Ashley McCormick – Clemson University ClemsonLIFE Program (Brian Dodd Scholarship Award)

Ashley is entering the ClemsonLIFE Program at Clemson University in South Carolina, where she plans to study math, reading and Spanish.

Despite having significantly impaired vision, Ashley was a JV cheerleader for three years, was a member of her high school dance team, and participated in the summer swim team and Special Olympics, where she won two gold medals in swimming. She has also worked at Mellow Mushroom Pizza and her high school’s coffee shop for the past three years. She loves dancing, listening to music, playing guitar, reading and hanging out with her friends.

Ashley’s mother shared in Ashley’s scholarship application that “college was HER idea, not mine or her dad’s. That’s what I love about her journey…college was HER dream.” Despite reading at only a kindergarten level when she entered high school, Ashley worked hard to improve her reading skills so she could reach her goal of graduating and moving on to college! We think you are amazing and inspiring, Ashley! Keep on rockin’ it!