JDRF knows that despite the challenges of living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), many people have worked harder, dreamed bigger, and achieved greater. In collaboration with the Diabetes Scholars Foundation since 2011, JDRF offers four annual scholarships to high school graduates who are entering four-year institutions the coming fall.

The 2013 JDRF Scholarships have been awarded, and this year’s recipients epitomize the highest standards throughout their lives—in school, in their communities, with their families and peers, and in the T1D community. These four students do us all proud by showing us not only how to manage the burden of T1D, but how to triumph over it. Congratulations to the scholarship class of 2013—we haven’t heard the last of you yet!

JDRF Scholarship — $5,000

Noah Meyer
St. Charles, Illinois

Diagnosed with T1D at age 13

Advanced Placement Scholar
German National Honor Society
National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist
State Scholar
Co-founder, Discussion Leader, Book Club
Captain, Chess Club
Peer Leader
Sound Board Operator at church
Volunteer, Feed My Starving Children

Will attend:
Case Western University, Biology

Most likely to:
Noah will embark on a career in medical research.

“There are countless ways in which one life can have a positive influence on another, but I hope to help improve the quality of life for people by contributing to advances in medicine and the medical field.”

JDRF Outreach Scholarship — $1,000

Jordan Berger
Syracuse, Utah

Diagnosed with T1D at age 12

Commendation, National Merit Scholarship Program
Advanced Placement Scholar
Double lettered in debate
Editor, school newspaper
Captain, Secretary, Debate Club
Writer’s Club
Stage Crew
Yearbook
Camp Counselor, diabetes camp

Will attend:
University of Utah, Social Work

Most likely to:
After college, Jordan plans to become a child-life specialist, working in hospitals to help children cope with disease diagnosis.

“I remember my diagnosis and hospitalization being the most confusing and scary point in my life. I hope that I can help other children so that their time in the hospital is the best it can be. I hope I can add something positive to a time filled with negativity.”

JDRF Advocacy Scholarship — $1,000

Adam Moss
Rockville Centre, New York

Diagnosed with T1D at age 5

Captain, Engineering Club
Tennis player
The President’s Volunteer Service Award
National Prudential Spirit of Community Award
New York State Legislature recognition for volunteer/community service
Nassau County Citation for creating awareness about type 1 diabetes
President, Rockville Chapter, B’nai Brith Youth Organization
Teaching Assistant, Central Synagogue
Lobbyist to U.S. Congress for Reform Judaism
President, Long Island Advisory Board, Best Buddies

Will attend:
Brandeis University, Political Science

Most likely to:
Adam plans to become a lawyer representing children with disabilities and special needs.

“I look at type 1 diabetes as bittersweet. No one wants to live with this disease, but I wouldn’t be in the place I’m in now if I hadn’t been diagnosed when I was—and the place I’m in now is pretty great.”

JDRF Medical/Research Scholarship — $1,000

Catrina Tellez
Felton, California

Diagnosed with T1D at age 8

High School Valedictorian
Advanced Placement Scholar
National Hispanic Recognition Program
High Honor Roll, four years running
Vice President, Treasurer, Speech Team
Captain, Golf Team
Captain, Assistant Team Manager, Destination Imagination
Student Advisory Board to U.S. Representative

Will attend:
Vassar College, Biology

Most likely to:
After college, Catrina plans to attend medical school and become a surgeon.

“Never let type 1 diabetes stop you from doing what you want to do; it doesn’t have that kind of power. And never try to hide the fact that you have it—type 1 diabetes isn’t embarrassing if you rock it!”