Two Perquimans County High School seniors have been awarded a scholarship named for a PCHS graduate that helps promote awareness of a potentially fatal medical condition that can affect young women.
Another PCHS graduating senior has received a scholarship named for a member of the Perquimans County Schools Foundation Board of Directors.
Marleigh Cooper and Ashlynn Ward are this year’s recipients of the Abby Todd Toxic Shock Syndrome Awareness Scholarship, while Keralyn Stanley is this year’s recipient of the Pamela W. Hurdle Scholarship.
The Abby Todd Toxic Shock Syndrome Awareness Scholarship, presented to a graduating PCHS female senior for the first time in 2021, is made available by the family of Abby Todd. According to the schools foundation, Todd “nearly lost her life” to menstrual toxic shock syndrome, also known as mTSS, in October 2020.
According to the foundation, mTSS is a rare but serious condition that affects many body systems at once. It is caused by the release of toxins from an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, which is found in many women’s bodies. A tampon can sometimes be an ideal place for the bacteria to grow.
“The condition is serious, but with immediate medical attention, it is curable. Without treatment, it can be fatal,” the foundation said.
The goal of the Abby Todd scholarship, according to the foundation, is to help educate female students about mTSS’ symptoms and causes. Applicants for the scholarship are required to research toxic shock syndrome and submit an essay on the condition as a part of their scholarship application.
Cooper, who received a $1,000 scholarship from the Abby Todd fund, is dually enrolled at both Perquimans High School and College of The Albemarle. She maintains a 4.1 grade-point average, is active in both the Health Occupations Club and Beta Club and was a member of the PCHS Pirates volleyball team, where she earned coaches and scholar athlete awards.
Cooper, who also received a $1,000 Foundation Scholarship, plans to attend Mount Olive University to study criminology.
Ward is also dually enrolled at PCHS and COA and maintains a 4.6 GPA. She is active in student government, the Health Occupations Club, Beta Club, Interact Club and the FFA. She plans to attend COA to study nursing.
Ward also received a $1,000 Foundation Scholarship and a $1,000 Lion’s Club Jim Catfish Hunter Scholarship.
Hurdle, a longtime member of the foundation board, began providing a $500 scholarship to a PCHS graduating female student planning to attend a four-year university in 2021. According to the foundation, the scholarship “serves to empower others by encouraging them to pursue higher education and propel their careers.”
Stanley plans to attend Elizabeth City State University to study psychology. She is a member of the PCHS Marching Band, is a member of the PCHS Pep Squad, and volunteers at the Perquimans Arts League. She has won numerous awards in mathematics, the foundation said.
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