Gabrielle Bugge and Telem Chapman receive $1,500 Tracey Johnson Scholarships

Loveland, Ohio – The $1,500 Tracey Johnson Scholarships were awarded this year to Loveland High School 2016 graduate, Gabrielle Bugge, and to 2014 graduate, and Telem Chapman.

The Loveland Initiative raises the money through their annual Christmas Toy Store.

On May 12, Loveland High School had an award ceremony to honor distinguished graduates, and this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is receiving their scholarships. The past 17 years, the money raised has been used for the Tracy L Johnson Scholarship Fund which assists a student to further his or her education, and other programming needs.  Sixteen college scholarships have been awarded. Last year they awarded a $1500 and a $2500 scholarship to two Loveland students.

ABOUT THE LOVELAND INITIATIVE TRACY JOHNSON SCHOLARSHIP

TRACY JOHNSON: Through her struggle with muscular dystrophy, Tracy Johnson (2/18/72 – 2/7/2000) demonstrated courage and perseverance to further her educational goals. She attended Loveland High School for two years and transferred to the Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education where her physical needs could be better met. She was involved in many activities such as girl scouts, cheerleading, and modeling for the Barbizon School.

Upon graduation, Tracy enrolled at Wright State University to study Sociology but had to abandon these plans when she encountered challenges with physical care away from home. Not to be deterred, she transferred to Raymond Walters College to continue her dream of a college education. Heart problems 9a complication of her illness) forced her to postpone her dream. With continued perseverance, and only five months before her death, Tracy enrolled at Raymond Walters College for a second time. Her illness once again (her third try) forced her to abandon her college dreams. Her Uncle Milton said, “Tracy just wanted to learn.” In honor of Tracy’s strength and courage and her lifelong desire to go to college, this scholarship will carry her name.

The Loveland Initiative Tracy Johnson Scholarship is funded by money raised during The Loveland Initiative’s Annual “Christmas Toy Store” event. The Scholarship places emphasis on financial need, community service, and academic achievement.

There are two $1,500 Scholarships given one for a 2016 graduate and for one is a Community Scholarship given to a person residing in the Loveland School District who meets the criteria.

The $1,500 Scholarships this year are being awarded to: Gabrielle Bugge (2014 grad) and Telem Chapman.