Legal & General America is proud to announce that Jovan Scurry, a senior high school student in Augusta, Georgia, is this year’s recipient of its sponsored Life Lessons Scholarship. The scholarship is part of Life Happens’ annual program, a non-profit that recognizes students for perseverance following the loss of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance coverage.
In 2009, Scurry’s father took his own life, leaving 5-year-old Jovan, his younger sister, and mother, with no life insurance or means to support themselves. After several years, Jovan was forced to help contribute to his family financially by helping at this grandfather’s business, missing out on school-aged activities with his friends and neighbors.
“We are so proud to be able to award this scholarship to Jovan.” said Mark Holweger, President and CEO of Legal & General America. “Our organization’s mission is to help protect American families, which we do through the products we offer. Support such as this scholarship is an extension of the importance we place on social responsibility. We applaud Jovan for his perseverance during such a difficult time.”
“With this scholarship, I'll be able to attend my dream college, Howard University, to which I was just accepted. I will be majoring in TV and Film Production to chase my dream of becoming a filmmaker and hope to attack the mental health issues facing the African American community,” said Scurry. “There are too many people around the world with the same skin color as me that are ashamed to say they are not okay.”
Through its annual Life Lessons Scholarship Program, Life Happens recognizes students through scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, to help pay for their college education. The program started in 2005 and has awarded roughly $2,800,000 to over 740 students at over 350 schools. Legal & General America has worked with Life Happens for over 10 years on the program.
“Reading these students’ stories serves as a reality check for many and reminds us of the importance of providing a safety net for your family through life insurance. It’s not for you, but for those you leave behind. We are truly honored to play even a small part in these student’s lives thanks to the support of partners like Legal and General America,” said Andrea Englert, manager of Consumer & Industry Programs at Life Happens.