Hannah Sims: East Stroudsburg University

Hannah is this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow BRV Scholarship Award. This fall, she enters her third year in the CILLS program at East Stroudsburg University, where she studies Liberal Arts and independent living. About being accepted to college, she says, “I was very proud and happy. To go away to college was my dream!”

In high school, Hannah was a member of the National Honor Society. She was active in theater and played the lead role of Dorothy in a performance of The Wizard of Oz. She also made it to the state championships at Penn State in Special Olympics track and field.

For the past two years, Hannah has worked as a prep chef, hostess and server at a local restaurant. She has also worked at a bakery with a mission to support individuals with special needs through job training. She is active in the ESU Musical Theater club, and is proud to represent the Down syndrome community on campus. After she graduates, she plans to live independently and focus on community work and advocacy.

We believe in you, Hannah! You rock!