R.A. Long High School senior and Running Start student, Maddie McCoy, was recently awarded a national scholarship in the amount of $25,000 from the Burger King Foundation.

Maddie plans to attend the University of Montana next year where she will be enrolled in an environmental science program. Maddie is excited and nervous to start this new chapter in her life and is looking forward to college and her future. She has even secured an internship in her program of study where she will be working with students from Montana State and the University of Montana. This spring, Maddie will be graduating with both her high school diploma and her Associates of Arts Degree from Lower Columbia College.

Remarkably, this young lady has overcome much in her young life. At the age of 18 months, Maddie underwent a kidney transplant. A procedure that would likely buy her 10 years of life before having to go through the process again. It has been 17 years since that transplant and she is going strong in both mind and body.

This well-rounded student who has excelled academically, enjoys playing musical instruments, sports, and everything outdoors, has not let her medical condition slow her down or halt her dreams. She garners her strength from within, does what she must to stay well, and works hard to achieve her goals. She has weathered the COVID-19 school closures for much of her high school experience, became an essential worker during the pandemic, and transitioned to Running Start classes which she found to be helpful and a turning point in her life. It has been through those classes that she learned a lot about herself and what she wants to do in the future.

When asked what advice she would give other students, she pondered for a moment and said, “Be yourself. Don’t try being something you aren’t. Your flaws are fine. People will accept you for who you are.”  Maddie – we wish you all the best in your future and thank you for sharing your inspirational story with us. Congratulations!