SPC M. STEPHEN "DOC" JOHNSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The M. Stephen Johnson Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of SPC M. Stephen Johnson, who died by suicide in March of 2019.  Stephen was just 22 years old. His death was in stark contrast to the way he lived his life.

Each year a $2000.00 scholarship will be awarded to each of up to two promising military service member(s) (active or veteran) who serves or has served as a medic. The scholarship is to assist with costs directly related to a program or certification in a service-related field (healthcare, mental health, social work, public policy, etc.). Paramedic, flight school, nursing, specialization, bachelors, and advanced degrees are just a few examples of programs that would qualify.

To be considered for the Scholarship applicants must be currently enrolled or have been accepted to a program that is starting within the calendar year that the scholarship is awarded. Well-rounded military service members or veterans who demonstrate a significant initiative in leadership, serve as an inspiration, and believe in encouraging and shaping the lives of others in our community, are invited to apply.

Awarding of the M. Stephen Johnson Memorial Scholarship is contingent on several criteria including acceptance to, and enrollment in, a two- or four-year college, or certification course and a complete application. Additionally, applicants are required to submit an essay demonstrating resilience. Scholarship recipients are expected to use their resources wisely and uphold a high standard of conduct.

The M. Stephen Johnson Memorial Scholarship award is an outright grant. Although recipients are under no obligation to make repayment, it is hoped that once graduated and engaged in a productive career they will help honor the memory of Stephen by giving future students a similar financial opportunity.

The M. Stephen Johnson Memorial Scholarship was created in conjunction with Operation Shockwave, a non-profit dedicated to veteran suicide prevention through complementary and integrative healing modalities. Suicide is a hard topic to openly discuss; mental health often carries the stigma of people being broken. We want to change this. We need to open up dialogues amongst family, friends and the community in order to save lives. This scholarship starts to build this bridge on a community level and actively supports individuals on a similar path.