2019 Light A Candle

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Living in Sync is excited to announce two 2019 recipients of the Light a Candle Award, each earning a $500 academic scholarship given in recognition of those who have overcome adversity and exemplifies a giving spirit towards others.

Rather than being shut down in the challenges of life, these people embrace hope and a determination to make the world a better place. They embody the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."

Meet our 2019 Graduates & Recipients: Megan Grow and Mawa Toure. 

Megan Grow, Southeast Polk High School

“Each and every day, I make it a mission to be there for people who need someone to lean on. I try to make bad days better ones, and good days remain that way.” says Megan Grow.

Megan learned at a very young age, resilience is the key to power through any obstacle and thrive. Born premature, Megan started life with a challenge. It would not be her last. Her parents' divorce, followed by her father “moving on”, was an unbalancing event that could have sent her into a tailspin. Megan has faced health struggles on and off over the years; and it caused her to miss a fair amount of school her junior year. 

Her senior year has been marked by supporting her mother through a serious illness, including a kidney transplant. Megan stayed by her mom’s side in the hospital providing comfort and care. Quick to act and calm under pressure, she was credited in helping to save her mother’s life once when her port had become dislodged.

In April, when it became apparent that her mother would not survive to see her daughter graduate, school administrators and counselors arranged a private graduation ceremony in the hospital so mother and daughter would not miss out on this right of passage together.  Her mother passed away a few days later.

Amidst the stress, Megan has found school and volunteering to be a place of routine and stability. She has been a key leader in Got Bounce at SE Polk High school. “Got Bounce is a group that provides community service but also promotes positive school culture.  Megan is the first student that comes to mind when you think of positive culture.  She is always encouraging to others, a smile on her face and always looking to the bright side of life.”  according to guidance counselor Michelle Feldmann.

Megan is wise beyond her years and is passionate about the medical field. Her plans are to pursue medical school and ultimately care for underdeveloped newborns as a Neonatologist. Megan has been accepted at Des Moines Area Community College and will begin her classes this fall.

Mawa Toure, Roosevelt High school 

Hard work and dedication are two gifts that Mawa has embraced since a young age.  She has been surrounded by a very supportive mother and close group of church members that have helped her to focus on her education so she can work towards her dreams of becoming the first person in her family to attend college.  

Originally from the Ivory Coast, a major accomplishment has included becoming a United States citizen. According to a close church friend, “Mawa has faced many challenges adapting to a new country and culture, yet has developed an outstanding character.”  

Mawa has a strong faith in God that has also molded her and the dreams for her future.  She says she will carry God with her wherever she goes as she spreads a light of hope and kindness through her smile.  She wants to make a positive impact through genuine interactions with others.  

Mrs. Haylett her school guidance counselor says, “Mawa is an outstanding young woman.  Mawa is one of the students I look up to.  She runs into challenges regularly but continues to progress and make gains.  She has the drive and internal motivation to succeed.”

Mawa has been accepted into Marshalltown Community College.  She plans to begin studying towards a degree in Liberal Arts.  From there she would like to pursue further education to become a lawyer.