LEAD On, a local nonprofit organization committed to preparing Churchill County students for life after high school, awards two $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors.
“Our team wants Churchill County youth to know and believe they can do and become anything,” said Development Officer and Scholarship Chair Paolo Narag. “We are thrilled to offer scholarships to students with experience and values of leadership, service and education.”
James M. Cosman graduated from Oasis Academy and was selected for the LEAD On Scholarship. Due to his personal experience, James has become a local, state and national advocate for people with rare disorders including hemophilia.
When the “military kid who has lived all around the United States” moved to Fallon and discovered “there was no programming for those dealing with rare inherited bleeding disorders,” he knocked on Mayor Tedford’s door. James worked with the mayor, civic leaders, local hospitals, and his school to organize and host a community outreach event.
On the national level, James has delivered speeches for the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the National Hemophilia Association, and Hemophilia Federation of America.
With the goal of “helping people that have received solid-cell transplants,” James plans to study biochemistry at Southwestern University where he will also be a member of the university swim team.
When asked about his favorite high school memory, James said “State swimming with CCHS! It was great to get to know my teammates better!”
JayLee Payton McEwen graduated from Oasis Academy and was selected for the LEAD Forward Scholarship. In 2018, JayLee was careflighted to Reno from Fallon after being bucked off a horse while team roping.
The incident resulted in a traumatic brain injury and earlier this year – four years later – a screw was removed from JayLee’s skull. Despite all of this, JayLee remains a positive attitude and passionate about horses.
JayLee earned a seat in the University of Montana Western’s Natural Horsemanship Program. While working towards a Bachelor’s of Science in Natural Horsemanship, JayLee plans to also study Agricultural Business, Business Administration, and Equine Management. She hopes to work with the Montana Department of Livestock upon graduation.
When asked about her favorite high school memory, JayLee said “weekly meetings with my counselor Andy Lenon and just getting to talk about life with him.”
LEAD On congratulates all recent Churchill County graduates and wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
“Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to LEAD On’s programs this year” said LEAD On Executive Director Monica Davis. “Together, we are empowering Churchill County youth to achieve their dreams.”
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