Meet the 2022 Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship Recipients

Bailey was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in seventh grade after undergoing several studies and a surgery to try to understand why she was always tired and had trouble focusing. It has taken her a few years to accept her diagnosis and understand what her body is telling her. Her hobbies include volleyball and spending time with family and friends. Bailey will attend Monmouth College to study biopsychology and play volleyball. Her future plan is to study the neuroscience of autism.

Breanna was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy when she was 17 after experiencing symptoms since elementary school. In high school, she volunteered as a summer camp counselor, tutor, and classroom designer. She graduated with many honors and college credits, which led to her acceptance to Northern Arizona University. She will pursue a bachelor’s degree in interior design.

Caleb was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in third grade after battling symptoms since kindergarten. While in high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society and a 3-year varsity starter for the lacrosse team. He challenged himself with AP courses and graduated from high school with honors. His hobbies include sports, movies, and music. Caleb is committed to play lacrosse at Benedictine University and will major in business.

Callie was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy as a sophomore. While working to find a treatment plan, she remained active in school, her community, and her church and graduated as Salutatorian and Class President. She was a varsity cheerleader for 4 years and cheer captain her senior year. Callie participated in Student Council, Future Farmers of America, National Honors Society, and 4-H and volunteered at her local fire department and library. She will attend The Ohio State University-Lima to major in elementary education, aiming to become a kindergarten teacher.

Casey was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy the summer before her junior year and was relieved to finally have a diagnosis to explain her symptoms. During high school, she played on the volleyball and basketball teams and was a member of Key Club, the National Honor Society, DECA, and Student Council. She also held a part-time job and volunteered in her community. She enjoys going to the gym and spending time with friends. Casey will attend Central Michigan University as a part of the Business Residential College, with a major in marketing.

Christopher is diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy. He is a person who loves the feeling of personal improvement, especially mentally. This is why he loves to learn in class and listen to the lectures of good teachers. Despite narcolepsy, Christopher still has passion and energy, but when left alone, he can easily and unwillingly doze off. Because of the challenges he’s faced, he wants to become a biomedical engineer to construct things to help others with disabilities. Christopher will attend Southern University A&M College.

Collin was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at 8 years old. His diagnosis changed his entire family’s dynamic, and with their love and support, he was able to finish in the top 10 of his senior class. Collin is very thankful for his family and enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing video games, and making others laugh. He will attend Mississippi University for Women, where he will major in kinesiology.

Ean was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy his senior year. Despite setbacks, he persevered and learned to be more mindful. As a homeschooler, high school was a little different, but Ean found time to play cello and participate in travel varsity soccer all 4 years. He received a Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Medal for poetry, made the rank of Eagle Scout, and captained his Quiz Bowl team to a top 60 national finish. Ean enjoys reading, swimming, writing, and learning guitar. He will attend the College of William and Mary to study biology on the pre-med track toward becoming a doctor.

After experiencing symptoms for 3 years, Emma was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy her senior year. During high school, she served at an orphanage in India for 6 months, participated in the National Honor Society, led her school’s theatre department as stage manager, and graduated summa cum laude. Outside of school, Emma became a certified scuba rescue diver and emergency first responder. She will attend North Carolina State University to major in computer science, with aspirations to use technology to improve people’s lives.

After a long period of coping with unexplained symptoms, Emma was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia at the beginning of her sophomore year. She has learned to manage her symptoms through medication and pacing her schedule and is now able to enjoy her hobbies, such as horseback riding and traveling. Emma will attend St. Olaf College and is interested in studying business, psychology, and Spanish.

Evan was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy when he was 7 years old. He believes his determination, support system, and faith in God enabled him to overcome the challenges of narcolepsy and pursue his goals. His hobbies include rugby, drumming, and golf. He enjoys all types of rock music, as well as history and current events. Evan is excited to attend the University of Notre Dame, where he will study civil engineering and global affairs. He hopes to work as an engineer specializing in transportation and infrastructure development.

Fernanda was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy her junior year. Despite challenges with medications, school, and symptoms, narcolepsy has shaped her into a resilient person. She loves to try new foods, paint, and especially take naps. Throughout high school, she was a student athletic trainer dedicating time to the football, track, and soccer teams. Fernanda will attend Texas Tech University on the pre-PA track. Her dream is to become a pediatric physician assistant.

After years of struggles to find the right diagnosis, Franklin was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at age 9. He has been an honor roll student, a member of his high school’s stage crew, conservation club, and the ACLU National Advocacy Institute. Franklin loves art, history, reading, and travel. He will attend Loyola University Maryland as a Presidential Scholar where he will major in art history and global studies. He plans to one day work in the museum industry to curate exhibits that use art to create lasting social impact.

Halee was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in 2016. She feels very fortunate to be able to live a predominately normal lifestyle despite her diagnosis. She enjoys going to the lake and pool and spending time with her cat, Sully. Halee will attend the University of Kentucky to major in human health sciences on the pre-med track. She will also participate in the Lewis Honors College, and her goal is to one day be a pediatric neurologist.

Jaden was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy right before eighth grade. Although he had to quit playing basketball his sophomore year due to fatigue, he has found many other hobbies. Jaden loves volunteering at his church, being creative in art, and making videos for social media. He graduated in the top 5% of his class and will attend Grand Canyon University, majoring in business for secondary education and minoring in graphic design and advertising.

Jalen was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy when he was 11 years old, 5 years after first experiencing symptoms. His hobbies are baking sweets, reading books, playing video games, and learning about African American Civil Rights history. He has wrestled since eighth grade and played football since ninth grade. The challenges Jalen has faced as a person with narcolepsy have come to define his path in life. He will attend Case Western Reserve University to double major in neuroscience and biomedical engineering, with plans to become a neurologist focusing on sleep disorder research.

Jonah was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy at the end of his freshman year. Although narcolepsy has made his life more difficult, he has managed to overcome most of his struggles with the right help and medication. He participated in his high school’s concert and pit orchestras, jazz band, chess club, Key Club, and the National Honor Society. He ran for his high school’s varsity cross country team for all 4 years and played on the varsity ice hockey team for 3 years. Jonah will attend Ithaca College, majoring in music performance with a possible minor in computer science.

Katie was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia as a freshman. In high school, she participated in chorus and jazz choir and was a member of New York All-State Choir. She enjoys writing original music, playing the guitar, and has performed in musicals. She served as a secretary of Tri-M Music Honor Society, was a member of the National Honor Society, and graduated summa cum laude. Katie will attend Hunter College to major in social work and minor in theatre. She dreams of helping disabled and chronically ill individuals in the area of self-advocacy.

Kaylie was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in 10th grade after experiencing symptoms since she was 12. Her hobbies include writing, singing, playing instruments, performing in theater productions, and playing video games. She proudly founded the Agoura High School Dungeons and Dragons Club. She will attend UCLA this fall to major in astrophysics with hopes of discovering planets that may hold extraterrestrial lifeforms.

Kiya is diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy, which she finds both frustrating and educational — ultimately testing her limits of flexibility and adaptiveness. Kiya enjoys reading, staying active, and various forms of art. This fall, she will attend The Savannah College of Art and Design.

Madison was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy during her freshman year. Being diagnosed gave her hope that she would not sleep through her entire high school experience. She joined her school’s marching band, made friends that accepted her and her sleepiness, and was an active part of the drama department. She loves all things media, from graphic design to TV production. Madison will attend Murray State University to major in journalism and mass communication.

Natalie was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in eighth grade. Living with narcolepsy has been difficult, but she has learned to adapt her lifestyle so she can still enjoy the activities she loves. Throughout high school, she was on the basketball, swim, and track and field teams. In her free time, she loves to work out, hang out with friends, or watch Netflix. Natalie will attend The Ohio State University majoring in psychology and minoring in Spanish. In the future, she plans on either being a psychologist or a neuroscientist.

Owen was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in fifth grade. While dealing with the condition has been an ongoing hardship, he believes it has made him a more resilient and empathetic person. Owen took a variety of AP courses, played drums for the school’s jazz band, and was awarded a Sterling Scholar Award for Visual Arts. Owen loves painting, writing and playing music, and learning just about anything. He will attend Brigham Young University to major in animation, with hopes to work in the film industry.

Raymond was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy as a sophomore after experiencing symptoms since third grade. Although managing symptoms can be difficult, he was a member of the swim, track, and cross country teams, as well as marching, concert, and jazz bands. He participated in the National Honor Society and was Class President and Salutatorian of his class. He enjoys drawing, painting, playing music, and gaming. Raymond will attend Purdue University to major in brain and behavioral sciences with plans to attend medical school.

Sheyanne was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy around fourth grade. Despite her symptoms being a constant struggle, she continues to learn more about herself and her capabilities in school and everyday life. She participated in her school’s marching band, varsity girls’ flag football team, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership team. Sheyanne will attend the University of West Georgia to study biology.

Skye was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy and struggled throughout high school to get her work done on time. Now with proper medication, she is able to live her life to the fullest and participate in activities she previously could not. Skye will attend Elon University in North Carolina, where she will study nursing and be on the cheer team. She is looking forward to starting the next chapter of her life.

Sydney was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in high school. With an amazing support system and excellent medicines, she continued to be heavily involved at school and in her local community. She played soccer and field hockey and participated in honor societies, scholastic bowl competitions, student government, youth group, and community service. Sydney will attend the University of Richmond to study leadership and the humanities.