GSK presents college scholarships to Philadelphia students who have overcome adversity to pursue their dreams

WHAT

Media representatives are invited to GSK to attend a special event honoring the 2018 winners of the GSK Opportunity Scholarship program. GSK Opportunity Scholarships are awarded to Philadelphia residents who have overcome significant adversities and are improving their lives through higher education.  The scholarship program was established with The Philadelphia Foundation eight years ago through a GSK endowment.

WHEN

The scholarships will be presented by Michael Shaw, Vice President, US Pharma Ethics and Compliance, GSK on June 21, at 4:30 pm. Scholarship recipients will be available for interviews following the brief ceremony or upon request.

WHERE

GSK, 5 Crescent Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19112 (located within The Navy Yard)

Please note: We request that all reporters interested in attending the event contact Marti Skold-Jordan at marti.x.skold-jordan@gsk.com or at 919-328-0507.

WHO

Kawthar Hasan has had numerous challenges when her family sought proper housing and employment between the ages of nine to eleven. She now lives in a North Philadelphia neighborhood where the family continues struggle with financial and health issues. Kawthar has worked hard to excel academically and graduated from Science Leadership Academy, a magnet school. She will attend Pennsylvania State University (Abington) to obtain a Business Degree with the goal of working toward her MBA.

Symone Johnson grew up in a family that spent time in shelters and dealt with financial hardship and challenging parental health issues. Symone works part time to help her grandmother pay the bills and helps care for her mother and younger siblings. Symone sees that education will help her to a more stable life. She will attend Bloomsburg University working to attain a degree in Criminal Justice.

Dante Law was a victim of gun violence in Philadelphia when he was struck by a stray bullet leaving his grandmother’s house. Doctors told him he was inches away from being paralyzed. Dante used this tragedy as a motivator to return to school and work to accomplish his goals. Dante is pursuing a Psychology degree at Temple University with aspirations of becoming a sports psychologist.

Emone Watson has had a challenging childhood after being evicted and living in unsafe and unstable places like shelters, a car and a house with difficult living conditions. Emone realizes that education is her way to success in life and has worked diligently to get good grades. Emone has been accepted to Temple University where she will pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.

Jasmine Yedra moved eight times and was homeless throughout high school. She was adjudicated into the foster care system at the end of her junior year. Jasmine has always challenged herself academically knowing it was the way to a better life. She has been a part of the Philadelphia Futures program. Jasmine will attend Penn State University.

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