Herndon’s Overberg Receives First Shire ADHD Scholarship

Herndon’s Hannah Overberg, was chosen as one of the first recipients of the Shire ADHD Scholarship.

She graduated from Herndon High School in the spring and recently began studies at James Madison University. She was selected for the scholarship based on her school and community activities, work experience, honors and awards and a personal essay.

To apply for the scholarship, individuals had to be United States residents diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder who plan to pursue a higher education.

Twenty-five recipients, including Overberg, received the scholarship for $2,000 and a prepaid year of ADHD coaching services provided by the Edge Foundation to assist with their transition into college or higher education.

Overberg was the prose editor for Scribe Literary Magazine at Herndon High School, and an officer in the French Honor Society. She was also involved in the Keyettes, was a member of the National Honor Society and made the Dean’s List all four years of high school.

She taught religious school and lead youth group activities at St. Thomas Becket Catholic Church in Reston, worked at the Reston Speech and Language Center as a camp counsellor, and babysat for area families.

The ADHD Scholarship program was developed by Shire, a global specialty biopharmaceutical company focusing on helping those diagnosed with ADHD and other medical conditions. For more information on the program including a full list of award recipients, visit www.shireADHDscholarship.com.

“Overberg is a great role model and should be very proud of all that she has accomplished,” said Michael Yasick, senior vice president of Shire’s ADHD business. “At Shire, we recognize that the transition to higher education can be challenging for students and we’re pleased to provide Overberg with both financial support and ADHD coaching services during this exciting and important time in her life.”

The ADHD coaching is provided by The Edge Foundation, a national nonprofit organization. “The recipients have all distinguished themselves and shown enthusiasm for transitioning to higher education. The proactive support of an Edge Coach may help them with their educational endeavours,” said Robert Tudisco, executive director of The Edge Foundation. For more information on the Edge Foundation, visit www.edgefoundation.org.

According to a press release, this ADHD Scholarship Program is part of Shire’s comprehensive approach centered on putting patients first by offering services designed to help patients, parents, advocates and others providing care for people diagnosed with ADHD.