The Paul E. Smith Scholarship is presented to a high school senior with epilepsy as a person whose academic performance, community involvement, and personal statement are all exemplary. It is presented annually so that youth with epilepsy can pursue their life goals and dreams.

The Paul E. Smith Scholarship is funded and awarded by a generous gift from the Paul E. Smith family. Paul’s family lost him to epilepsy at the age of 22 and continues his legacy by helping other students with epilepsy further their education.

Paul E. Smith Scholarship Application Requirements:

• For high school seniors who have epilepsy and who live in areas served by the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California.
• Recipient will receive $2,000 towards their college education.

Help someone living with Epilepsy go to college

Meet the 2015 Recipient 

Alex Lawson is the recipient of the 2015 Paul E. Smith Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes Alex as a person with epilepsy whose academic performance, community involvement, and personal statement are all exemplary. The Paul E. Smith Scholarship is presented annually so that young people with epilepsy, like Alex, can pursue their life goals and dreams.

The Paul E. Smith Scholarship is funded and awarded by a generous gift from the Paul E. Smith family. Paul’s family lost him to epilepsy at the age of 22. They continue Paul’s legacy by helping other students with epilepsy further their education.

Seventeen-year old Alex Lawson is a graduate of North Salinas High School in Salinas, California. He ranked among the Rotary Club Top 100 Scholars, graduated with High School Honors and took several Advanced Placement courses. Alex volunteered at Dorothy’s Place, the Boys and Girls Club, and animal maintenance at Animal Friends Rescue Project and was a member of the Pie Society, Calculus, Physics, Anime, and Cycling Clubs.

This fall Alex will attend California State University, Fresno, pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences. Alex has chosen this major so that someday he may help others with their medical needs. “Being diagnosed with epilepsy has given me a different perspective on life that has allowed me to become stronger.”

Alex’s life changed in the summer of 2013. He awoke confused and unable to comprehend what was happening. Alex had suffered another seizure that he could not remember and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Alex says, “It was both shocking and scary to hear that a few seconds of seizures had dramatically changed my health. My transition to being a person with epilepsy was definitely more difficult mentally than physically. I thought it would be challenging to return to school and my daily routine with a medical condition, but I soon learned otherwise. I realized that my health status had changed, but that I had not.”

Alex is an inspiration to all teenagers with epilepsy. We wish Alex the best of luck as he works to further his education this fall!