Maggie Conlon, 2020 Significant Challenge College Scholarship Second Place Recipient
Maggie Conlon, a recent graduate of Brookfield Central High School in Brookfiled, WI, spent the first two years of her life in a hospital, battling cancer. Even though the scars and remnants caused by the rare muscle cancer and tumor under her tongue made her feel self conscious of a lisp, Maggie found her confidence in public speaking. From as young as eight years old, Maggie has been sharing her story proudly, and with grace. Richie’s Spirit Foundation was proud to present Maggie with the 2020 Second Place College Scholarship Award this Spring.
In her award-winning essay, Maggie reflects on her first time speaking at a childhood cancer research organization fundraiser: “Little did I know that speaking in front of strangers would lead me to finally finding my voice. Once I learned how much money was raised during the [MACC Fund] event, I realized that not only can I be confident speaking in front of others, but also that my words can have an impact on people.”
Maggie decided to use her words to impact on elected officials when she travelled to Washington D.C. to advocate for increased childhood cancer research funding. With Maggie’s help, the S.T.A.R Act, which designates $30 million annually towards childhood cancer research, was passed in 2018.
“Maggie understands the value in listening to others and learning from them,” Maggie’s teacher, Peggy Ordinans, writes. “She is driven to do what is right even if she is alone doing it… Maggie’s involvement in numerous school extra-curricular activities and community volunteer work are evidence of her leadership strength and interest.”
Richie’s Spirit Foundation named Maggie as this year’s $1,500 Second Place College Scholarship recipient during a Virtual Award Ceremony this Spring. Congratulations, Maggie!