Scholarship Recipients

I am incredibly honored to be the 47th recipient of the Stephen Chandler Ericson Memorial Scholarship. I cannot even begin to describe how much it means to not only be considered for such a valuable award but also to be deemed worthy of association with Stephen’s remarkable character and legacy in such a way.

Next year, I plan to study biochemistry at the University of Vermont in the Patrick Leahy Honors College. This scholarship gets me closer to realizing my dream of pursuing a career in surgery, and I am so incredibly grateful to the Ericson family for not only easing the financial burden of my post secondary education but also for bestowing such an honorable award upon me. I intend to use the Stephen Chandler Ericson Memorial Scholarship to make the world a better place, honoring Stephen’s legacy by working to demonstrate and further spread the values seen in his character through being the change that I want to see, serving my community, and ultimately administering medical care to those in need.

Thank you so much to Mrs. Laura Ericson and the late Mr. Joseph Ericson, Jr., for the incredible philanthropic work that they have done and for selecting me as a recipient of such an honorable award. It is so utterly remarkable that, as parents, the Ericsons were able to take such a tragedy and direct their energy towards the betterment of the world, continuing the celebration of Stephen’s life and character in creating the Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation. I would also like to thank my parents for setting me up for such success in life through their own teachings and sacrifices.

When I found out I was awarded the Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship, I was very surprised because I had not applied for it. But, as it turned out, teachers at my school had nominated me for this award, which I am very thankful for. When I started to learn more about Stephen, I realized that I had heard Stephen’s story many times at Roslyn Swim Club, during championships. After, I was able to get in contact with the Ericson family, whom I owe many thanks. Stephen’s story is an example of how fast life can change. It helps us realize that we need to cherish every moment we have. With this scholarship I’ll be able to further my academic and athletic life at Bucknell University. With this scholarship, the financial load will be greatly lessened. Thank you to all who have made this possible.

When I received this award during graduation, I was in shock. I wasn’t expecting to receive any scholarships at graduation, since I’d already received those, I applied for in the prior months – I thought it was a mistake! Then I researched and spoke with the Ericson Family and started to learn why I was selected, and I couldn’t be more grateful. First, I’d like to thank the teachers who nominated me for this award; without you all, this would not be possible.

Because I will be attending the Georgia Institute of Technology next year to study Aerospace Engineering, my tuition is going to be very expensive, especially being an out-of-state student. The 2024 Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship will help me pay for my tuition and complete my studies in Pollution to help better our planet. I am extremely grateful to the Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation, their sponsors, and especially, Mrs. Laura Ericson, for giving me this scholarship, and, explaining the story of her son, Stephen Chandler Ericson. He was, and is, an inspiration to so many with his amazing heart, and his vibrant and friendly personality.

Stephen’s story has inspired me to persevere in my studies and continue my passion for the things I enjoy like swimming and music. It made me realize that you should never take things for granted and always cherish the opportunities that you have. I promise to use this money to better our world and make it so that more people have the chance to follow their dreams and pursue their passions. Thank you once again to everyone who made it possible for me to receive this award today.

My name is Shannon Gamble, and I am extremely honored to have been the recipient of this year’s Stephen Chandler Ericson Foundation Scholarship. I have grown up my whole life in West Chester just up the street from Henderson High School. During graduation I never would have expected to have received a scholarship, and little did I know the magnitude of the one I had been awarded.

I’ve been swimming for 14 years and have spent every summer at Roslyn Swim Club. Every year at the swim team banquet I would hear the story about Roslyn swimmer Stephen Ericson as the Stephen Chandler Ericson award was presented to a swimmer who embodied his charisma, free spirit, humor, and enthusiasm. I immediately recognized the scholarship name when I heard it at graduation. After reading Stephen’s story and from what I already knew from my years growing up at Roslyn, I was thrilled and humbled to have been selected as someone who is seen to carry on Stephen’s legacy.

In the fall I will be attending West Chester University to continue my career in swimming as well as studying Nursing. In my senior year of high school, I participated in the Allied Health program and was placed at Paoli Hospital. Before beginning the program, I already had an idea of what I wanted to do for my career and that was medicine. I’ve always been fascinated by the medical world and all its aspects, and this program allowed me an inside look at what I would experience in a hospital and classroom studying in this field; I thrived. With this, the motto “One life makes a difference” really resonates with me as a future nurse. I chose the nursing path over a physician because I really think the patient-caregiver relationship is crucial, a kind presence is sometimes all it takes to give someone hope and comfort while healing. I am very grateful to be receiving the Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship as I go on to pursue my dreams. In my athletics, college studies, and future career as a nurse, I intend to carry on Stephen’s legacy by making a difference in people’s lives and will strive to be an example of what this scholarship stands for.

My name is Katie Simpson, and I am very excited to be named the recipient of the 2022 Stephen Chandler Ericson Memorial Scholarship. As I began to research more into the foundation and Stephen as a person, I can appreciate his zest for life and his important life lessons. The Ericson family has created an enduring legacy in Stephen’s name. Their faith and dedication to Stephen’s memory allow his message to continue to impact students such as myself.

I saw multiple names of past recipients that I was fortunate enough to have swum with during my years on the Henderson swim team. I looked up to these individuals for their leadership, dedication, and kindness they showed every member of the swimming community. I am so honored to be recognized for displaying similar attributes to the previous recipients and Stephen.

TAs I begin my journey into college in the fall, this foundation and scholarship will serve as a reminder to always promote kindness. I will remember this as I meet my new collegiate teammates, friends, professors, and all that I will encounter at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

As a future teacher, the motto ‘one life makes a difference’ really resonated with me. I hope to be able to use this motto as motivation to give my students every tool possible so that each one can make their own difference in this world. Thank you so much for awarding me such a meaningful and powerful scholarship. One life truly does make a difference!”

My name is Hannah Fruhwirth and I am beyond honored to be the 2021 recipient of the Stephen Chandler Ericson Memorial scholarship. The history of this foundation is rooted in love, kindness and compassion. During my time at Henderson, I was a devoted and hardworking swimmer. It paints a smile on my face to be recognized with fellow Henderson swimming alumni that I looked up to over the years. It is a true honor to be recognized with the same traits and spirit as Stephen. The kindness demonstrated within this memorial will never be forgotten, since it will continue to leave a lasting imprint on me, and others around me.

As I attend the University of South Carolina in the fall, I will carry an extra dose of kindness around with me for whoever may need it. Kindness is immensely contagious, and I hope to spread it with me wherever life takes me. Thank you again for honoring me with such a meaningful, and kind scholarship.

My name is Maya Byrne, and I am extremely honored to be the 2020 Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship recipient. This year has been very hectic with the pandemic, which brought many firsts for students and teachers all around the world. To have my senior year cut short was nothing but heartbreaking. As I sat at graduation and started listening to the list of scholarship recipients, to my surprise and excitement, I had received a scholarship, and it truly made my day!

After researching Stephen’s Scholarship, I was completely humbled by the idea that others were able to see Stephen’s strong characteristics of determination, compassion, and kindness inside of me. As Stephen once said, “I hope people notice her beautiful smile”, I always try to go through my day with a smile on my face and a positive attitude in hopes that it will bring a smile to others. The impact that Stephen had and has on the community is something that will inspire me to continue being kind and involved with those around me, with the belief that through kindness I will make a difference.

Thank you so much for this award and the opportunity to carry on Stephen’s legacy. I will be forever grateful for this honor and will continue to spread the message that ‘one life makes a difference’.

Written by Maya Byrne in June 2020.

My name is Kira Mulhern, and I am incredibly honored and grateful to be receiving the 2019 Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship.

I am from the Roslyn community, so I grew up knowing Stephen’s story and understanding the person he was and all about his character. The legacy Stephen left is something that I will always hold close to my heart as I enter the medical profession. I will remember and exemplify that one life can make a difference in so many others. Thank you for this award as I will use it to continue to honor the life of Stephen Ericson.

Written by Kira Mulhern in June 2019.

My name is Brenna Eadie, and I have lived in West Chester my entire life. When I received the Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship, I was unaware of the magnitude of this honor. Sitting on the football field during graduation, I anxiously waited to receive my diploma. First they gave out awards announcing students names quicker than I could keep up. Suddenly I heard my name announced followed by Stephen’s name and the scholarship. Finding my family in the crowd I smiled in surprise, assuming I was given an average scholarship like the rest of my peers. I had never been so wrong.

After reading about Stephen’s story and the entire foundation I knew I was now a part of something much larger. Stephen has touched an entire community, bringing people together to make a difference for years. To be chosen for this award is truly an honor, and I am so thankful and grateful to be a part of this select group of recipients. The theme ‘… one life makes a difference…’ is one that I will carry with me through my life as I go through school and enter healthcare. I will remember that what I do, can make a difference in so many lives. Thank you so much for this award and the opportunity to carry forward Stephen’s legacy.

Written by Brenna Eadie in June 2018

When I first learned that I had been given the honor of receiving the Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship, I was in a hot gymnasium filled with people. My peers were accepting awards left and right and I knew that I would not be receiving one that day. When my name was called, I was so surprised and all I could do was point at my Mother and Father and in my heart to my beloved Grandfather.

When I came home, I learned more about Stephen’s Foundation, and I began to realize that this was more than just money for a poor college student. The memory of Stephen Ericson has lived through the hearts of his family, and has extended to the West Chester community, and now to me. I am honored to know that I can help carry his legacy forward. This award will help me as I begin studying at Bloomsburg University, majoring in exercise science. I am grateful for this award, and for Stephen’s family. It is an honor I will carry with me forever.

Written by Christopher Sanchez in June 2017

When I received the Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship in May of 1996, it was a special gift of remembrance. Maybe it was special because I still remember waiting in the gym on the rainy night that Stephen was struck by lightning.

Maybe it was that my father was his coach and that I was uncertain of his well-being. Maybe it was that I played soccer on the very field where God called Stephen home. Or maybe it was that I remember standing by as he and his friends played basketball outside their garage during one of the parties at the Ericson home that summer. Whatever the reason, this gift of celebrating Stephen’s life is still with me today.

Now, I am a father of three children and teaching school as my father once did. I coach Varsity soccer, the youth soccer teams my children are on, and have a summer soccer outreach at my church. When we started the outreach, the first thing that came to my mind was passing out and sharing the tract that was written in Stephen’s honor by his Mother, Laura Chandler Ericson.

The terrifying, yet precious gift of sharing Stephen’s story is personal and one that I share each spring as we start our outreach. This story is something that I still remember and consider each time we head inside during the thunder and lightning; and every time that I am questioned about why my team goes in so quickly, I can share my testimony of Stephen’s life. The Stephen Chandler Ericson Scholarship was not just an honor to receive; it was a vivid memory that I can continue to share.

Written in 2010 by Micah Murphy.

My Dad was a teacher at the West Chester Christian School and Mom was a substitute teacher and basketball coach. We didn’t have a lot of money because they chose to work at the Christian School. Steve’s award meant a lot to me not only as financial aid but also because we were friends. Our families were close growing up and my brother and I enjoyed spending time with him. Steve was always someone I could look up to whether we were hiking, fishing, or just hanging out.

I remember being at the game on the day of Steve’s tragedy. Every time I play soccer, and it starts to rain I think of Steve and the influence he had and continues to have. Though he was much older, he gladly spent time with me and my brother. Because of his influence I learned to invest time in the lives of other younger men.

This has been very rewarding as two different sets of parents have commented that they appreciate having a Godly example in the lives of their sons. I am thankful I was selected for this scholarship as it was beneficial in continuing my education.

Written in 2010 by Matthias Murphy.

The award was very emotional for me since I knew Stephen. Like the rest of my teammates that day went through something we will never forget. I am very honored to have received this scholarship since other classmates were just as deserving. I felt a responsibility and an obligation to do something with this scholarship long after college.

The generosity of the Ericson family encouraged me to give back and in the past 10 years I have given my own scholarship out in remembrance of my Father… I also have my own foundation to help those in need.

Through the tragedy of Stephen’s death, lives were changed for the better through the generosity, faithfulness and love that the Ericson family exhibited in honoring Stephen with this scholarship.

Written in 2010 by Lee Johnson, Jr.