At Addair Law, we have a strong commitment to serving others and have seen how performing civic duties improves the lives of individuals and the greater community. Believing that people are inspired to give back to their community, we created the Public Spirit Scholarship to hear from students about what it is that inspires them to give back or be active citizens.
With an overwhelming number of inspiring responses from applicants nationwide, selecting the winner was incredibly challenging. In fact, the competition was so fierce that this year, we’ve decided to award the scholarship to two exceptional individuals! Congratulations to the 2024 Public Spirit Scholarship winners, Peri Stevens and Andrew Navarro! Read on to learn more about these outstanding recipients and their reactions to the news.
Hi, I am Andrew Navarro, and I am elated to be the Addair Law Public Spirit Scholarship winner.
Andrew is originally from Miami, FL, but now lives in Leawood, KS. Andrew is entering his fourth and final year at Kansas State University and he plans on going to law school next year. He is currently majoring in political science with a secondary major in international studies and a minor in Spanish. He also received a certificate in nonprofit leadership through a program here at K-State.
Here at K-State, he is in his third year as a research assistant for the Chapman Center for Rural Studies. Their research covers gender disparities in local elected offices, an area that is under-researched and has little data. He served as President for his Model United Nations team, which won four awards their past conference, and they are looking to collect some more this year. He learned so much about international government and the policies that they develop to help millions of people.
He also serves as the Attorney General in his position in Student Government. This position works closely with the Office of Student Accountability in hearing cases regarding violations of student codes. He was able to select 17 incredible individuals to help in serving on our boards to hold hearings and give out creative sanctions, ones that are appropriate to the student’s needs while maintaining accountability for the violation. He enjoys this position because he is able to meet with students (oftentimes going through their toughest time in college) and help them through their issues that may have led to them committing the violation. Sometimes, their violation is a complete slip-up and doesn’t reflect any outside problems but other times their violation is the effect of mental, financial, or academic stress.
He thinks that this work will translate into my career. He wants to work in international law and policy, specifically in refugee assistance. Getting to know people from different backgrounds and trying to understand their perspective regarding their issues is at the core of his current position and his future one. He believes more can be done with the international aid that is already distributed and he would like to work adjacent to government, perhaps in an international nonprofit aid organization that will allow him the autonomy to focus on the issues he would like to study and resolve while still helping those seeking assistance when fleeing from their country.
He is honored to be the Addair Law Public Spirit Scholarship winner. When he found out, it relieved him that I wouldn’t have to pay as much tuition for his last year. He is saving money to go to law school and to be able to save this additional money will help him have more options regarding which law schools he can attend. He is proud that this scholarship chose him because of my previous work and dedication to improving other people’s lives, and he looks forward to paying it back through the communities I currently serve and will serve in the future.
Peri Stevens is a dedicated and compassionate nurse with a strong passion for oncology and clinical trials. With an honors degree from Indiana University, Peri hashoned her skills as an oncology nurse, working diligently to provide top-notch care to patients and families affected by cancer.
Peri is currently pursuing her graduate education at Purdue University Global, earning a Master’s degree in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She chose this program for its exceptional academic reputation and flexibility, allowing her to balance her demanding work schedule while furthering her education.
Peri’s journey into nursing was fueled by her desire to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. As she has worked in oncology, she has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of cancer on individuals and families.Her passion for this field drives her to continually seek new ways to improve patient outcomes and contribute to groundbreaking research.
As part of her current role, Peri works tirelessly to provide compassionate care to patients and families navigating the complexities of cancer treatment. Her dedication to this field is evident in her involvement in clinical trials, where she plays a crucial role in advancing treatment options and improving patient care. Peri’s latest degree will create opportunities for her to expand her role as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
With her newfound skills and expertise, she aims to become a leader in oncology research and education, sharing her knowledge with others and making a lasting impact on the healthcare industry. Additionally, as an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), Peri is well-versed in the latest evidence-based practices and standards of care for oncology patients, allowing her to provide exceptional care and guidance to those affected by cancer.
Receiving the Public Spirit Scholarship means the world to Peri. It acknowledges her hard work and dedication to the field of oncology and recognizes the value she brings to patient care. This scholarship will enable her to focus on her education without financial burdens, allowing her to achieve her goals and make a greater difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Ultimately, Peri’s goal is to become a renowned oncology expert, known for her compassion, expertise, and commitment to advancing patient care. With her latest degree and the support of the Addair 2024 Public Spirit Scholarship, Peri is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare industry and create a brighter future for herself and those she serves.
I’m Vinh Giang. I’m a Vietnamese American currently pursuing a BS in Public Health with a pre-medical track at a university in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to my studies, I work as a Discord Partner and a YouTube video creator. I enjoy interacting with people and talking about my thoughts and experiences. I’m heavily engaged in a number of campus organizations when I’m not making content or studying. I’m passionate about helping others and having a good influence on the world. It’s a difficult balancing act, but I’m determined to use my time wisely and follow my interests.
“The Scholarship selection shocked and honored me. I appreciate this scholarship, which will help me thrive in my studies. I’m grateful for the opportunity to broaden my future.”
Jamie is a recent graduate of the University of Delaware, where she earned an Honors Political Science Degree and served as a student government senator, and took part in research. While in college, Jamie worked part-time as a paralegal and now continues that role full-time. Back in her hometown of Marlton, New Jersey, Jamie is an elected board member on her local K-8 Board of Education. In the Fall, Jamie is excited to move to Washington D.C. and attend Georgetown Law and pursue her long-time goal of becoming an attorney. In her free time, Jamie enjoys reading, hiking, and trying new restaurants.
“I am so honored to have been chosen as a recipient of Addair Law’s Public Spirit Scholarship! It’s hard to imagine a more perfect scenario, but I received the notification as I was standing in the middle of Georgetown Law’s Open House. Receiving this scholarship in the midst of touring reaffirmed my belief that I can make law school a reality. The funds from this scholarship will go directly to my educational expenses as I move to a new city to start my law school journey. I sincerely appreciate Addair Law’s commitment to providing these kinds of scholarships, and I thank everyone who had a hand in making this possible.”
As a lifelong resident of Madison, Alabama, Aubteen has been a Madison City Schools system student since Kindergarten. Service is a large part of his life, exhibited by serving as the Fundraising Chair of the United Way Youth Leaders Council of Madison County, President of the Bob Jones Math and French Honor Societies, and the captain of Bob Jones’s Debate Team. With acceptance to some of the nation’s top universities, Aubteen will pursue an undergraduate degree in public policy before entering law school. His long-term goal is to be in a position where he can give back to Alabama by helping advance the quality of life in the state.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award! It is so exciting to receive recognition from the Addair Law Firm!”