Congratulations to the 2011 Students of Integrity!$5,000 Scholarship RecipientHawi Tilahune
Coon Rapids High School, Coon Rapids, MN
"As I prepared to leave behind Ethiopia, I knew one thing to be certain, I would be back to make a difference. At the age of 14, I received an opportunity to return to Ethiopia and serve as the youngest missionary translator. Back in Ethiopia I began to understand that poverty extends beyond what is merely seen. It can also be internal, manifesting itself in the areas of emotionality and spirituality. This realization challenged me to be a faithful steward of the people that God put in my path. No matter who they are, I must learn to be sensitive to their needs and always show them how valuable they are. While I will never be perfect, I will strive towards submission to truth, stewardship, compassion, and unity."
$2,500 Scholarship RecipientValentina Benito-Correa
Benilde-St. Margaret's, Minneapolis, MN
"Having compassion for others is a skill that takes practice and patience...as we get older we don't always see every person the same way. We tend to have compassion for certain people, but not everybody. (At the age of seven, when I moved to the U.S. from Argentina and didn't speak English, I received compassion from some people, but not all at my new school. Since my personal experience) I always make an effort to make sure that everybody is happy and has a smile on their face. No kids feel left out because they are new, speak another language, practice a different religion or look different."
From L-R: Valentina, Dana Badgerow (BBB CEO & President), Hawi
