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Brother and sister Karl and Katie Frank from Martinsburg, Mo. earned the 2006 Americans for Financial Security Scholarship Award. Each student will receive $2,500 for tuition costs at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The Franks stand out as the first siblings to receive this scholarship in the same year.

“It’s an honor,” Katie says. “We are proud that we are both able to enjoy this award. [Karl] will do well in school. He will continue to do as well as he did in high school.”

Karl adds, “Not too many get this award. My sister got it last year. I thought I might as well apply and take the chance.”

By taking the chance, Katie and Karl are able to attend the school of their choice and to study the subjects that interest them. Karl plans to study psychology while at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

“My junior year of high school I took a psychology class,” Karl says. “It was one of my favorite classes; I really looked forward to going. I enjoyed talking to people and would like to make it my profession.”

Filled with aspirations to aid him through his college years, Karl shares some of his career plans.

“During college, I would like to have an apprenticeship in a psychologist’s office,” he says. “I would like to become a counselor where I did my internship or use it as a resource to find a job elsewhere.”
As she enters her junior year at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Katie already knows what it takes to earn her nursing degree.

“I knew I wanted to become a nurse,” Katie says. “Once I started clinical rotations, I learned I have a passion. I enjoy having my own patients; it’s neat. I want to find a nursing job in either the pediatric or OB field at a hospital. I always enjoyed working with children, and I worked as a tech on an OB floor.”

Katie and Karl both knew that college was in their future while they were in high school. Their older siblings and their mother all attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, so it seemed to be the natural decision.

“All my older siblings went to college,” Karl says. “It didn’t feel right not to go. I hope to receive better job opportunities. … I always thought it went elementary school, high school, college.”

AFS launched its scholarship program in 1997 in order to encourage members’ dependents to aspire to greatness, focus on goals and succeed in life. Since its inception, the program has provided over $74,000 in financial aid to scholars. The program is open to AFS Members’ legal dependents, ages 16-24.

To apply for the 2007 Americans for Financial Security Scholarship, please login and download the application. Hurry, the Scholarship application deadline is April 25!

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