Page 7 - FY2324AnnualReport

Challenge to Triumph WDSRA SCHOLARSHIPS

The need for scholarship assistance
LUKE’S STORY grew significantly.

90

Families
Awarded
Scholarships

72%

340

Scholarships
Awarded
Luke is a boy with a BIG personality—sociable, affectionate, and funny. From a
young age, he always strived to keep up with his twin sister and older brother. 93%
Luke’s mom, Jana, believed it was crucial for him to be around his typically
developing peers both in and out of school. While school provided the necessary
support, Luke needed additional help to keep up and stay focused outside of it.

Living with Down Syndrome and anxiety, Luke can be a complex individual. He
requires time to warm up to people and process his surroundings, a need that
can be challenging for his peers to understand. Though he loves being part of a
team, the journey was challenging. $25,125

That’s when the family turned to WDSRA Inclusion. Scholarship
Dollars
WDSRA’s inclusion support staff helped Luke manage his anxiety during Awarded
programs, make transitions smoother, engage with his peers, and grow more
independent. 38%

By the time Luke reached 3rd grade, sports had become too competitive for him
to keep up. This led him to transition from inclusion services to
WDSRA programs. Now 15 years old, Luke enjoys participating
in soccer, t-ball, basketball, flag football, and more.

Listen to Luke’s full story at
https://youtu.be/0QJoQys31cg?si=ulLUkGDTEDnL4T8O.

FY23-24 Gratitude Report | wdsra.com 7