Isabella Kehoe is the 2019 recipient of the Frances R. Soderberg Memorial Scholarship
Isabella Kehoe of Wakefield, MA is the 2019 recipient of the Frances R. Soderberg Memorial Scholarship. A freshman at the University of Michigan Ann Harbor, Ms. Kehoe was awarded the educational scholarship based on her proven lifetime commitment of improving the lives of individuals with special needs.
The Wakefield native’s interest in improving the lives of those with disabilities began in middle school. However, it was at Wakefield High School that Isabella got closer to special needs individuals though the high school’s Best Buddies program. Best Buddies aim is inclusion of students with disabilities. Inclusion starts with strong connections made when students are young.
Lynnfield-based Soderberg Insurance Agency created the Frances R. Soderberg Memorial scholarship to recognize and support individuals who are making a difference in the lives of special needs individuals. Isabella engenders this mission in her daily life. She continues to be an advocate for the handicapped.
While at the University of Michigan, Isabella is part of an after school program that includes working with inner city children from Detroit using art as a medium. Some of the children in the program have special needs. Isabella also active in a women’s health group at college that promotes sexual justice for people with disabilities, called W.O.R.T.H.(woman’s organization on rights to health).
Ms. Kehoe credits her interest in working with the disabled to the Wakefield School System. She comments “Wakefield has a strong special education program but there is always room for improvement.” She adds, “I think the program is getting better every year.” With committed individuals like Isabella Kehoe, public education for individuals with special needs as well as quality of live based on inclusion and integration will continue to improve.
More about the Frances R. Soderberg Memorial Scholarship
Soderberg Insurance Services, Inc. created an educational scholarship dedicated to the memory of the agency’s co-founder Frances Soderberg. Frances was an active member of the North Shore community for over 50 years. In addition to her commitment to her family, she dedicated her life to improving the lives of those with special needs.
Her youngest daughter Karen was born with Down’s Syndrome. Mrs. Soderberg was instrumental in the integration of recreational and educational programs for children and young adults who are mentally disabled. The co-founder coordinated an instructional tennis program that ran for fifteen years. Mrs. Soderberg, along with the assistance of the special needs participants and North Shore community, organized an annual fundraiser for 25 consecutive years to raise money for the recreational, educational, and social programs for the special needs young adults.
The Frances R. Soderberg Memorial Scholarship is awarded to an individual who shares her same passion to help those with special needs. The annual scholarship is awarded to a current college student, or college bound student who shares her commitment for education of individuals with disabilities and improving their overall quality of life. Mrs. Soderberg believed that integration of the handicapped in society is beneficial to all. When a community embraces the disabled, the community evolves into a more passionate, caring place for all residents.
