in Sexuality and Gender Studies. Lisa is currently a student at the University of Minnesota Law School, where she volunteers with Project 515 and works with the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association. With her law degree, Lisa plans to continue her work for legal protections for same-sex partners, as well as support LGBT families in navigating systems. Lisa is and will continue to be a strong voice for change for LGBT families.
recipient Bory Chhunn Rochester, Minn.
scholarship
Holland-Federhart Outstanding Arts Award ($2,000)
Blue Earth Area Award ($2,000)
Bory will graduate from John Marshall High School and plans to major in theater and dance at Minnesota State University – Mankato. Bory helped plan his high school’s “Stop Hate Speech Now” assembly aimed at decreasing verbal bullying in his school. He is a member of the Upward Bound Leadership Council where he helps other students with their studies and college preparations. As a member of the Link Crew he works to welcome incoming students to John Marshall High. During his junior year, he discovered theater and performance and it became his passion. He emerged quickly as an on-stage artist taking on lead roles in shows such as “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Because of his excellence in theater, he was invited to participate in Rochester Civic Theatre’s production of “White Christmas.” “Bory has found his love for theater and through this has become a positive influence and role model for other students,” wrote his academic advisor.
recipient Erin Hill Rochester, Minn.
scholarship
Reverend Obed "Duke" and RuthE Lundeen Social Justice Award ($1,000)
Southeast Minnesota Award ($1,500)
Erin Hill just completed her senior year at Century High School where she was the first student to be out as a transgender woman. She has exhibited strong work ethic in her academic and leadership endeavors. She shares her story with peers and family and continues her journey with courage and support. Erin has become active in the group RECLAIM, a Minneapolis based support group where LGBT teens can come together in discussion in a safe environment. Erin plans on attending the University of Minnesota where she can learn, grow, continue to find community and share her journey with others.
recipient Jason Jackson Minneapolis, Minn.
scholarship
Haynes-Hettinga African American or Native American Student Award ($5,000)
Jason Jackson moved to Minneapolis in June of 2008 and has quickly become a leader within the LGBT community. Connecting with organizers throughout the Twin Cities Jason has mobilized himself and people around him. He was one of the primary organizers of Fierce Love, an ensemble play about African American gay male experiences. Jason has been very instrumental in forming the student group Tongues Untied, an LGBTQ People of Color discussion group at the University of Minnesota. Jason plans on completing a degree in communications studies and journalism from the University of Minnesota in the Fall of 2011. Jason hopes to continue planning events and gatherings through campus and Twin Cities Black Pride where he serves on the steering committee.
recipient Natalie Lassman Saint Paul, Minn.
scholarship
Carey/Taylor Music Performance Award ($2,500)
Natalie is in her second year studying vocal performance at McNally Smith College of Music. Through her music and leadership she seeks to improve communities for LGBT people. In high school Natalie was a leader in her hometown connecting GSAs from multiple schools. Upon arriving at McNally Smith she realized the college had no LGBT student group. She quickly organized others and started the group to support LGBT students. She says that it was during this time she found her voice as a singer and activist. Natalie wrote in her essay, “Music is a powerful force in spreading a message.” And she intends to do just that through raising her voice for change. The head of the McNally Smith voice department commented that "Natalie has the essential tools to become a professional musician with her own sense of artistry and style. This quality sets the bar between those who take their degree into life and those that do not.”
recipient Jini Lawless Bemidji, Minn.
scholarship
RBC Wealth Management Award ($2,000)
Jini will be a junior at Bemidji State University in the fall, where she is studying instrumental music education. Jini came out as a freshman at Northfield High School and helped establish its first gay-straight alliance. After coming out to her family her junior year of high school, she had to move in with friends and has been living independently since. Upon entering Bemidji State University, she learned what it meant to navigate a non-urban and challenging climate for LGBT people. Early during Jini’s time at BSU she attended an event where LGBT people spoke of fear and isolation. Determined to transform the campus climate, Jini joined BSU’s gay-straight alliance, The Phoenix. Now as its vice president, she speaks in human sexuality classes on LGBT identities, sits on panels about bisexuality and presents trainings for residence hall advisors. Phoenix advisor, Angela Fournier, says of Jini, “She speaks out against discrimination in an honest and inspiring way.” On top of her activism, Jini is also active with BSU’s music department serving as the librarian for BSU bands and leading a student summer woodwind quintet.
recipient Kacie Lucchini Minneapolis, Minn.
scholarship
Nancy T. Kelly Female Writer Award ($3,000)
Kacie Lucchini first took a leadership role in the LGBT community during her high school years when she helped start a Gay Straight Alliance. During her freshman year at Augsburg College she served as the Manager of Communications with the Campus LGBT and Allies group, Queer and Straight in Unity, where she is now co-president. Kacie is double majoring in studio art and english with a focus in creative writing. According to the Assistant Director of Campus Activities and Orientation, Michael Grewe, “ Kacies leadership at the annual Minnesota OUT! Campus Conference, the conference was incredibly successful…in recognition of her efforts, she was elected co-chair of QSU by her peers.” Kacie hopes to continue merging her passions of art and activism as much as she can as a student and activist.
recipient Hannah Lutz Saint Paul, Minn.
scholarship
Atheists for Human Rights Award ($500)
Dr. Tom Knabel Academic Achievement Award ($3,000)
As a student, activist, athlete and musician, Hannah has excelled in every area that she has set her mind and talents to. While a student at St. Paul Academy, Hannah was a member and then the president of the school’s GSA. With the GSA Hannah organized fundraisers and educational campaigns, and has spoken to groups of elementary school students, parents and teachers on LGBT issues. Hannah took part in the GSA’s collaboration with her school’s Intercultural Club on a Martin Luther King Jr. assembly. Hannah is a musician, in her school’s choir, orchestra, jazz band and string ensemble. She played horn in the Minnesota Youth Symphonies and plays with the MacPhail Brass Quintet, as well as many other prestigious bands and music honors. With a stellar GPA, Hannah plans to major in music and pursue a pre-law track in college.
recipient Heather Menzies
Apple Valley, Minn.
scholarship
Gilligan-Pospisil Homelessness Award ($3,000)
Heather Menzies decided after years of homeschooling that she wanted to attend a public school. This feat was not made easy but is one she managed to accomplish with diligence and determination. After coming out she went through a period of homelessness as she sought to find a place to call her own. Through her experiences of bullying and discrimination, Heather has found strength to speak up and challenge unwelcoming school climates. According to one of her teachers, “Heather is an exceptional young woman with a vision of the world she wants. She is strong, idealistic, and driven.” A graduate of Eagan High School, she plans to pursue a degree in business marketing.
recipient Hayley Olson Duluth, Minn.
scholarship
Meuwissen-Werb Leadership Award ($2,000)
Hayley is a graduate of Duluth East High School and will attend the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She has been active for several years with Lutheran Social Service: Together for Youth, an LGBT youth group in Duluth. As a member of Together for Youth, she says she’s found family and community in the group. Now a leader with Together, she presents on speaker panels in schools and participates in performances on LGBT youth issues. Hayley is the president of her high school GSA and has worked with other area schools on inter-GSA programming. She has been a Girl Scout for many years and has earned the Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. She sees her continued education as a way to educate others and encourage communities to be supportive of LGBT youth. Hayley is also passionate about wildlife and will pursue a pre-veterinary degree.
recipient Elizabeth Sanberg Minneapolis, Minn.
scholarship
Lee Roehl Founders Scholarship presented by Quorum ($2,500)
Elizabeth is a student at the University of Minnesota Law School and vice president of its OutLaw student group. She serves on the school’s Alumni-Student Affairs board and most recently interned with the Center for Homicide Research where she contributed to a database containing all LGBT homicides since 1950. “Elizabeth not only serves the LGBT community through leadership and activism, but also through her online entrepreneurial work,” wrote Dave “Davey Wavey” Jacques in her recommendation letter. Elizabeth owns an online marketing and product development practice and was the creator of London Times top travel site Go Green, Travel Green, a website highlighting eco-friendly and LGBT-friendly travel options. Most notably she’s worked with www.DaveyWaveyFitness.com, a healthy lifestyle and nutrition website for gay men, increasing site visits to over 500,000 a month.
recipient Hassan Sankoh Saint Paul, Minn.
scholarship
Marjorie D. Grevious and Lisa R. Robinson Leadership Award ($1,000)
All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church Award ($1,000)
Hassan began his scholarship application by writing, “Growing up as a gay African immigrant has not been an easy road. Coming out was even more of a challenge, considering my family’s conservative religion. But, overtime, with the love I have gained for myself, it has become of the most proud challenges I have faced.” A graduate of Como Park Senior High, Hassan was active with student council and the senior board where he led class activities and fundraisers. He plans to pursue a degree in biology, ultimately entering medical school to become a doctor. In high school he worked with the GSA to work against bullying and helped organized “wear purple day” to commemorate the loss of LGBT youth to suicide. He says he is driven to help others through passionate care, which is why he wants to be a doctor. He is passionate about ending HIV/AIDS in LGBT and communities of color is working to dispel the stigma associated with the disease. On top of school and campus activities he works for the City of St. Paul Parks and Recreation.
recipient Lexi Schoenbauer Minneapolis, Minn.
scholarship
Manahan-Bohan Rural Lesbian Award ($1,000)
Brian Pietsch Leadership Award ($1,000)
As a sophomore at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Lexi has already demonstrated incredibly vision in, leadership of, and dedication to working for social justice. During her time in the GLBTA Leadership Program, Lexi organized an LGBTQ Health Fair on campus, working with the Queer Student Cultural Center and Rainbow Health Initiative to bring information and resources to students. Lexi has designed her Bachelor of Individualized Studies around her passions, and is focusing on Youth Studies, Communications, and Gender Studies, to prepare her to continue working with youth around literacy and citizenship. Lexi brings discussion of privilege and social justice to her work in the residence halls, and has taken on the roll of mentor, supporting another lesbian-identified student to live as an out queer student.
recipient Enzi Tanner Minneapolis, Minn.
scholarship
Miriam Weinstein Peace and Justice Education Award ($3,000)
Enzi Tanner is currently attending the United Theological Seminary. Growing up in a conservative Baptist environment was a difficult experience but one that has enabled him to grow, share and lead in efforts toward affirming and strengthening all people. Enzi has co-facilitated groups with GLBTQI youth in his role as outreach worker at Lutheran Social Services which is part of the Streetworks collaborative. , and was an a participant in 2008 of Soul Force Q’s Equality Ride, Enzi had unique experiences in collaborating with queer southern students in direct actions. He is currently the steward of intersections for the newly formed United Church of Christ GenderFold Action Alliance. He is a voice for transgender and gender-non- conforming people with the United Church of Christ. After completeing his Masters in Divinity Enzi plans on becoming a faith based community organizer or starting an African American church “with radically inclusive theology.”
recipient Jacob Woods Grand Rapids, Minn.
scholarship
Lutheran Award ($2,000)
Wellness Award ($1,000)
In his first year at Itasca Community College, Jacob has already taken on incredible leadership and shown unmatched dedication to organizing and supporting LGBT students on campus. As the president of OUTlook, Itasca’s Gay Straight Alliance, Jacob organized and fundraised to bring students from Grand Rapids to Minneapolis for the Minnesota OUT! Campus Conference. On campus, Jacob organized activities and spoke for World AIDS Day, and has spoken to classes about LGBT issues, communities and histories. With OUTlook, Jacob participated in One Night Without a Home, to raise money for and awareness about homelessness in Minnesota. Jacob is a writer, and is studying psychology with plans of becoming a chemical dependency worker with LGBT communities.
recipient Xay Yang Minneapolis, Minn.
scholarship
Linde-Ostrander Building Bridges Award ($5,000)
During her time as an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Xay has shown incredible determination and leadership in all of the formidable work she has taken on. Through her work in the GLBTA Programs Office, with Shades of Yellow Leadership Cohort, and as part of Tongues Untied, a queer people of color group on campus, Xay has put her talents and dedication to lead and support countless initiatives creating space for queer and Hmong students. In 2010 and 2011, Xay organized the first and second Txuj Ci Showcases, evenings of Hmong queers and allies demonstrating their talents. Xay volunteers as a tutor for Hmong immigrants at the Humphrey Center and at the Mt. Airy Boys and Girls Club where she went for tutoring during high school. A Graphic Design and Mass Communication major, Xay is a student who balances school, work, community involvement and activism, and family in an inspiring and empowering way for all around her.
