Meet the 2024 Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship Recipients

Anastacia was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy at age 14, just as she was starting high school. She transferred to Early College High School as a sophomore and started college at the end of the year. She graduated high school with three associate’s degrees from Chemeketa Community College and better friends than she could have ever asked for. Anastacia will attend George Fox University to pursue a degree in communications, and wants to help as many people as possible through a career in nonprofit work.

Ashya was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in middle school. Despite the challenges of her diagnosis, she pushed herself to do well in school while also participating in leadership positions and volunteering with her church’s youth department. She was on the honor roll throughout high school and graduated sixth in her class. Ashya will attend East Carolina University College of Business to study marketing and fulfill her dream of working in the marketing industry.

Brie was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in the fall of her junior year after experiencing symptoms since elementary school. Despite the challenges she faced with narcolepsy, she was a member of the National Honor Society and actively involved in her high school community, especially in the music and arts program. Outside of performing, she has a passion for directing and education. Brie will attend Catholic University of America to major in musical theater.

Celine was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in her junior year. While this diagnosis forever changed her life, she showed persistence through her commitment to the International Baccalaureate program, Global Connections, Seikyo Pen Friends, and Teen Artist in Residence at her local library. She enjoys volunteering, and participated in an international tutoring program for underprivileged students in Taiwan. Celine plans to become a diplomat, and will attend Indiana University Bloomington to double major in international relations and political science.

After experiencing three years of debilitating fatigue, Chloe was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at the end of her junior year of high school. Receiving her diagnosis validated her experiences and gave her access to medications that allowed her to excel academically and re-engage in her hobbies and extracurriculars. Her experience ignited her passion for public policy and health care reform, inspiring her to major in political science at Hampton University.

Having narcolepsy with cataplexy has been the biggest challenge in Deion’s life. In high school, it affected his hobbies and social life since late nights at others’ houses were never something he could enjoy, although he loves spending time with his friends. In college, he hopes to explore his talents and interests and find out what he’s passionate about. Deion will attend Texas State University to study computer science.

Eli was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in September of his senior year of high school, after experiencing symptoms for a year and a half. Life with narcolepsy is very challenging for him. He is typically active, so when he’s unable to do activities he enjoys it affects his mental and physical health, but he does his best to stay positive and find strategies for adapting to his diagnosis. Eli will attend Creighton University to major in accounting, with the hope of one day opening his own accounting firm.

Emma was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in December of her senior year, and faced many challenges navigating sports, senior events, AP classes, and college applications. She was captain of the varsity volleyball team and competed in varsity track and field, was an active member of Student Council and National Honor Society, and served as the president of Rho Kappa. She maintained High Honor Roll for all four years and graduated with honors. Emma will attend Bridgewater State University to study history and anthropology, and hopes to eventually earn her PhD.

Gavin has struggled with idiopathic hypersomnia his whole life, but was diagnosed at age 12, when his symptoms began affecting his middle school grades. After being diagnosed and learning more about IH, he gained a new outlook on school and his future. He enjoys volunteering in his community and found a passion for being behind the camera. He loves filming everything, from high school football games to community events. Gavin plans to study film production at Jacksonville State University in Alabama.

Griffin was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy during his junior year of high school, after he struggled to stay awake all year and got bad migraines every day. Since narcolepsy interfered with his junior track and field season, he made his senior season the best it could be and didn’t let narcolepsy get in his way. He loves competing in track and field, watching baseball, and hanging out with his friends and dogs. Griffin will attend the University of Albany in a 4+1 program to receive his Masters in Business Administration.

Gwendolyn was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy at the end of her junior year of high school. Despite navigating challenges, she completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, worked a part time job, and participated in activities such as National Honor Society and volunteering at a food bank. Gwendolyn will attend Northeastern University, majoring in music industry and communication studies to pursue becoming a tour or artist manager.

India was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in her junior year of high school, after experiencing symptoms since seventh grade. Despite her struggles, India persevered and succeeded in both academics and her passions, playing violin in three symphony orchestras and participating in community service programs. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and watching surgery videos. India will attend UC Irvine, majoring in biological sciences.

Isaac was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at the age of seven. Although narcolepsy has made his life more difficult, he has learned how to function with his diagnosis. In high school, he participated in cross country, track and field, Future Farmers of America, and other activities. Isaac will attend Utah State University to study plant science.

Jaina was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in her senior year, after living undiagnosed due to fatigue being blamed on her other conditions. After her diagnosis, she continued to compete in show choir and won Grand Champion at Nationals in 2023 and at Regionals in 2024, participated in National Honor Society, and graduated with honors. She enjoys being creative, singing and dancing, learning about entomology, and connecting with others. Jaina will attend Indiana University Bloomington to major in genetics and biology.

Jaislyn’s experience with narcolepsy with cataplexy has ups and downs, and while it prevents her from doing certain things, she tries to make the best of it and finds comfort and strength in praying about it. Her favorite hobbies are playing volleyball, working with kids, and sleeping. Jaislyn will attend Dillard University this fall to major in psychology, with the hope of becoming a child psychologist.

Jordan was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in her sophomore year, after struggling to stay awake during school and extracurricular activities. In high school, she played volleyball and participated in a Japanese language and culture program at Yale University. She spent the last six years studying languages, and her other interests include gaming, singing, and playing the ukulele. Jordan will major in Asia studies at the City College of New York, and hopes to acquire citizenship in Japan.

Lance was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in his sophomore year. He enjoys lifting weights, playing chess, and hanging out with friends. He will attend the University of Houston to study mathematics, and although he doesn’t yet know exactly what he wants to do for a career, his top choice is to become a math teacher or professor and eventually become a school principal.

Landon was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy as a senior in high school, after years of trying to find a diagnosis. As draining as narcolepsy can be, Landon kept good grades, was an active Beta Club member, and participated in clubs and organizations. He won many awards playing club and high school soccer, and was top ten in the region for varsity cross country in his sophomore year. His passion for the outdoors and entrepreneurial mind drove him to start his own landscaping and odd job company, which he manages while balancing everything else. Landon will attend Clemson University.

Lea was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in 2023. Initially, she felt isolated because many people dismissed her symptoms as depression or laziness. She knew there was more to her condition, and is now determined to spread awareness so others don’t have to feel misunderstood. Lea will attend Michigan State University to study psychology, with the goal of helping others understand and manage their own challenges.

Leo was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in his sophomore year. After years of struggling to keep up in school and friends, he graduated with honors. In high school, he most enjoyed science and industrial classes, and competed with the color guard team, including at the Alamo Bowl halftime show during his junior year. Leo will be attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology to major in metallurgical engineering, with hopes to further Freemon Dyson’s Theory of the Dyson Swarm and make it a reality.

Lucas was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in eighth grade after dealing with symptoms for several months. Although the symptoms related to IH made life more difficult, he did not let these challenges stop him from pursuing his goals. Lucas participated in many service leadership activities in high school and co-founded Border Mercy Initiative, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on providing humanitarian assistance to immigrants. Lucas will attend Texas A&M University and major in business.

Madison was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in third grade shortly after her symptoms first appeared. Living with narcolepsy made her life more difficult, but she didn’t let it stop her from pursuing her academic goals, nor did it shake her faith in God. In high school, she played softball and participated in the Anchor Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and many other clubs. She took 10 dual enrollment classes and was an honor graduate. Madison will attend the University of Georgia and major in animal science on the pre-veterinary track.

Maya was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy during her sophomore year as she integrated back into high school after COVID-19. Although this posed many challenges, she continued dancing six nights a week and joined the girls’ lacrosse team, eventually becoming captain of the varsity squad during her senior year. Maya is excited to attend the University of Kentucky with an exploratory study in the arts program.

Nicole was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy during her freshman year of high school. Although her diagnosis was a rough process, she accomplished so much through persistence, determination, and support from her family and friends. She participated in many of her school’s clubs and activities, including National Honor Society, Girl Scouts, and tennis. She excelled academically in multiple IB and college level classes, and graduated as a valedictorian. Nicole will major in civil engineering at Gonzaga University.

Raegan was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at 16 years old. Despite the challenges and setbacks that came with the diagnosis, she gave her all to her schoolwork and interests. In high school, she was a competitive swimmer, president of the Student Council, Salutatorian of her class, and a member of many clubs including the National Honor Society, art club, science club, weightlifting club, and sports finance club. Her hobbies include art, gardening, and teaching swim lessons. Raegan will attend Alfred State College to study architecture.

Reese was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in her sophomore year of high school, after struggling with excessive daytime sleepiness for most of her life. During high school she was involved in theater, dance, and yearbook, and was a member of the National Honor Society. She enjoys painting, singing, acting, and science. Reese will attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in geology.

Rivkah was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy during her junior year, after years of battling fatigue. Despite this, she continued to pursue her passions. She excels in saber fencing and captained her school’s fencing team, taught religious school, and was co-chair of her school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Rivkah’s commitment to combating discrimination fuels her advocacy, and her interest in history and dedication to social justice led her to choose a major in international relations at Northeastern University.

Rylan was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy early in her junior year of high school, after battling symptoms since late middle school. She also lives with epilepsy. While these diagnoses came as a relief since they meant treatment was possible, her life was forever changed. She eventually learned to manage both conditions, advocate for her needs, and make her education a priority. She is a lifelong soccer player and was captain of her varsity soccer team for two years. Rylan will attend George Mason University to pursue her master’s degree in forensic science in a five-year program.

Soleil was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy the summer before her junior year, after experiencing fatigue for years. Despite challenges, she regained her footing in life and didn’t let narcolepsy stand in her way. She spent half of her senior year as an exchange student in Costa Rica where she made memories and friendships of a lifetime. She came back to finish high school, made her love of nature and art come to life through her AP art portfolio, and graduated as a National Honor Society member. Soleil is excited to attend the University of North Texas, majoring in environmental science.

Tatyana-Lulu is living with narcolepsy with cataplexy, and her biggest passion in life is uncovering the mysteries of the body. This fall, she will attend Texas A&M San Antonio to study chemistry. Tatyana-Lulu hopes to work in pharmaceutical development and help make living with chronic illness easier for others.

Trinity started having symptoms of idiopathic hypersomnia at the end of her sophomore year, and was diagnosed in January of her junior year. She attended a project-based charter school, where she was involved with National Honor Society, received high honors, started an eSports team and a banner printing business, and participated in many clubs and volunteer opportunities. Trinity will attend Carroll University to double major in animal behavior and business administration.

Tucker was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy at the age of seven. Living with narcolepsy has taught him to focus on his goals, persevere through adversity, and that time management is key to his success. He played football for 13 years and was a three year varsity starter, and also competed in tennis and indoor track. He was a member of National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as a Student Ambassador. He graduated third in his class with college credits. Tucker will attend High Point University to study mechanical engineering.

Vivianne was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in her senior year of high school. Before diagnosis, her narcolepsy stayed under the radar until it began to interfere with her performance in marching band and soccer, as well as her academic performance. However, her diagnosis did not stop her from pursuing her dreams. Beyond her academic and athletic experience, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with friends and family. Vivianne looks forward to attending Beloit College to study anthropology and creative writing.

During high school, William’s diagnosis of narcolepsy with cataplexy made him acutely aware of the unseen struggles countless people face, leading him to focus his limited free time on helping others. He mentored junior varsity soccer players, assistant-coached his former middle school’s Academic Decathlon team, researched kidney disease at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and tutored fellow high school students. He was recognized as a College Board National Hispanic Scholar, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and a member of the National Honor Society and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. He was also honored as Academic All-State 1st Team for varsity soccer and class valedictorian. William will study engineering at Northwestern University.