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Scholarships Awarded
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in Funds Awarded
2024
High Point University
Ronnie Holevas
Ronnie earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In High Point University’s Department of Physical Therapy, she serves as the President of the Pain Special Interest Group and Co-Chair of Fundraising. In her youth, she was a dedicated dancer, later developing chronic pain. Her goal is to make chronic pain a more prevalent topic in physical therapy to help patients get back to doing the things they love at a quicker pace. She believes pain neuroscience education is the key to helping these patients become and stay active.
London McDaniel
London earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Appalachian State University in 2022. London is involved in the American Physical Therapy Association at the state level serving as the Director of Community Service for the Student SIG. At department level, she serves as the Community Engagement Chair for High Point University’s Student Pro Bono Board and is involved with research identifying the Relationship between External Load, Knee Joint Biomechanics, and Self-Reported Soreness in Women’s Volleyball. London says her goal as a physical therapist is to be a source of encouragement and guidance, helping patients understand that movement is a critical component of rehabilitation and a vital part of a healthy, fulfilling life.
University of Delaware
Adam Bungarden
Adam earned his undergraduate degree in exercise science from the University of Delaware, where he also minored in disability studies and was the leader of UDance Dance Marathon, the fourth largest dance marathon in the country. He now is one of the social chairs for the UDPT Class of 2025, helping to organize community-building events throughout the year. He also coaches at Arena Adaptive, guiding athletes with a variety of disabilities through crossfit-like workouts. Adam’s involvement with Arena has inspired his future physical therapy goals of making a difference through adaptive athletics and neurologic interventions.
Caitlin Holland
Caitlin earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Kent State University in 2022, where she was a Division I field hockey player and three-time MAC conference champion. She was recognized as a four-time Scholar of Distinction by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association for her academic excellence. Passionate about inclusion, Caitlin has dedicated her time to volunteering in pediatric settings, as well as adaptive fitness classes for athletes with disabilities—two populations she hopes to serve in her future career. She aspires to work in pediatrics, striving to empower individuals of all abilities throughout her career.
Rachel Scherbenske
Rachel studied at the University of Virginia, where she completed her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology followed by a Master’s in Athletic Training. After graduating in 2022, she worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer for a year which solidified her passion for “movement as medicine” and excitement for a career in PT. Since beginning her studies in 2023, she has been grateful for the many opportunities provided at UD such as volunteering to support those in the community with chronic illness, leading a mentorship program for pre-PT students, and tutoring at the Writing Center. In the long term, Rachel hopes to complete an orthopedic residency and would eventually love to work in an academic setting in some capacity.
2023
High Point University
Holly Lavin
Holly earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology from University of South Carolina in 2021. She has been a competitive dancer for much of her life and studied abroad in Italy in 2020. Holly serves as a graduate assistant and admissions/mentor chair for the HPU PT program and has taken electives in advanced gait and vestibular rehabilitation. She believes it is a PT’s “responsibility to advocate healthy lifestyles,” and foster therapeutic relationships with patients in the clinical setting.
Riley Luetkenhaus
Erin is a Lindenwood University graduate who studied exercise science, minored in nutrition, and played on the varsity softball team. She is involved in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) at state and federal level as Student Director of Community Service for North Carolina, “PT Moves Me” Education Ambassador, and Primary Care Special Interest Group Student Liaison. She also serves as vice president for HPU PT Class of 2025 and graduate research assistant studying the effects of transcranial direct stimulation and pain neuroscience education on chronic pain.
University of Delaware
Amy Liebman
Amy received her undergraduate degree from George Washington University in 2022, where she majored in exercise science. She has experience as a research assistant, studying the effects of a multi-month trek on the Appalachian Trail on body composition, and director of external affairs for a student run food pantry at GWU. She has run multiple half-marathons and hopes to work with high performing endurance athletes in the clinical setting.
Megan Purinton
Megan attended University of Delaware and earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in strength and conditioning. She was a four-year member of the UD club softball team including serving on the executive board in multiple roles including treasurer, vice president, and president. She has continued to her demonstrate her leadership abilities as president of UDPT Class of 2025 and internship coordinator for a sports academy in Delaware. Her work as a sports performance coach allows her to “inspire the next generation to continue active lifestyles.”
2022
High Point University
Melissa Escudero
Melissa earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in Spanish from Georgia College and State University. She played on the ultimate frisbee and club soccer teams all 4 years and was named captain of the former during her senior year. Melissa has a passion for neurologic physical therapy and aspires to open her own unique, multilingual clinic that emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its mission.
Erin Rine
Erin is a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate who studied exercise science and minored in Spanish. She played on the club soccer team and has continued staying active through running and tennis. As a student in the High Point DPT program, she has functioned as a graduate assistant and representative for the APTA-NC Student Fundraising Committee.
University of Delaware
Marykate Caverly
MaryKate received her undergraduate degrees from Colby College in 2017, where she majored in neurobiology, and minored in Chinese and mathematics. While at Colby, she played on the varsity women’s basketball team and was named captain her senior year. She has acted as the volunteer liaison for her basketball team, organized an essential items drive, and advocated for an HEP program for a local TBI survivor. Following graduation from UD, she aims to complete a sports residency program and eventually work with a high level collegiate or professional team. Ultimately, she hopes to accumulate enough experience to one day open her own sports clinic.
Brianna Figueroa
Brianna attended Rutgers University and earned her BFA in dance performance. Physical therapy is a career change for her, as she spent her life dancing, and after graduation worked as a professional dancer and Pilates instructor. She ascended to the position of Pilates manager at a hospital’s wellness center, which inspired her decision to go back to school and pursue PT. She has also owned and run her own Pilates studio, Figtree Pilates. Brianna believes she will work in inpatient rehabilitation, with either pediatrics or neurology as a specialty.
2021
High Point University
Bradley Kanney
Bradley earned his undergraduate degree in exercise science from High Point, during which time he competed on the men’s track and field team, selected as captain his junior and senior years. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and has experience working as a personal trainer and coach. Bradley currently serves as Fundraising Chair for High Point University Physical Therapy Class of 2023.
Kristen Valasek
Kristen is a James Madison University graduate who studied kinesiology and minored in Spanish. She competed on the club gymnastics team all 4 years, serving as president junior and senior year. Kristen is a Graduate Student Government Association Representative and has experience as a research and graduate assistant within the High Point Dept. of Physical Therapy.
University of Delaware
Sarah Mitchell
Sarah completed her undergraduate studies in public health from Drexel University and was involved with the women’s club volleyball team, holding leadership roles such as vice president and ultimately, president. She was also health and wellness chair for her sorority Phi Sigma Sigma. Sarah has experience working at prestigious facilities in the Philadelphia area, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.
Julianna Reed
Julianna graduated from Towson University with her bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She also minored in deaf studies and hopes to achieve certification in Healthcare American Sign Language Interpreting. While working as a research assistant, Julianna co-authored multiple research articles on concussion evaluation and management.
