In alignment with Corey’s character and community impact, and made possible by the generous contributions of family, friends, and members of the local, community, the eighth annual Hoody Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Lakota West Senior, Corrine Gogolewski.

Corrine, daughter of Beth and Mike Gogolewski, epitomizes the characteristics we search for in a recipient of the Hoody Memorial Scholarship.  Her “never quit, never give up” attitude has propelled her in all areas of life and will continue to do so well into the future. Through high school she has been an avid soccer player and more recently took up the sport of bowling where she has won two GMC Championships after back to back undefeated seasons. Corrine’s story of overcoming epilepsy, heart stopping seizures and ultimately a right frontal lobectomy shows her “Strong Will, Desire to Succeed and A Little Bit of Grit.”

As described by Jason Cronk, Corrine’s Chemistry Teacher, “Like Corey, high school has not been easy for Corrine, but her drive, relentless fight and stubbornness has pushed her to do things that were once thought impossible. Also, like Corey, I think Corrine’s best days will come after high school.”

This fall, Corrine will be attending Miami University with a goal of becoming a Child Life Specialist and work at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.  Corrine’s desire to work in the Child Life Specialist field stems from the impact her specialists had on her during the stints within the hospital while growing up.

In her own words…

“Receiving the Hoody Memorial scholarship is such an honor to me. Corey was an incredible person and carrying on his legacy is such an amazing tribute to him and I feel so special to be chosen to help carry on his legacy.  I feel very lucky to be part of the Hoody family for the rest of my life and can’t wait to meet all of Corey’s family and friends that were so special to him. Corey struggled a lot like I did in my life but he used his grit to overcome his struggles just like I did and that is why it is such an honor to be part of his family and keep his memory alive.”