Hannah Fitton Living Your Dreams Scholarship Grant

Hannah Fitton Living Your Dreams Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
Amount: US $813
Last Updated: February 08, 2026

Summary

The Hannah Fitton Living Your Dreams Scholarship, established by Hannah Fitton, aims to empower graduating seniors with physical disabilities from public high schools in the Fox Valley region. A graduate herself, Hannah overcame Usher Syndrome to achieve success in music and swimming, including representing Great Britain at the Deaflympics. This scholarship encourages students to pursue their educational goals and dreams, reflecting Hannah's commitment to giving back and inspiring others to realize their potential.

Overview

Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region serves the Wisconsin Fox Valley area—including Calumet, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, and the Neenah-Menasha area of Winnebago County—by managing enduring charitable funds created by families, businesses, and organizations, and by awarding grants and scholarships that strengthen the region’s social, educational, economic, and cultural well-being. Founded in 1986, the Foundation brings together donor generosity and community needs to ensure that contributions have long-term impact. Mission, Vision & Priorities The Foundation’s mission is to "strengthen our community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all." It envisions a region where everyone can flourish, supported by inclusive networks and connected opportunity. Guided by values of respect, integrity, stewardship, teamwork, and belonging, the Foundation prioritizes: Facilitating philanthropic giving and building permanent endowments to support the community’s future.Educating and partnering across generations and sectors to foster informed and effective charitable action.Supporting nonprofit capacity, collaborative problem-solving, and community priorities that uplift underserved populations and promote long-term impact. Hannah Fitton Living Your Dreams Scholarship Hannah Fitton has chosen to be defined by what she has achieved and not to be defined by the limitations of her hearing and eyesight. A graduate of Appleton North High School, Hannah was diagnosed at an early age with Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that results in hearing loss and visual impairment. Recognizing the uncertainness of Usher Syndrome, Hannah endeavors to live in the moment and inspire others to pursue their dreams to the fullest. Hannah relentlessly pursued her passions of music and swimming. She played cello in both her high school and college orchestras. Swimming in high school and college led her to represent Great Britain at the Deaflympics and Deaf World Championships, becoming a multi medalist at both events. Hannah has also coached both Special Olympics and YMCA swim teams. In 2014 Hannah graduated magna cum laude from Colgate University with a major in Sociology & Anthropology and a minor in Rhetoric. After graduation she moved to Chicago and is employed as a Market Research Analyst. Like many people living with a disability Hannah has become an “everyday innovator,” determined to find solutions to problems that will allow her to unleash her full potential to be able to realize her dreams. The solutions haven’t always worked the first time but living her dream has given her the courage to keep trying until she finds the best solution. As a high school senior, Hannah was awarded the Margaret Ferris Scholarship for Hard of Hearing Students to support her educational goals. She established the Hannah Fitton Living Your Dreams Scholarship to give back to her home community and to encourage students with disabilities to live their dreams.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Graduating seniors from a public high school in Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Kimberly, and KaukaunaHas a physical disabilityIs planning to pursue post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or technical college as a full-time student