Elise McDaniel – University of Tennessee FUTURE Program (Kate the Great and the Weidefeld Family Scholarship Award)

Elise will start her first year in the University of Tennessee’s FUTURE program this fall, where she plans to “learn how to be independent and to take some college classes. I want to be able to get a job I want and a house and live on my own.”

An avid dancer, Elise has taken hip-hop and ballet dance classes for the past five years. She even won first place in a hip-hop lip-syncing competition! She also loves swimming as well as playing piano and singing, and is a member of two choirs.

In one of the letters of recommendation included with her scholarship application, one of Elise’s references wrote, “When I think of individuals who inspire me, Elise McDaniels is among the top! Why? Because Down syndrome has never stopped her from pursuing her dreams. Elise has an unwavering commitment to reaching her goals.”

We completely agree — you have definitely inspired us, Elise! Keep on rockin’ it!