 | Demetrius Paige was awarded a $3,000 John (NMN) Coffey/ThanksUSA scholarship to begin undergraduate studies at the University of North Alabama. In 2006, Demetrius’s father, Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Paige, U.S. Army, was killed during a training exercise. Besides this tragic loss, Demetrius has also overcome personal disability to pursue his academic goals. |
| Being born with the eye condition Nystagmus required Demetrius to use adaptive devices throughout elementary and middle school. “Needing larger font, I had to drag CCTV devices around from classroom to classroom in order to copy lessons from the board. By high school, cellphone technology had advanced and I was able to take a picture of instructions and copy them over into notes.”  This determined young man is now a successful college student majoring in Entertainment Business and working for the campus Event Planning Committee. “My goal is to gain knowledge and develop the skills necessary to become a professional entertainment promoter. I am already learning to coordinate seating, catering, and soundstage setup for events hosting up to 500 people. This job is perfect for my major because it is giving me the on-the-job training that I need to succeed in the Entertainment Business.” “Because of your support of ThanksUSA, I am on a road to completing my first year of college at the University of North Alabama. This scholarship has opened doors for me and I want to thank you again for your thoughtful and generous gift.” |
Demetrius’s father, the late CW2 Patrick Paige, U.S. Army |  Demetrius’s parents, Yolanda & Patrick Paige |
