Voting Open to Public for AbbVie’s 2021 Thriving With CF Scholarships
Voting is open for the 2021 Thriving Undergraduate and Thriving Graduate Scholarship, a program run by AbbVie that awards scholarships totaling $25,000 to one undergraduate and one graduate student with cystic fibrosis (CF).
AbbVie selected 40 undergraduate and graduate students living with CF earlier this year, with each receiving a $3,000 scholarship for the 2021–22 academic year. The students were chosen based on their academics, creativity, extracurricular engagements, and involvement with their communities.
Now, the public can vote for two of these students to be named the 2021 Thriving Undergraduate or Graduate Student. The winners will be selected based on a combination of votes received, as well as factors that include their academics, an essay, and presentation.
The selected students will be announced in late September, and awarded an additional $22,000 scholarship.
Votes can be cast online, or by texting the student’s personalized ID code to “25545.” Voting closes on Sept. 1 at 11 am EST.
Brayden Merrill was selected as the 2020 Thriving Undergraduate Student. Among other achievements, Merrill counts being the class of 2020 valedictorian, an Eagle Scout, executive vice president and Justice of the Associated Student Body, and a 3rd place finish in an 800-meter run at the Washington state track.
“I’m so thankful for my friends, family, peers and supporters who voted for me last year,” he said in a press release.
“When living with a chronic illness like cystic fibrosis, it’s important to have a community rallying behind you and cheering you on along your journey,” Merrill added. “Being awarded $25,000 through the AbbVie CF Scholarship has definitely been a highlight of my young adult life, and I’m sure this year’s winners will feel the same.”
In addition to urging the public to get involved voting, AbbVie encourages people to share about the competition on social media. The company has created a Click to Tweet link to help people more easily spread the news on Twitter.
“The AbbVie CF Scholarship recipients are talented, motivated and inspiring in how they refuse to let their CF stand in the way of achieving their academic and personal goals,” said John Duffey, vice president, U.S. Specialty at AbbVie.
“Their resilience is nothing short of incredible, and AbbVie recognizes this year after year through the scholarship program as we continue to demonstrate our commitment to students with CF pursuing higher education and achieving their dreams,” Duffey added.
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