McKeesport names DeeTermination Scholarship winners
By Jeff Stitt
jstitt@yourmvi.com
For the second year in a row, McKeesport High School senior Danielle “Dee” List and her family have given scholarships to four MHS seniors who they say make the world a brighter place.
Friends and family of Dee have created the DeeTermination Scholarship on her behalf to recognize deserving seniors at MHS who plan to attend a college, university, vocational or trade school and “either have an Individualized Education Plan, have a sibling with special needs or have volunteered in the special needs community,” according to Dee’s father, Jeff List.
Dee’s mother, Bobbie, and Jeff say their daughter is an inspiration to friends and family. Despite having to use a wheelchair and a walker as a result of an extremely rare genetic disorder — congenital disorders of glycosylation — Dee remains determined to succeed in all that she does, the couple said.
Jeff said that with the support of her teachers, aides and fellow students at McKeesport High School and through speech and occupational therapy the district has helped Dee gain access to over the years, “Dee has been given opportunities in academics and extra curricular activities that we never thought were possible.”
Jeff and Bobbie said the family has been giving the scholarship out for the last two years to say thanks to a large community of supporters who have helped Dee succeed at everything she puts her mind to, and to recognize students who have either overcome their own unique challenges or have helped others in their pursuit of their goals and dreams.
Danielle is a cheerleader, swim team member, participates in Special Olympics and other sporting competitions and has worked with young children in MASD child care, development and after school programs.
“I got to do a lot of great things at McKeesport High School,” she said. “I’m very excited to start school at Duquesne University. It makes me happy to be able to help other students also go to college.”
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