Meet the 2026 Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship Recipients

Allison was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in her junior year after years of experiencing symptoms. Outside of school, she enjoys competitive debate, working on research projects, and volunteering. Allison will attend Virginia Tech, and while she has not decided on her major, her experiences navigating the healthcare system have piqued her interest in public health and healthcare access.

Ashlynn was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in her sophomore year. Prior to her diagnosis, she would return home after school and sleep through the evening, miss dinner, and wake up the following morning, prompting her parents to consult a doctor. Ashlynn participated in the National Honors Society, Tri-M Music Honors Society, and the music program at the Thomas Dale Specialty Center for the Arts. She has played the cello for over seven years and looks forward to continuing this hobby as a college student. Ashlynn will attend Longwood University to study nursing, and is interested in minoring in music.

Ava was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in her senior year. After a long battle with excessive sleepiness and misdiagnoses, she was relieved to finally receive proper treatment. Since her diagnosis, Ava has flourished in her social life and activities as a member of the National Honors Society and volleyball player. She hopes to serve as an example of how life-changing a diagnosis can be. Ava will attend North Carolina State University to study political science and plans to become a lawyer, eventually working in government.

Ava was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in her sophomore year, after experiencing symptoms since seventh grade. Not knowing what the cause of her symptoms was, she gave up her favorite sport, volleyball, but was able to maintain her grades with the support of her parents. In her spare time, she loves to surf. Ava will attend Roger Williams University to study criminal justice and minor in forensic psychology. She was also offered a place in the Master’s in Criminal Justice program in advance and plans to become a profiler or a detective in the future.

Brooklynn was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in her senior year after struggling with symptoms since early middle school. Disheartened at first by a sleep disorder diagnosis, she now feels gratitude as she learns how to manage her condition. Brooklynn is active in her community and at school as a Girl Scout, a member of the National Honors Society, and the President of her school’s technical theater club. Brooklynn will attend the University of Arizona to study early childhood education.

Cal was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in third grade after experiencing symptoms from a young age. Although adjusting to the condition was challenging at first, he learned to manage his narcolepsy while remaining highly involved in his school and community. Throughout school, Cal participated in cross country, band, quiz bowl, and DECA, played guitar, and served as vice president of his class for two years. Cal will attend Georgetown University to study history and plans to pursue a law degree in the future.

Corbin was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in sixth grade. Despite constant tiredness posing challenges over the years, he persevered knowing that he had an explanation once he was diagnosed. He loves playing chess and spending time with his friends. Corbin will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham to study biomedical engineering.

Emma was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in her junior year when excessive sleepiness began to affect her overall health. Despite these challenges, she remained involved at school by playing softball and being on the cheer team. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and was named an AP Scholar with Honor. Emma will attend Northern Kentucky University to study business.

Gabby was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia during her sophomore year after experiencing constant daytime sleepiness throughout her life. With the help of her family and her doctor, she managed to improve her grades and her overall quality of life. She was a gameday and competition cheerleader and loves art. Gabby will attend the University of Tennessee Knoxville to study kinesiology in hopes of becoming a physical therapist.

Halima was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy at the age of 12 after experiencing symptoms for four years. Despite having to learn how to manage the condition, she maintained good grades and balanced many activities alongside her academics including competitive dance, Student Government Association membership for two years, student athletics, and family events. Halima will attend Louisiana State University to study sports administration with a concentration in leadership.

Jackson was initially misdiagnosed with narcolepsy in elementary school but was later diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in high school. Early on, he learned to advocate for himself and secure the accommodations he needed to succeed. Video games have been an essential outlet for him, helping him stay focused and engaged. Jackson will attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and hopes to pursue a career in psychiatry or neurology. His own journey gave him a unique perspective on brain health, and he is driven to help others navigate their own challenges with empathy and clinical expertise.

Jaden was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in third grade. Despite the challenges of her condition, she thrived at school, participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition and Girls Weightlifting. Additionally, she started a Students Working Against Tobacco club and graduated early from high school. Jaden will attend the University of Central Florida to study civil engineering.

JD is diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia. Before his diagnosis, he struggled to find hobbies and activities that he could consistently participate in because he always felt too tired to begin anything. After being diagnosed and starting treatment, he was able to find interest in physically active hobbies, like weightlifting and bouldering. Through these activities and with the help of his medication, he met many amazing people and discovered how much he enjoys helping others. JD will attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to study nursing.

Jordan was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in second grade. While navigating life with fewer waking hours was difficult for her, she feels grateful for the support of her family, especially her mom, who taught her to treasure the present moment. Jordan conquered high school as a dedicated student and performer, where she maintained High Honor Roll for all four years, was involved in multiple honor societies, and was the Dance Captain for several musicals. When she isn’t spending time with her friends or relaxing with her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, she loves volunteering in her community. Jordan will attend the University of Connecticut to study exercise science and aims to pursue a career as a physical therapist.

Kaelyn was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy at age 15 after several years of misunderstanding her extreme sleepiness. She continued her academic pursuits with perseverance, resilience, and self-advocacy. She enjoys dance and appreciates opportunities to speak in Spanish when she travels. Kaelyn will attend Kent State University to study nursing. She is passionate about caring for people and plans to pursue a career as an emergency room nurse in the future.

Kalyn was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in her sophomore year after struggling with constant tiredness for some time. She did cheerleading for eight years and began junior coaching in sophomore year. She enjoys art and music and hopes to get back into cheer at college. Kalyn will attend Quinnipiac University to study biochemistry in a program which will award her both an undergraduate and graduate degree. She plans to use her education to help other people like her who are struggling with chronic disorders.

Katie is diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy. When she received her diagnosis, she realized that she could not pursue the career she had planned for. Her narcolepsy diagnosis required her to reflect deeply on who she is and what she is capable of, despite her “disability.” Katie loves learning about different cultures, playing volleyball, and spending time outdoors. Katie will attend Kent State University to study architecture, with minors in construction management and Spanish.

Kennedy was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in her senior year after years of constant exhaustion and struggling to stay awake in class. Despite this, she maintained good grades, took several dual credit courses, and participated in various activities in high school. After beginning treatment, she was able to fully engage in her academic and extracurricular pursuits. Kennedy will attend Minnesota State University Moorhead to study biology on the pre-med track.

Luke is diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy. His diagnosis taught him many things about himself, sparking growth and change as he learns to manage his symptoms more effectively each day. His hobbies include football, fishing, golfing, and other outdoor activities. Luke will attend St. Olaf College to study finance and economics and play football.

Mae was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy the summer before her senior year, after falling asleep between periods in hockey games and in class. She participated in hockey, track, and tennis in high school. Mae will attend Hamline University to study special education while playing hockey and running track.

Mylie was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy in her junior year, after multiple misdiagnoses left her struggling with symptoms. Despite her symptoms, she graduated high school with both her diploma and an associate’s degree, all while maintaining participation in equestrian vaulting and the arts. She is passionate about art, finding solace in drawing, dance, theater, singing, and crochet. Mylie will attend Grand Valley State University to study psychology. Through her own experiences, she gained a curiosity and passion for psychology, and is determined to earn a doctorate in a related field.

Nina was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in her senior year, after battling sleepiness and chronic head pain for several years. Despite living with constant pain and fatigue, she learned resilience by balancing school, sports, and community service. She works as a camp counselor and served as president of the art club and secretary of her National Honor Society chapter. She loves watercolor, arts & crafts, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends at the lake. Nina will attend Monmouth University to study psychology. Her experiences have inspired her to become an art therapist, as she is passionate about helping children deal with chronic pain and mental health issues.

Otis was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in their junior year, following years of unanswered questions. Although narcolepsy tried to slow them down, Otis fought to stay present in their extracurriculars and academics, taking an active role in their high school speech and debate team, choir, and theater program. Otis will attend Baldwin Wallace University to double major in education and mathematics, pursuing their love for presenting and learning.

Parker was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in her sophomore year after a long struggle with symptoms. With the support of her friends and family, Parker was highly involved throughout high school on the field hockey and lacrosse teams, the school magazine, and the school newspaper. She also led multiple clubs, including the Jewish Student Association and the book club, and graduated from high school with a strong academic record. Parker will attend the University of Vermont Honors College.

Shaylee was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy following her senior year, after dealing with uncontrollable sleepiness and symptoms since middle school. Despite her challenges, Shaylee was in the National Honors Society, took multiple dual enrollment classes, attained her nurse assistant state certification, and played travel club volleyball for three years. Graduating from high school a semester early, Shaylee was honored with the “We are West Ada” award. She helped run the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and volunteered at a hospital, for the Red Cross, and at a children’s behavioral and occupational therapy clinic. Shaylee will attend Boise State University to study health studies with a medical and healthcare science emphasis, and hopes to work in pediatric oncology.

Tennessee was diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy in his senior year, after experiencing symptoms since early childhood. He struggled to deal with the limitations that come with his condition, but now feels very hopeful after participating in a clinical trial for narcolepsy at Stanford University. He enjoys going to the gym and playing Sunday league. Tennessee will attend Appalachian State University.

Wilson was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy at the age of 14. She participated in speech and debate for four years, qualifying for nationals twice. Wilson also enjoys playing rugby, singing, and working with non-profits and advocacy organizations. Wilson will attend the University of Montana to study sociology and sports management, with the goal of pursuing law school.

Zola was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia in her senior year after battling symptoms of extreme exhaustion for years. She loves thrift shopping and hanging out with friends, family, and animals. Zola will attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the pre-veterinary medicine program. She hopes to one day have a rescue farm and veterinary clinic.