SCHOOL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
In the spaces below, list and provide details on the TOP FOUR school and/or community activities that you have participated in during the last four years and that you feel are related to this scholarship. You may wish to include clubs, debate, school sport s, student government, fine arts, volunteer work, community fine arts or athletic programs, religious activities, 4 -H, etc. etc. For each school and/or community activities, please include:
• the number of years you participated in the activity
• the approximate number of hours per week and weeks per year spent participating, and • any leadership positions, letters earned, awards, or recognition received for participation.
Activity #1: For the past four years, I have volunteered at Vacation Bible School. Usually spending about 22 hours a week during the one -week summer program in St. Paul, Iowa. As a crew leader I was responsible for leading younger children through activities, helping t hem feel comfortable and included. Working with children taught me the importance of patience, communication, and staying positive. VBS showed me how much of a difference communication can make in a child's confidence in you and in themselves, which is one of the reasons why I want to study Speech -Language Pathology.
Activity #2: I have been involved in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) for two years, usually for one to two hours per week throughout the school year. This year, I was voted to be the Media Manager, where I help promote events and updates with our members and our community. During my time in HOSA I earned two medals at the state HOSA conference in Des Moines. Being part of HOSA has helped me develop skills of involvement and gave me a better understanding of the healthcare field. It also showed me the impor tance of communication with the people around you.
Activity #3: I have participated in Track and Field for six years. During Track we usually train around 10 to 12 hours per week during the four month spring sport. Track does not contain leadership roles because it is a sport where everyone takes the lead when necessar y, but I have earned a varsity letter for my four years of high school track. I have also qualified for state twice in the 4x800 relay, and became a two -time conference champion in the same event. Track has taught me discipline and has taught me how to get out of my shell and be more outgoing and talkative to others. Balancing school and sports has also pushed me to work hard in everything I do. These skills will help me succeed in a long Speech Pathology program.
WORK EXPERIENCE
In the space below, list and provide details on a work experience (including self -employment) that you have had during the last four years that you feel might be related to this scholarship. For the work experience (s), please include:
• the employer
• the nature of the work (including supervisory positions)
• the dates of employment, and
• the hours worked per week.
I currently work at Pilot Grove Savings Bank as a teller under the supervison of my manager Kelsey Donald. My responsibilities include helping customers with deposits, withdrawls, helping with lock boxes, answering phone calls, and check orders. This role has helped me develop strong communication skills, keeping a smile on my face, and to work well with people of different ages.
Working with customers has taught me how to be patient and clear, which has helped me ability to effectively communicate.
ESSAY
Please submit an essay describing yourself, including personal aspirations and career goals. BE HONEST AND TRUE TO YOURSELF. Consider the scholarship guidelines when deciding what to include in your essay. You may also report any additional information tha t you believe should be considered in reviewing your application. The essay should contain a clear introduction with a thesis statement, well -developed body paragraphs with supporting evidence, a conclusion that summarizes the main points, and a logical st ructure that connects ideas coherently. Please do not engage in plagiarism when writing this essay. Please cite your sources. Plagiarized essays will be grounds for disqualification and reporting to the high school and/or parents.
Growing up, I always knew that I wanted a career where I could help others, but I struggled for a while trying to figure out what that would look like for me. I was interested in the health field since I was little, I loved being around children, and I als o wanted to be in a school environment where I could work with children. For a while I felt like I was being pulled between these different passions, until I discovered that Speech -Language Pathology brought all of these passions of mine into a cluster. It would allow me to work in healthcare, support children, and help them feel confident in a school setting. Most importantly, it gives me the chance to help children find their voice and become confident instead of embarrassed or ashamed of how they may com municate.
One of the experiences in my life that made me want to work with children was my involvement at Vacation Bible School. As a crew leader, I spent each day working closely with children between the ages of four to ten. Some of the children were outgoing, whi le others were shy or quiet. I loved taking the time to get to know the children and get them to open up to me. Whether it was encouraging them to get involved in activities, calming their nerves, or just leading them to each activity, I learned how important patience is when working with children. Seeing them slowly become confident throughout the week felt rewarding and showed me how much a supportive figure or environment can impact a child.
What I loved most about Vacation Bible School was building connections with the children. Many of them just needed a hand to hold or someone to talk to since they were not with their parents. I enjoyed talking to them and enjoyed listening to their stories and thoughts. Watching shy children slowly become more talkative made me realize that children just need to feel safe and heard to leave their shells. These moments made me realize that helping children communicate is not just about how they speak but abo ut helping them feel confident in who they are. My involvement in HOSA also helped shape my goals for the future. I joined HOSA to learn more about the different health field opportunities. I learned a lot about different fields of study and it is also wh ere I learned of Speech -Language Pathology. Being part of HOSA helped me understand how communication plays an important role in healthcare. It made me realize that I want a career where I can combine my nterest in health and at the same time my passion fo r helping children. Overall, my experiences have shown me that communication can change lives and I want to be someone who can change lives. I want to be someone who helps children feel proud of their voice instead of embarrassed of it. I hope to work in a pediatric type of Speech -Language Pathology where I can work with elementary to middle school children. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and move closer to my goal of becoming someone who can give confidence to children and make a positive impact in their lives.

STUDENT INFORMATION
Student Name: Grace Goettsche
• Type of Student: Senior in High School Graduating in the Spring of 2026
• High School: Illini West High School
• Geographical Area: Hancock County Illinois
• Will you be attending Southeastern Community College (Keokuk, Fort Madison, or West Burlington Campus) in the Fall of 2026? No
• College / University / Trade School Attending in Fall of 2026: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
STUDY / MAJOR
• Area of Study: Speech Therapy/Speech Pathology
• If you selected OTHER, what major will you be pursuing (if applicable)?
• If you selected Liberal Arts, what study/major will you be pursuing (if applicable?
• If you selected STEM, what study/major will you be pursuing?
• If you selected trade school, what trade will you be pursuing (if applicable)?
CONTACT INFORMATION
• Email: gmeredith2008@gmail.com
• Phone: 6184847276
• Permanent Address: 300 Main Street , Carthage , Illinois 62321
• Emergency Contact: Rick Bliss
• Emergency Contact Phone: 6184447367
• Emergency Contact Email: rick@unionchurch.com
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
• Date of High School Graduation: 2026 -05-17
• GPA: 4.0
• ACT Score (if applicable): 28
• SAT Score (if applicable): N/A
• In the 2026 -2027 school year, will you be a: Full-time student
• Provide any necessary clarification on your full -time/part -time status or year in school here: I plan to enroll starting in the Fall as a full -time student.
• Reference Name: Twyla Goettsche
• Relationship with the Applicant: Work Supervisor
• Reference Phone Number: 2173578300
• Reference Email: tstevens@hogvet.com
CURRENT COLLEGE INFORMATION (if applicable)
• If you are currently a college student, what college do you attend? Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• If you are currently a college student, what year are you in college? (If you are NOT a college student, skip this question)
• If you are currently a college student, what is your anticipated graduation date?
SCHOOL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
In the spaces below, list and provide details on the TOP THREE school and/or community activities that you have participated in during the last four years and that you feel are related to this scholarship. You may wish to include clubs, debate, school sports, student government, fine arts, volunteer work, community fine arts or athletic programs, religious activities, 4 -H, etc. etc. For each school and/or community activities, please include:
• the number of years you participated in the activity
• the approximate number of hours per week and weeks per year spent participating, and
• any leadership positions, letters earned, awards, or recognition received for participation.
Activity #1: For the past two years I have been a member of National Honor Society at our school. This has provided me many valuable experiences, as it has given me the opportunity to serve my community and school. Our chapter tends to focus on a few large service proj ects a year. For example each year we assist in the planning of the annual "Courageous Smiles" track meet for individuals with special needs. National Honor Society staffs this event, which includes running the various activities. We have not only running races, but also many different field events. Last year in particular me and a few others were in charge of running the soccer event. We got the chance to interact with these kids, and cheer them on whenever they made a goal. These experiences have helped m e to deeply understand the people who may otherwise be overlooked and not given the appreciation they deserve. This is also what I want to do through Speech Therapy; I want to be a resource for the people who don't have the support they may need.
Activity #2: Another set of activities I pride myself in being a part of are the various children's programs my church hosts. Each summer for one week we host Vacation Bible school. During this time we meet kids from all across the area to learn about God. It is three hours a day for five days each year, and with the kids we sing songs, play games, eat snacks, read bible verses, and discuss the importance of God in our lives. Our church also has an after school program called "AWANA" once each week where I teach element ary school children to study and memorize bible verses in small groups. I am also in the rotation to be a church nursery attendant during our Sunday morning church services. I care for kids the length of the service for children ages 0 -5. I am grateful to be so involved in my church and our children's ministry because not only do I get to see the smiles on kids' faces, I also am able to teach kids how to grow in the right direction. Through the years I have learned that one person can make a profound impact on people's lives, and realizing that notion is something that drives me in my pursuit of Speech Therapy. One person caring enough to invest in another is often all it takes to change the trajectory of their future. I look forward to developing the skills that will help me in making this a reality through Speech Therapy.
Activity #3: Throughout high school I have also been active in sports, one of these being volleyball. I played volleyball for three years, often being 10 -15 hours a week for the length of the season. While we often started in the summer, the season spanned from August to late October each year. Through playing volleyball I feel there have been many lessons and skills I have learned that I wouldn't have had the opportunity to elsewhere. For example, true teamwork is crucial in volleyball, and being slow to get angry at y our teammates is what allows you to play as a team. In a high stakes and quick pace environment, it can be difficult to remain calm after someone makes a mistake. I honestly think this skill to remain calm and forgiving even under pressure is a skill every one needs, and is something that I will be tested on throughout my life. Volleyball has not only taught me what it means to be a part of a team, but also hard work and discipline. Returning to practice and continuing to play during a long
rally, can both be extremely difficult when you are tired or discouraged. But, what sports have taught me is how to push myself through that and continue on in the midst of those times. Both of these things, while useful in sports, are also life skills tha t are important to understand. Volleyball has taught me perseverance, and that is a skill I will always carry with me in the future.
WORK EXPERIENCE
In the space below, list and provide details on a work experience (including self -employment) that you have had during the last four years that you feel might be related to this scholarship. For the work experience (s), please include:
• the employer
• the nature of the work (including supervisory positions)
• the dates of employment, and
• the hours worked per week.
I started my first job this school year last August as a part of our school's Cooperative Education program. I work at Professional Swine Management in Carthage, IL where I work in the Human Resources Department as a Human Resources Associate. I run our co mpany Facebook and Instagram page, but also assist in day to day operations whether that may be data entry, employee record keeping, or even simply helping an employee with an issue. I work 5 hours a day, 5 days a week for a total of 25 hours worked each w eek. While Human Resources is not where I plan to continue with my future career, I have learned an incredible amount of things that I am positive that I can use after my time at Professional Swine Management ends following the end of the Cooperative Educa tion program this school year. I have learned the importance of paying attention to the little things, and making sure things are done right, because through my experience I have learned that doing things correctly and thoroughly really make all the differ ence. I have learned what it takes to work in a professional environment, developed teamwork and communication skills, and even learned life lessons in how much work occurs in the background of day to day things, and to always appreciate the things that go unnoticed.
ESSAY
Please submit an essay describing yourself, including personal aspirations and career goals. BE HONEST AND TRUE TO YOURSELF. Consider the scholarship guidelines when deciding what to include in your essay. You may also report any additional information tha t you believe should be considered in reviewing your application. The essay should contain a clear introduction with a thesis statement, well -developed body paragraphs with supporting evidence, a conclusion that summarizes the main points, and a logical st ructure that connects ideas coherently. Please do not engage in plagiarism when writing this essay. Please cite your sources. Plagiarized essays will be grounds for disqualification and reporting to the high school and/or parents.
Speech Therapists have the ability to make a profound impact on people’s lives, whether that is helping people regain lost skills, getting them the accommodations they may need, or simply helping them feel comfortable with their new reality. Through Speech I believe there are multitudes of ways to help people that many do not see, and I want to be a part of that. I plan to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for a degree in Speech -Language Pathology. I have always known I wanted to do something in the medical field, as I have always been intrigued with the ways our bodies work and I want to have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life. With my aptitude with science and math and my desire to work with people and help them improve their quality of life, the medical field seems like a natural fit. For years whenever someone asked what I wanted to do after high school, I always told them I wanted to become a Physical Therapist. My aunt is a physical therapist who loves
her job and that is what piqued my interest in Physical Therapy. I assumed it would be something I would enjoy, and something I’d be good at. So, this past summer I decided to job shadow at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, Illinois to see if Physical Therapy was something I could see myself doing as a career. While I was there to observe in Physical Therapy though, I wanted to keep an open mind about other disciplines and professions that I might not know about. I am extremely glad I chose to keep an open mind.
That first day I was able to see lots of different patients with a variety of issues. I was able to see a child with cerebral palsy practice walking and two ACL recoveries, each at different points in their recovery journey. It was very interesting, althou gh that day made me realize I didn’t have the passion for it that I thought I might. I liked what I saw, but couldn’t envision that being what I would do every day. But, right before lunch, there was an opening in the schedule, and no Physical Therapy for me to see. So, I was given the chance to watch a Speech and Language Evaluation, and I said yes. That was by far the best and most interesting part of my day. I was engaged for the entirety of the evaluation, and I was interested in every single thing the SLP was testing. After we were done, the Speech Therapist apologized if I found it boring, since it was only an evaluation. I had no idea what all Speech Pathology encompassed, and I remember thinking that if that was the boring part of the job, I couldn’t imagine what other things I may get to see. That was when I realized maybe I had stumbled upon something I had a true passion for. After that I spent multiple days with the three outpatient Speech Pathologists at MDH in Macomb. Before then, I had no idea what a wide range of issues can be treated by Speech and Language Pathologists. I had heard of Speech Therapy before, but I always assumed the Speech that takes place in schools was all it was. I thought it was just teaching children to say their words co rrectly.
I have since learned that Speech and Language Pathologists not only deal with teaching people to form words properly, but also evaluate swallowing/choking issues, identify and treat many different types of cognitive issues, and address speech processing issues. As I learned more about these areas, I found each one fascinating. During one session, I got to observe a patient who was recovering from a side -by-side accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. We were working with him to improve his memory and memory techniques. He studied a page of a man in a workshop with many different tools. He confidently named the tools and described where they were located. The man acted like it would be easy to remember these things and that he wanted more of a challenge. But, after we flipped the page over s o he could no longer see, I was able to fully grasp how a brain injury can affect someone. He struggled to recall the tools he had just described in length. Seeing that almost immediate shift, and acknowledging the gap between his previous memory ability a nd what he was currently experiencing was something I had never seen before.
After my time at MDH, I also observed with a Speech Pathologist in a school setting and with another in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. I am so happy I have had the opportunity to spend several days specifically to see Speech and Language Pathology in action, because I loved everything they did and all I was able to see and learn. My favorite part of the appointments was, no matter the age, the second where you could see something click in a patient's head; whether that was how to finally say a sound c orrectly, or finally remember the name of an everyday object again.
My experiences have helped me see that Speech Pathology is not only about speech skills, but helping people regain their identity and independence. I believe Speech Therapy is something few people really understand. If I hadn’t chosen to shadow this summer , I would have never been exposed to it, and I’m not sure where I would be today. I will now always recommend early job shadowing to the people who ask for advice, because it has given me the chance to know without a doubt that I am right where I am suppos ed to be. I have been fortunate to get to see what a normal day is like, not just what you learn in a classroom. I believe this is really important to experience early on so you can know if it fits your true interests and if you can follow through with it. Speech Pathology is a
perfect fit for me, because while the science behind it is fascinating, I am also able to see the positive effect it can have in people’s lives. I will be able to advocate for the people who may not have the resources they need, or the support system they deserve. Speech works with people of all ages across a very broad spectrum of issues, and I will get to build connections with my patients and see their improvements in real time. I believe I am extremely lucky to have stumbled upon something I have such a passion for, and I am so excited to get started! I am grateful for organizations such as yours that offer assistance to students looking to go into this vital discipline. I look forward to being able to serve the people of our area in just a few short y ears. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. If I were to receive it, it would alleviate a significant financial burden on me, freeing me up to focus more fully on my studies. Thank you for investing in the future of so many in our region!


NAME: Maren Doty
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL
SCHOLARSHIP: The Donald and Bonnie Hoenig Speech Scholarship SCHOOL: The University of Iowa STUDENT NUMBER: 1642756
• PERMANENT ADDRESS: 1886 200th Street , Donnellson, IA 52625
• EMAIL: dotymaren@gmail.com
• PHONE #: 3194707706
• EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: Teneal Doty
• EMERGENCY CONTACT PHONE: 3194704971
• ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP: No
• PREVIOUS AWARD AMOUNT: 4000
• AREA OF STUDY: Speech and Hearing Science
• YEAR IN SCHOOL: Sophomore
• STUDENT STATUS: Full-time student
• STUDENT STATUS CLARIFICATION (IF NEEDED):
• GRADUATION DATE: 2029 -05-12
• GPA: 4.08
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I never realized how one simple decision can change someone's life. For me, choosing Speech and Hearing Science was just that. After just one semester at the University of Iowa, I am certain this is where I belong, as I engage in new clubs, connect with ot hers, and grow as a hardworking student. I have immersed myself in the culture at the University of Iowa. I am in Dance Marathon, the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA), and the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). Dance M arathon raises money for the pediatric cancer children and their families in the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. I am a Family Representative, meaning I support a family with any questions and give them someone to talk to at any time. As well, I am a Lim e Representative, which allows a look inside every leadership position. This will help me decide which leadership role will be the right fit for me next year. I was nominated for dancer of the month because of my commitment to the group, and ultimately won the lime award for most dedicated, leading, and hard -working dancer. Additionally, SAA and NSSLHA provide many opportunities for me to get to know my classmates, understand my future work, and learn about all types of research. With these clubs, I have at tended many different seminars that have shown me how fascinating speech and hearing science is. Getting to know my peers and superiors has helped me gain another family. They show me they care not just about the schooling but about me as a person, too. Th ey show up for class, clubs, and as a friend. Learning through these clubs has taught me to be a part of something bigger than myself. Secondly, meeting new people has been one of my favorite parts of college. I’ve grown out of my shell to put myse lf out there. Each conversation brought me something new; I'm learning about different experiences than my own. I learned that the discomfort from putting myself out there brought me new friends and connections. These situations have shown me how to thrive in environments that might cause a little discomfort of not knowing. I’ve learned growth often begins
with discomfort, and with learning this, I can now handle environments with communication better and stronger. Finally, I’ve pushed myself to be a hard worker. I share my time between school, research, and, of course, friends and family. I have put in the late nights, extra studying sessions at the library, and the persistence not to fail. Not just for the grades, but for truly understanding the concepts I am studying. Again, not for me but for my future patients. As well, I am a part of the next ge neration of Speech and Hearing Science. I interviewed and was accepted into a research lab at the University of Iowa. We are researching the next -generation of Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) tests. I gain hands -on experience working with graduate students and a professor on audiograms, coding, tympanometry, and many other tasks. Through more studying, courses, and research, I will continue to work hard and learn harder. In summation, I love my schooling, from classes about speech perception to cochlear implants and sine waves. I love my research about next -generation Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) testing. I love my new friends in Iowa City and the new family I have here. I love this new life I am living, and with this scholarship, I will continue to live i t. I promise to continue to work hard, create meaningful relationships, and pursue new opportunities. I appreciate the funding for my education and the belief in me.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 2026 -02 -25 19:52:09
DIGITAL SIGNATURE: Maren Doty
NAME: Sierra Lucie
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL
SCHOLARSHIP: The Donald and Bonnie Hoenig Speech Scholarship
SCHOOL: Truman State University
STUDENT NUMBER: 1397435
• PERMANENT ADDRESS: 1441 East County Road 900 , Basco , IL 62313
• EMAIL: gq11164@truman.edu
• PHONE #: 2174309900
• EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME:
• EMERGENCY CONTACT PHONE:
• ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP :
• PREVIOUS AWARD AMOUNT: 4000
• AREA OF STUDY: Communication Disorders
• YEAR IN SCHOOL: Graduate/Specialized Studies Year 1
• STUDENT STATUS: Full-time student
• STUDENT STATUS CLARIFICATION (IF NEEDED):
• GRADUATION DATE : 2028 -05-06
• GPA: 3.7799999999999998
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I am a senior at Truman State University pursuing a degree in Communication Disorders with a minor in education. My goal is to be a speech -language pathologist in a school setting. I am involved in many different activities at Truman State that have helped me expand my communication skills and contributed to my academic success. I am currently an active member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) club at Truman State. I attend weekly meetings and participate in professional e vents such as the Missouri Speech and Hearing Legislative Day at the Missouri State Capitol. I have recently started being an undergraduate clinician at the Truman State Speech and Hearing Clinic. Through this, I have had the opportunity to provide speech therapy twice a week to my client. I meet with my clinical supervisor once a week to go over lesson plans and goals, but overall, it has been an amazing hands -on learning experience. It has shown me how excited I am to be going into this field. Outside of my major, I am also a student ambassador for the university. I give up to 3 tours to prospective students and their families per week. I have been able to meet so many amazing people through this, step out of my comfort zone, gain more knowledge about the university, and enhance my communication skills. In addition to this, I also help in the admissions office with paperwork and other odd tasks that are needed. I am also involved in a social sorority called Sigma Sigma Sigma. I previously held the position of Honor Council recording secretary and was on the clerical team for the Fall 2025 recruitment process. I have also held numerous other manager and leadership positions. Being in a sorority has taught me both personal and professional skills. I have lear ned the importance of public speaking, networking, event planning, time management, confidence, sisterhood, and community service. I also work at a dance studio, outside of campus. I have been a competitive tap dancer throughout my life, and I have had the privilege of now being able to make a difference and teach young children tap dance lessons. This past
semester, I started being a KLIFE leader for 5th graders once a week. KLIFE is a youth ministry organization, and I love making a difference in the younger generations through Bible studies and fun activities. Receiving this scholarship has significantly supported my academic journey. It has eased financial stress, enabling me to concentrate more fully on my studies and actively participate in my coursework. Because of this assistance, I have been able to continue my education without the weight of financ ial obstacles, and I am sincerely thankful. This support has also inspired me to work even harder, knowing that others believe in my potential. Thank you for investing in my future and helping me move closer to achieving my academic and career goals.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 2026 -01-23 15:01:25
DIGITAL SIGNATURE: Sierra Lucie
NAME: Aydan O'Connor
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL
SCHOLARSHIP: The Donald and Bonnie Hoenig Speech Scholarship SCHOOL: University of Iowa STUDENT NUMBER: 1569066
• PERMANENT ADDRESS: P.O Box 1481, Keokuk, Iowa 52632
• EMAIL: amoconnr@uiowa.edu
• PHONE #: 3196706051
• EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: Jamie O'Connor
• EMERGENCY CONTACT PHONE: 3196700585
• ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIP:
• PREVIOUS AWARD AMOUNT: 1000
• AREA OF STUDY: Speech & Hearing Science
• YEAR IN SCHOOL: Junior
• STUDENT STATUS: Full-time student
• STUDENT STATUS CLARIFICATION (IF NEEDED):
• GRADUATION DATE: 2028 -05-13
• GPA: 2.85
PERSONAL STATEMENT
To me, generosity is the greatest virtue accorded to the human race, and as such, I'd like to thank everyone involved in their generosity towards me through the awarding of the Donald and Bonnie Hoenig Speech Scholarship. Through this awardment, I've been able to foster a deeper love for learning and education overall, mostly by way of language learning. This deeper love for learning resulted in better grades; I landed on the Dean's list last semester. I truly thank everyone at the KACF and anyone else resp onsible for this scholarship, as it has allowed me to continue learning and building relationships that will aid me in the future.
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 2026 -02 -28 14:49:11
DIGITAL SIGNATURE: Aydan O'Connor