“When I was in elementary school I had difficulty reading and writing, balancing all my homework assignments, and generally understanding teacher instructions. I would avoid being chosen to read out loud--I would pretend to continuously write down notes for hopes of looking preoccupied. I never understood why I struggled compared to my other classmates, and always got a different colored test. But with support from my school caseworker and teachers, I began to understand that I just have a different way of learning than everyone else.”
From this difficult beginning and being diagnosed with dyslexia, Maetzi is now the first in her family to graduate from high school. She worked hard and participated in the Bright Futures, Dream Big, and LIA programs at PCHS, and plans to attend the University of Utah with an inaugural For Utah Scholarship in the fall. The For Utah Scholarship provides full tuition and fees for four years for eligible first year freshmen!
We are excited to share that Maetzi has also been awarded a Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarship thanks to support from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation. Maetzi now has an additional $3,000 to overcome the learning challenges she may face in the next chapter of her life at college. Maetzi plans to use the money to buy a smart pen and I-pad to take notes in class and other tech applications that will help her keep up with the pace of college courses.
According to Dr. Barbara Morelli Wirostko, “The Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation recognizes students who like my son, Joseph, struggle with dyslexia, and this empowers them to believe in themselves. The Foundation has grown and flourished since its inception in 2014. This year there were 230 applicants from around the country and Maetzi is one of the 11 local Utah student recipients.”
Together with the continued support of Bright Futures and these scholarships, Maetzi is set up for success!
