Virginia Smiles Honors Steven Richard Day with College Scholarship

The 2006 Virginia Smiles College Scholarship Recipient is Steven Richard Day of Sterling, VA, who is a student at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

FAIRFAX, VA-"I believe a positive attitude is the first step to success and happiness. I have never really viewed myself as being different because I was born with a cleft lip and palate, nor did I let it limit me in any way." These are the words of Steven Richard Day, student at Virginia Polytech Institute and State University in Blacksburg, and the recipient of the 2006 Virginia Smiles College Scholarship. He received the $1,000 award at the July 2006 Virginia Smiles' Family Picnic this summer.

The Board of Directors of Virginia Smiles began the scholarship program to honor an individual born with a cleft lip and palate, who is well-rounded, has a positive attitude, is well-accomplished, and can be a message of hope and encouragement to younger children born with a cleft lip and palate.

In his application and essay, Day, who was born with a complete unilateral cleft lip and partial cleft palate, said that "accomplishments come about with hard work and not just assumptions."

While attending Potomac Falls High School in Sterling, Day participated on the football, basketball, and track teams while maintaining a 3.6 grade point average, and was voted Prom King.

"My proudest accomplishment in high school was being inducted into my school's Hall of Fame in recognition of a positive attitude, school spirit and individual and academic growth," Day said in his essay to Virginia Smiles.

Day concluded his essay by quoting Eleanor Roosevelt, who once said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Never give it." Day commented on Roosevelt's statement by saying, "I believe in her philosophy and at the same time feel it is just as important to make sure you never make anyone feel inferior to you."

Day has been cared for by the craniofacial teams of Dr. David S. Thomas, Salt Lake City, UT and Dr. Kenneth Sayler, Dallas, TX.

Virginia Smiles will award its third scholarship next summer. Support Virginia Smiles in this effort to provide our beautiful children with a chance at a great start in college. Donate to the Virginia Smiles College Scholarship Program!

Applications from scholarship candidates are due March 31, 2007. To print the application, click here.

Previous Virginia Smiles Scholarship Recipients:
2008: Kyle Speers, Eastern Mennonite University
2007: Maria Summers, Randolph Macon College
2006: Steven Richard Day, Virginia Polytech Institute
2005: Katie Higgins, Blue Ridge Community College Transfer Program

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