Award Programs for High School and College Seniors
Scholastic Achievement Awards (SAA)
For RFB&D Members who are College Seniors and Blind or Visually Impaired
Each year, the Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards (SAAs) are presented to RFB&D members who are blind or visually impaired and have received, or will be receiving their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. The awards are given in recognition of academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and service to others.
Mary P. Oenslager, was a friend of Anne Macdonald, our founder. She began contributing to RFB&D in 1953 and, in 1959, helped us establish the Scholastic Achievement Awards program, personally funding the awards each year. Mary P. Oenslager shaped the program and enjoyed getting to know the winners each year. In addition to her financial support, she was an active volunteer, serving on our Board of Directors and actively recruiting individual and corporate supporters.
These awards are given to a total of nine students who are chosen by a selection committee. RFB&D presents three top winners $6,000 each; three special honors winners $3,000 each; and three honors winners $1,000 each. The three top winners will be presented with their awards at an event to be announced.
Learning Through Listening® (LTL) Awards
For RFB&D Members who are High School Seniors and Learning Disabled
Each year, the Marion Huber Learning Through Listening (LTL) awards are presented to RFB&D members who are high school seniors with learning disabilities, in recognition of academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and service to others.
Marion Huber made her first gift of $200 to RFB&D in 1959. By 1990, she was making gifts in the range of $20,000. Marion was particularly focused on RFB&D's expanded mission, reaching out to students with learning disabilities. She observed the power of "Learning Through Listening" to transform lives, and it was for this reason that she endowed our award for students with dyslexia and other disabilities that prevent effective reading. By creating a permanent endowment, Marion Huber ensured that the work she valued during her lifetime continues today.
Offered since 1991, the awards are given to six students who are chosen by a selection committee. RFB&D presents the three top winners $6,000 each and three special honors winners $2,000 each. The three top winners will be presented with their awards at an event to be announced.
Check back in September 2010 to apply for the 52nd National Achievement Awards.
Learn about awards offered to RFB&D members in Southern California.