Burress Injury Law Underdog Scholarship: Empowering Students to Overcome Adversity
Burress Injury Law is deeply committed to supporting individuals who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. Representing victims who have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones due to the negligence of others, the firm is passionate about helping the "underdogs" persevere and recover the compensation they deserve. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through the Burress Injury Law Underdog Scholarship, designed to provide financial assistance to deserving students across the United States.
The Underdog Scholarship: Aiding Students in Achieving Their Educational Goals
Burress Injury Law provides a minimum of 6 annual scholarships each year to deserving students. The Underdog Scholarships awarded are between $2,500-$5,000 and are offered during the Spring and Fall semesters. The Friends of the Firm Scholarships are typically $1,000-$2,500. These scholarships are available to undergraduate students throughout the United States. The awards can be applied to tuition and other education expenses at the recipients' schools, easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education. The Burress Injury Law Underdog Scholarship fund provides $20,000 annually, with one $5,000 award and two $2,500 awards offered for each of the Spring and Fall semesters.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The scholarship is open to all residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry. Employees and contractors of LeverEdge Association are ineligible to participate in the Scholarship Program.
To apply for the Underdog Scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 hours of college courses at the time the scholarship awards are issued. High school graduates may apply if they are enrolled in college for the semester immediately following the application deadline.
Interested students are required to submit an essay of 500 words or less, responding to a specific prompt. The prompt is: if you are so fortunate to have a Grandparent who is or was important in your life, we would love to hear about your relationship with your Grandparent in your response, including meaningful ways they have helped you and you have helped them.
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Along with your essay, please submit your contact information, a professional photograph of yourself, and proof of your college enrollment. All materials should be submitted using the form below.
The deadline for consideration for a Fall 2026 scholarship is June 8, 2026.
Celebrating the Underdog Scholarship Recipients: Stories of Resilience and Determination
The Burress Injury Law Underdog Scholarship has recognized numerous students who have overcome significant challenges to pursue their educational aspirations. Their stories exemplify the spirit of resilience and determination that the scholarship aims to support.
Spring 2026 Recipients
- Colt Ashby ($5,000): Colt faced incredible challenges in his life. After the passing of his 9-year-old brother, Judd, from a rare form of spinal cancer, Colt quickly took on new responsibilities at home while continuing to excel in school. He has shown remarkable resilience and maturity, balancing personal loss, family changes, and the pressures of adolescence with determination and faith. Through his experiences, Colt found his passion for mechanical engineering, motivated by his brother’s memory and guided by supportive teachers and mentors. He is continuing his college career at Texas Tech University, where he looks forward to advancing his engineering studies.
- Aubrey Nizigiyimana ($2,500): Aubrey spent years chasing his dream of playing Division I soccer, earning top honors and a college offer through his hard work and dedication. After a devastating shoulder injury ended his playing career, he chose to turn that setback into purpose. Now, he inspires others through coaching youth soccer and helping young athletes build confidence and resilience. He is continuing his education at the University of Georgia.
- NyJada Baker ($2,500): While balancing college, recovery from surgery, and a major life transition, she continued to show strength, perseverance, and commitment to something bigger than herself. She is continuing her education at Texas Southern University and carries forward the resilience and compassion that define her story.
Fall 2025 Recipients
- Aidan Hennessy ($2,500): Aidan has faced adversity from a young age as he grew up watching his grandmother battle emphysema, a disease that changed her life and deeply affected his own. Instead of letting those challenges hold him back, he turned them into motivation. He dedicated himself to learning about her condition, sought out new treatments that could improve her health, and supported her through each difficult step. His determination gave him a front row seat to her resilience and also taught him how to be resilient himself.
- Elizabeth Stewart ($2,500): She faced the challenges of growing up as a military kid, moving frequently, and living far from family. Her strength was tested when she was diagnosed with leukemia at the end of her freshman year while living in Seoul, South Korea. During a long and difficult chemotherapy treatment, she stayed focused on school, leaned on her family for support, and pushed through each obstacle. She celebrated important milestones along the way, including the moment she rang the bell to mark the end of 28 months of treatment. Elizabeth is now studying Health Professions and Clinical Science!
- Gavin Meagher ($2,500): Gavin’s sophomore year of high school changed dramatically when he began experiencing unpredictable seizures. They kept him from driving, playing sports he loved, and fully participating in everyday activities. For almost two years, he managed treatments, dietary changes, and countless doctor visits, all while keeping up with school and extracurriculars. Despite the setbacks and frustrations, Gavin never let his condition define him. He pushed forward, stayed involved with his baseball team, and celebrated milestones like earning the Heart Award and the Presidential Award for over 400 hours of service.
- Quillen Shields ($2,500): From a young age, medical challenges have been an unpredictable part of her life. Born with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), she has spent countless hours in hospitals, learning to manage procedures, monitor her condition, and advocate for her own health. During junior year, a sudden heart complication coincided with important AP exams, forcing her to adjust her plans and push through recovery while staying committed to schoolwork. These experiences taught her that setbacks are part of life, and moving forward despite obstacles is what truly matters. Her resilience and determination have shaped her passion for AI-focused cybersecurity, where foresight, trust, and proactive problem solving mirror the lessons learned from managing her own health. She is now studying Cybersecurity at Florida Polytechnic University.
Spring 2025 Recipients
- Parker Shubin ($5,000): Despite facing overwhelming challenges since being diagnosed with a brain tumor at just five years old, Parker has shown incredible resilience and determination. With 19 surgeries, including 14 brain surgeries, he continues to excel academically.
- Savannah Donaghue ($5,000): Savannah has faced serious health challenges, including heart failure caused by a rare heart defect. After undergoing a 10-hour surgery, during which she flatlined three times, Savannah came through with the help of 23 medical professionals. Following a long recovery, she received the news that she was off…
- Ella Stiso ($2,500): Ella was born with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that left her with limited use of her legs.
- Madison Harvey ($2,500): Madison’s journey with Papillary Thyroid Cancer has been one of strength and resilience.
Fall 2024 Recipients
- Chelsea Williams ($2,500): Chelsea has faced the challenges of Misophonia, a rare disorder, and turned those struggles into strengths.
- Addison Raffle ($2,500):
- Rosa Davi ($2,500): Rosa’s ability to keep going despite losing her father is inspiring.
Spring 2024 Recipients
- Diane Le ($2,500): In 2020, Diane lost a close family member due to family violence.
- Sydney Borchardt ($2,500): At 10 years old, Sydney was diagnosed with scoliosis.
- Sarah Doshier ($2,500):
- Emily Watson ($2,500):
- Emily Knerr ($2,500): At 6 years old Emily was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer, with a 96% mortality rate.
Fall 2023 Recipients
- Adem Byrdsell ($2,500): In 2021, Adem was involved in a major crash and suffered a traumatic brain injury, C5 spinal fracture, bruised lungs, fractured sternum, and fractured ribs.
- Presley Hazelwood ($2,500): Presley was born with Arthrogryposis, which affects her feet, legs, and hip. She has endured 10 surgeries, has 9 screws in her hip, and wears ankle/foot orthotics.
- Sarah: At age 11, Sarah was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia which isolated her from all the things she loved such as friends, school, sports, and church. Sarah’s life-changing diagnosis and the quality of medical care she received led her to want to become a nurse.
- Abigail Klein ($2,500): Abigail has persevered through and overcome challenges related to mental health.
Fall 2022 Recipients
- Nathan Eller ($2,500): As a high school student, Nathan’s dream was to play college football and violin.
- Kinja Bagalwa ($2,500): as a Refugee from D.R. Congo.
- Alice Skiff ($2,500): a University of Maine at Farmington student.
Additional Recipients
- Kelan Lawson ($5,000): a student who recently transferred from Arkansas to Texas Tech.
- Cassidy Habel ($2,500): a Texas Tech student.
- Connor Phillip Tompkins ($2,500): Out of more than 200 applicants, Connor was the only student attending medical school.
Friends of the Firm Scholarship: Recognizing Connections and Supporting Future Leaders
In addition to the Underdog Scholarship, Burress Injury Law also offers the Friends of the Firm Scholarship. These scholarships recognize individuals connected to the firm through various relationships, including clients, friends, and family members of employees. The Friends of the Firm Scholarships are typically $1,000-$2,500.
Spring 2026 Recipients
- Maya Knight ($1,000): Maya is currently in her second semester at the University of Oklahoma, where she began her studies in Fall 2025. She has been accepted into the university’s Air Force ROTC program and plans to serve her country following graduation. Maya is also a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega. Maya is a former client of the firm, and we are proud to support her as she continues her college journey.
- Megan Echegaray ($1,000): Megan is a junior at the University of Oklahoma pursuing a double major in Sports Business and Marketing and Legal Studies. Her goal is to attend law school and become a sports agent. She currently works with the OU Athletics Department and serves as the lead of the marketing team for the upcoming spring Softball season. Megan also serves as the Director of Diversity for the Alpha Phi sorority. This scholarship will help support Megan as she continues to gain hands-on experience and pursue her academic and professional goals.
- Paige Knight ($1,000): Paige is beginning her final semester at the University of Arkansas, where she is studying education with a focus on special needs for Pre-K through 3rd grade. Her passion for working with children with special needs has guided her academic journey, and she looks forward to starting her teaching career following graduation in Summer 2026. This scholarship will help support Paige as she completes her education and begins preparing for her future classroom. Paige is a current client of the firm, and we are proud to support her as she enters the final chapter of her college journey.
- Hope Adler ($2,500): She is pursuing her Associate of Science degree at Collin College and looks forward to transferring to a four-year university to continue her education. As a Legal Assistant at Burress Injury Law, she brings dedication to everything she does.
- Courtney Veal ($2,500): Courtney is going into her second semester at Texas Tech University, where she is studying Finance and excited to continue building her academic and professional skills. She looks forward to pursuing opportunities such as internships and other experiences that will help her grow and prepare for her future career. Courtney is connected to the firm through North Texas Elite Services, where her uncle has been a longtime friend of our founder. She also contributes her time to the Burress Community Foundation, helping support the foundation’s mission and initiatives.
- Gavin Micheletto ($2,500): Gavin is a student at the University of Mississippi, where he is pursuing his goal of becoming a lawyer. He has been named to the Chancellor’s List, earning him recognition as a two-time Friends of the Firm Scholarship recipient. He has contributed his time and talents to Burress Injury Law, The Rook, and the Burress Community Foundation.
- Hannah Walk ($2,500): Hannah is the daughter of Jason’s longtime friend of over 20 years, who has been a tremendous referral partner for the firm. She is currently attending the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she is majoring in Themed Entertainment Design. Hannah has been named to the Chancellor’s List, earning her recognition as a two-time Friends of the Firm Scholarship recipient.
Fall 2025 Recipients
- Bailey Mullen ($2,500): Bailey is a repeat recipient of this scholarship, earning this recognition once again due to her exceptional academic performance, with a cumulative GPA of 3.9. Bailey is also the daughter of one of our valued teammates, Julie. She will be a sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin, where she is studying Exercise Science and plans to pursue a Master’s in Athletic Training.
- Gavin Micheletto ($2,500): Gavin is an incoming freshman at the University of Mississippi, where he plans to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. He has contributed his time and talents to Burress Injury Law, The Rook, and the Burress Community Foundation.
- Hannah Walk ($2,500): Hannah is the daughter of Jason’s longtime friend of over 20 years, who has been a tremendous referral partner for the firm. She will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she plans to major in Themed Entertainment Design. Her future goal is to design theme parks for Universal Studios.
- Katherine Mathieu ($2,500): Katherine is the daughter of Audrey Mathieu, a longtime friend of Jason who periodically works with the firm. She will be attending Yale University on a pre-med track to become a pediatrician specializing in developmental disabilities.
- Grace Motsney ($2,500): Grace is from Allen, TX, and is attending the University of North Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Interior Design. Grace is also the sister of one of our valued teammates, Lauren. Her future goal is to work in residential or commercial design.
- Kennady Hughes ($1,000): Kennady is from Dallas, TX, and has been accepted into the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, class of 2029, where she plans to major in Finance. Kennady’s journey reflects years of dedication. She has completed over 250 volunteer hours through National Charity League and recently joined the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, where she looks forward to building friendships and connections during her time at UT.
- Klaire Hines ($2,500): Klaire is from Trophy Club, TX, and is attending Texas Tech University, where she plans to study Sports PR and Communications. She is passionate about sports and storytelling and hopes to work in the sports industry, helping major league teams shape their public image and connect with fans.
- Brock Bernal ($1,000): Brock has been an active part of the firm’s events, working various functions including the Burress Law Christmas Party and the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Burress Injury Law Charity Picnics. He is currently attending TCU, where he is pursuing a double major in Health Science and Business Management.
Additional Recipients
- Rose Duncan ($1,000): Rose's second scholarship from our firm, awarded to recipients who achieve the Dean’s List for the semester after becoming a scholarship recipient.
- Charlotte Hamann ($1,000):
- Curt Fendley ($2,500): Jason is Curt's godfather. Curt’s dad, Clifton Fendley, and Jason have been best friends for almost 40 years.
- Erickson Mathieu, Kate Hines and Ainsley Mathieu: 3 Burress Injury Law Friends of the Firm scholarship recipients for Fall 2023.
- Ciera Hecht: Her commitment and perseverance are why we have chosen Ciera to receive this scholarship.
- Laney: endured a silent battle, including injuries from a car crash that occurred when she was 15 years old. Burress Injury Law successfully tried Laney’s case last fall. Laney is doing great and just left home for Stephen F. Austin.
Beyond the Underdog Scholarship: Additional Scholarship Opportunities
While the Burress Injury Law Underdog Scholarship offers significant support, students are encouraged to explore other scholarship opportunities to maximize their financial aid. Several organizations and platforms provide access to a wide range of scholarships, including:
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- The "Be Bold" Scholarship: A no-essay scholarship awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile.
- ScholarshipOwl: A platform designed to streamline the scholarship application process and provide direct access to relevant scholarships.
- The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship: Open to all students seeking financial assistance for their education.
- Niche: A platform that helps students with every step of the college search, including finding scholarships.
- The Christian Connector: Offers various scholarship drawings for students interested in Christian/Faith Based colleges and universities.
- CollegeXpress: An educational publisher and higher education marketing agency that provides scholarship resources.
- StudentScholarships.org: Provides scholarship opportunities for students between the ages of 14-25 who will be attending school in the Fall of 2026.
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