Past Recipients
The Schirmer Family loves to hear from the past recipients. We hear from all the recipients after they receive the scholarships and always telling us how appreciative they are for receiving our assistance. A few continue to update us and share their stories with us. Some of the notes from parents or students recognize the sacrifice made in order for us to do the scholarships and they share their own challenges to continue their education.
Those family, friends, and community members who donate and support the Abby Rose Benefit. You just keep giving silently never asking for anything in return. This demonstrates the pay it forward attitude that all of you possess and was also one of Abby’s finest qualities. The shared kindness just keeps going.
The Schirmer Family would like to share some of the recipient’s comments with you. We will update yearly. Thank you.:
Parker a 2016 recipient writes; “I am extremely honored to represent your family, shared kindness, and most importantly Abby. Next year as I head off to Central College (and anywhere life takes me) shared-kindness will be a torch I will continue to carry and I cannot be anymore eager to share it with others. Thank you for letting me be a part of Abby’s Legacy!”
Teagan a 2016 recipient writes; “Words cannot describe how thankful I am to receive this scholarship on behalf of your daughter. Reading about her story I could tell that Abby was a very outgoing and deeply caring person. I hope that by using my “shared kindness” I will be able to impact people just like Abby…Thank you again for your generosity despite what your family has gone through.”
Elizabeth a 2015 recipient writes; “I couldn’t be more thankful for you generosity in helping me achieve my goals, and that means going to school and trying to become something out of myself. I’m just so blessed that I have walked through your path and met wonderful people that do this for other kids like myself to get a dream started and go to school.”
Taylor a 2012 recipient writes; “Thank you so much for the honor of receiving the Abby Rose Scholarship. I greatly appreciate it! I am so sorry for the loss in your family. Your generosity in turning your tragedy into a means to help other students is inspiring. Though I did not know Abby Rose, I will remember her and how she affected your family and those around her. I will also remember the kindness and generosity of your family.”
Abby a 2012 recipient and wrote us to say; “Thank you so much for this scholarship.” Abby went on to tell us about the strong connection she made with the essay portion of the scholarship application. She says; “I really enjoyed writing the essays on the topics that were given. I know it was very difficult making your choices. It will be a tremendous help to me for school this year. Thank you again!”
Emily is also a 2012 recipient wrote; “Thank you so much Schirmer Family for choosing me to receive one of your scholarships.” She wanted to thank us for the scholarship, but also for the way we’ve opened her mind to new ideas. “The essay topics you choose made me do a lot of thinking, pondering, and questioning which all led to great things for me. I also am very sorry for your loss.” Emily went on tell us that we’ve inspired her mother to start a memorial scholarship in her brother’s name.
Madeline another 2012 recipient writes; “Thank you so much for the incredible honor of allowing me to represent your sister's legacy. I can't imagine the loss you must have felt and still feel today. This gift is such a wonderful tribute to her memory. I will do my best to always represent your sister and her wonderful generous spirit.”
Greg a 2010 recipient said because of this scholarship he is pursuing his dream. He states, "I sincerely thank-you; not only for the vital monetary award you have granted me, but for all the individuals and families you have supported in time past. Your dedication of improving the life of others is not going unnoticed and is without a doubt marvelous philanthropic work of art.
Jessie was a 2009 recipient and wrote to say, "My first year at college was such a great experience, I have met so many amazing friends, learned so much and I've realized a lot of things about myself also. I want to thank you so much for helping me, and so many others, make dreams of attending college a reality." She tells us of her very busy schedule over the last year and even how she continued "shared kindness” by going on a Flood Relief trip to Iowa. Jessie sends her deepest gratitude.
Ginny was a 2006 recipient and wrote to say, "As I finish my scholastic career at Iowa State University, I wanted to thank you once again for assisting me on furthering my education. I graduated a semester early from Iowa State this past December with a degree in advertising and a double minor in Spanish and Business.” She further tells us about her achievements at school. She then states “You are changing the lives of so many students. With the high cost in education, every bit helps ease the financial burden among students and their families. I am learning so much through this experience, and as I count my blessings, I wanted to thank your family once again. With much appreciation."
Those family, friends, and community members who donate and support the Abby Rose Benefit. You just keep giving silently never asking for anything in return. This demonstrates the pay it forward attitude that all of you possess and was also one of Abby’s finest qualities. The shared kindness just keeps going.
The Schirmer Family would like to share some of the recipient’s comments with you. We will update yearly. Thank you.:
Parker a 2016 recipient writes; “I am extremely honored to represent your family, shared kindness, and most importantly Abby. Next year as I head off to Central College (and anywhere life takes me) shared-kindness will be a torch I will continue to carry and I cannot be anymore eager to share it with others. Thank you for letting me be a part of Abby’s Legacy!”
Teagan a 2016 recipient writes; “Words cannot describe how thankful I am to receive this scholarship on behalf of your daughter. Reading about her story I could tell that Abby was a very outgoing and deeply caring person. I hope that by using my “shared kindness” I will be able to impact people just like Abby…Thank you again for your generosity despite what your family has gone through.”
Elizabeth a 2015 recipient writes; “I couldn’t be more thankful for you generosity in helping me achieve my goals, and that means going to school and trying to become something out of myself. I’m just so blessed that I have walked through your path and met wonderful people that do this for other kids like myself to get a dream started and go to school.”
Taylor a 2012 recipient writes; “Thank you so much for the honor of receiving the Abby Rose Scholarship. I greatly appreciate it! I am so sorry for the loss in your family. Your generosity in turning your tragedy into a means to help other students is inspiring. Though I did not know Abby Rose, I will remember her and how she affected your family and those around her. I will also remember the kindness and generosity of your family.”
Abby a 2012 recipient and wrote us to say; “Thank you so much for this scholarship.” Abby went on to tell us about the strong connection she made with the essay portion of the scholarship application. She says; “I really enjoyed writing the essays on the topics that were given. I know it was very difficult making your choices. It will be a tremendous help to me for school this year. Thank you again!”
Emily is also a 2012 recipient wrote; “Thank you so much Schirmer Family for choosing me to receive one of your scholarships.” She wanted to thank us for the scholarship, but also for the way we’ve opened her mind to new ideas. “The essay topics you choose made me do a lot of thinking, pondering, and questioning which all led to great things for me. I also am very sorry for your loss.” Emily went on tell us that we’ve inspired her mother to start a memorial scholarship in her brother’s name.
Madeline another 2012 recipient writes; “Thank you so much for the incredible honor of allowing me to represent your sister's legacy. I can't imagine the loss you must have felt and still feel today. This gift is such a wonderful tribute to her memory. I will do my best to always represent your sister and her wonderful generous spirit.”
Greg a 2010 recipient said because of this scholarship he is pursuing his dream. He states, "I sincerely thank-you; not only for the vital monetary award you have granted me, but for all the individuals and families you have supported in time past. Your dedication of improving the life of others is not going unnoticed and is without a doubt marvelous philanthropic work of art.
Jessie was a 2009 recipient and wrote to say, "My first year at college was such a great experience, I have met so many amazing friends, learned so much and I've realized a lot of things about myself also. I want to thank you so much for helping me, and so many others, make dreams of attending college a reality." She tells us of her very busy schedule over the last year and even how she continued "shared kindness” by going on a Flood Relief trip to Iowa. Jessie sends her deepest gratitude.
Ginny was a 2006 recipient and wrote to say, "As I finish my scholastic career at Iowa State University, I wanted to thank you once again for assisting me on furthering my education. I graduated a semester early from Iowa State this past December with a degree in advertising and a double minor in Spanish and Business.” She further tells us about her achievements at school. She then states “You are changing the lives of so many students. With the high cost in education, every bit helps ease the financial burden among students and their families. I am learning so much through this experience, and as I count my blessings, I wanted to thank your family once again. With much appreciation."