The National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) is pleased to announce the 2016 winners of the Josh Gordy Educational Scholarship: Jacob A. Pope, 21, from Canton, Georgia; Matthew Buske, 18, from Wildwood, Missouri; and Tyler Andre, from Kintnersville, Pennsylvania. Josh Gordy is a National Football League (NFL) free agent. Josh created these scholarships in honor of his nephew, Nolan, who has severe hemophilia A with inhibitors.
The scholarship grants three awards of $1,000 each, which can be used to pay expenses related to undergraduate studies at a 2- or 4-year accredited college or university. Those chosen must demonstrate strong service to the community. Other factors that are considered include achievements, personal essay and letters of recommendation.
About this year’s scholarship winners
Jacob A. Pope has displayed exceptional service and leadership both within and outside the bleeding disorders community. He has been involved in the Hemophilia of Georgia (HOG) 5K races and has served on the medical assistance team at Camp Wannaklot. Currently, Jacob is attending the University of Georgia (UGA) majoring in Management Information Systems (MIS), with a Certificate in Personal and Organizational Leadership. He is a member of the UGA Men's Varsity Rowing Team. Jacob is also a co-founder and Chief Director of Factor IX, a newly created student-run organization at UGA, where he has designed and implemented an impact and value-driven organization that will advocate for the bleeding disorders community, and will develop a volunteer pool for HOG this fall.
Matthew Buske has demonstrated excellence in service through his volunteer work at summer camp, in fundraising and during family education weekends with the Gateway Hemophilia Association. He was very active in playing high school and competitive AAU basketball. Having severe hemophilia and playing at this level year round required infusions almost daily, but his disciplined use of support braces and taking ice baths following practices and games, and his love for the game, outweighed any inconvenience. Beginning in the fall of 2016, Matthew intends to study business with an emphasis on nonprofit management. His goal is to obtain employment from an organization that will allow him to continue to give back to the bleeding disorders community.
Tyler Andre has also demonstrated excellence in service through his volunteer work in the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of NHF. This includes taking pictures at events for their marketing materials and attending Harrisburg Day in May to advocate at the state Capitol. Tyler was a member of the Palisades High School Varsity Soccer team from 2012–2015, and was team captain in 2014 and 2015. Since his Associate’s Degree from Bucks County Community College will involve cinema and video production, Tyler feels that he will be prepared to help market products and much-needed information to those with hemophilia and their families. As for long-term goals, he would like to apply to New York University upon graduation from Bucks and to become an Ambassador for the NYLI program, so that he may educate himself further while informing others about hemophilia.
NHF wishes the 2016 Josh Gordy Educational Scholarship winners the best of luck in their academic success and future endeavors!
