Elliot Kuehn – Western Carolina University UP (Will Power Scholarship Award)

Elliot is a two-time Rockin’ Recipient and this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow Will Power Scholarship Award. This fall he begins his second year in the UP program at Western Carolina University, where he is studying science and communication. UP is a two-year program; after Elliot graduates, he hopes to have a fun job and live independently in an apartment.

Elliot loves watching movies, especial the latest from Pixar, Marvel or DC, and he is a Marvel movie trivia whiz. He loves cooking Hello Fresh meals and muffins, as well as exercising to stay fit and strong. Recently, he demonstrated communication skills learned in his WCU courses while presenting in front of educators at the North Carolina State Conference on Special Education. He is proud have been able to present examples of how to use visualization to help learners remember content.

Elliot has been learning all kinds of cool skills in college that he can’t wait to try out when he gets his own apartment after he graduates. He was proud to earn “Keeping UP” awards each semester last year for keeping his room super clean and neat and staying on top of his classwork assignments. He is developing self-advocacy skills by emailing professors ahead of time to request a little extra time on his college exams.

Elliot loved the two jobs he had last year at the campus cafeteria and hotel. His coworkers and supervisors were very nice, and he enjoyed earning some money. He can’t wait to get back to WCU, see his friends again, and graduate in spring 2024!

We are so excited to see you rock your final year at WCU, Elliot! We’re so proud of you!