Published in the March 2024 issue of the ISHA Voice

By Abby Jeppson

Abby is the chair of the Student Involvement Committee.

The Student Involvement Committee had MANY high-quality applicants this year. After a thorough review, the Committee would like to recognize this year’s recipients of the John Consalvi Service Scholarship! Please read the student highlights below:

Molly Bastida

Molly Bastida is a third-year graduate student majoring in audiology at Illinois State University. One of her most memorable and meaningful service experiences was with the Illinois Summer Special Olympics’ Healthy Hearing program! This program allows athletes to have their hearing screened and hearing aids checked during the weekend. Audiology (AuD) students coordinate the program with AuD students across the state and engage with the athletes. Molly stated that her favorite part about service is “connecting with other students and individuals in the community. I love getting to know individuals in the community and I have found service to be an extremely great way to do that!” 

Megan Gilfillan

Megan Gilfillan is a second-year graduate student majoring in speech-language pathology at Western Illinois University. Megan’s exemplary service highlights include serving as the head student chair for the Equity and Equality Club as well as a variety of activities that focus on supporting individuals with disabilities. Some examples of these activities include: assisting with a support group for parents of children with disabilities, volunteering for America Reads (an afterschool literacy program), and coaching Buddy Sports. Megan stated that her favorite part about service is “knowing that acts of service perpetuate themselves. If you take the time to educate, listen to, and show up for a few, it often inspires them to educate, listen to, and show up for many others. The impact of service extends far beyond a single individual!”

Jenan Said

The inagural Spotter Staffing scholarship winner was annouced at 2024 ISHA Convention. Congratulations to Jenan Said! Spotter notes, "Her essay on how her passion for speech pathology will guide her future inspired the scholarship committee, and we know her career as an SLP will be bright!"