Winners of the Graeme Clark Scholarship: 'Their Futures Are So Bright, They Have to Wear Shades'

Dr Graeme Clark, doctor of Otolaryngology, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those who experience hearing loss or impairment, and in his honor, Cochlear Americas presents the annual Graeme Clark Scholarship to recipients of cochlear ear implants.

These are young men and women who have experienced hearing loss but have excelled in life, both academically and as the bright hope of the future. This year, five students were selected to receive this prestigious honor, and some financial help paying those tuition bills.

Shoshana Cohn, Bowdain College.

Shoshana was eight months old when diagnosed with hearing loss. She received her first cochlear implant at age seven, and a second at age 15.

This remarkable young woman was a high school honor student, she participated in theater and volunteered her time to several community programs, including work at a nearby school for deaf students.

Francisco Raymond Lara, National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

Francisco received a cochlear implant at 14. He excelled in mainstream classes thanks to his improved communication skills. All through high school, this inspiring young man was also involved in sports, community and church groups.

Today, Francisco is an honor student at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf where hes majoring in computer networking and system administration.

Michael Noble, Southern Methodist University.

Michaels hearing loss wasnt detected until he was 15 months old. His parents were told he would never hear, speak or function. But Michael and his parents fooled them all when he became one of the youngest cochlear implant recipients at the age of 2!

So whats he been up to since? He was board member of the International Business Academy program and participated in three honor societies. Today, Michael is a freshman at SMU and a member of the schools Honors Program.

Jentry Taylor, William Jewell College

Jentry experienced the struggles of hearing loss until she was fitted with a cochlear implant at the age of 15. During her high school days, Jentry was an honor roll student and a member of the student council. Today, in addition to her studies, she shares her story through public speaking engagements.

Matthew Wetmore, Illinois State University

Matthew comes from a family of music lovers so its easy to understand the sadness they felt when they learned that Matthew was born deaf.

At the age of 8, Matthew received a cochlear implant that enabled him to not only hear music, but to play it, as well. Matthew went on to be the highest-placed trumpet player in the Illinois All-State Honors Orchestra in 21 years of his schools history. An inspirational accomplishment for those who appreciate the significance of Matthews journey from deafness to acclaimed musician.

At Illinois State University, Matthew is majoring in education, hoping someday to become a teacher.

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