Elise Corbally (Jeffersonville)
2004 Scholarship Recipient
Rice Memorial High School

Elise, who identifies as an ally to the LGBTQ community, was the co-founder of her high school's first ever ally group. In addition Elise participated in and helped organize "Day of Silence" events as well as taking part in the Governor's Youth Leadership Conference and Vermont Youth Summit to Prevent Underage Drinking.

Meeghan Bird Matarzzo, Rice's Director of Campus Ministry, had this to say about Elise,

"Elise's compassion for others and true desire to see each person in the beauty of their unique humanity is a virtue I do not witness often. I have seen her interact consistently in a way that challenges those around her to respect and honor the dignity of life - all life. I also know how much a college education matters to Elise - she is a young woman with a vision of her life and the gifts to truly make our world a better place to be."

Elise told us that throughout her life she will continue to challenge intolerant thought and active discrimination. She enjoys acting as a comfort for anyone who requires a kind word and an accepting individual. Her goal is to inspire others to cherish the diversity within our world community instead of constantly criticizing it.

Elise will be studying biology this fall at the University of Maine - Farmington.