The Annual Jelly Poe Memorial Scholarship: Honoring Resilience, Faith, and the Fight for Freedom
The Jelly Poe Story (The Inspirational Story of Jelly Poe)
Jelly Poe was born in a refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border, where life was filled with hardship but also deep faith and strong community. From a young age, he carried himself with kindness, humility, and an infectious smile. He dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player, and his natural talent and discipline made that dream seem within reach.
At just fourteen, Jelly was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer. Doctors were forced to amputate his right leg — the very leg that had carried his dreams across the soccer field. For many, that would have been the end of hope. But Jelly chose a different path. He accepted this devastating loss as part of God’s plan and continued to inspire others with his courage and faith. Even as cancer spread to his lungs, he remained positive, never complained, and put others first.
One of the most powerful moments came when he asked for a photo of he and Kevin LaChapelle. Kevin asked Jelly if he truly wanted a photo of himself in such a frail condition. His response was simple yet profound:
“Sir, it’s OK to take a photo with me when I am at my worst. I want everyone to see that at my worst, I am still able to be at my best.”
Jelly’s words show us that true greatness isn’t about what we achieve when life is easy — it’s about how we face the hardest battles. His life was a testimony of resilience, faith, and leadership, and he never stopped asking others to “please never give up on our Karen people.”
Jelly Poe also inspired our PowerMentor team to plan the first Karen Day in DC in 2017. After his passing, Tee Soe, Lay Htoo, Samuel Sher, and Kevin LaChapelle met up in St. Paul, MN. They reflected on Jelly Poe requesting that we do everything we can to help the young Karen that was getting into trouble. The discussion also focused on Jelly’s vision of a large gathering of Karen people. We then made a Facebook video post from Samuel Sher’s parents’ apartment, just three weeks before our first Karen Day in DC, when over 20,000 Karen people stood as one to defend our people in Kawthoolei.
About the Scholarship
The Jelly Poe Memorial Scholarship was created to honor his legacy and empower young Karen leaders who will carry forward his vision of freedom and self-autonomy for the Karen people.
Award: A brand-new Apple computer
Eligibility: Karen youth, ages 17–25, enrolled in high school, college, or a community leadership program
Purpose: To encourage students who embody Jelly’s values — faith, resilience, kindness, humility, and leadership — and who are committed to serving their Karen people.
How to Apply
Submit the following:
Essay (1000 words)
Reflect on Jelly Poe’s story. In your essay, explain:How Jelly responded when he lost his leg while pursuing his dream of becoming a professional soccer player, and his amazing trust in God.
What his quote about taking a photo “at [his] worst” teaches you about courage and leadership.
Which of Jelly’s qualities you see in yourself (faith, resilience, kindness, humility, leadership) and give a real example from your own life.
How you will use those qualities to advance the freedom and self-determination of the Karen people.
2. Personal Statement (250 words)
Share your goals for the future and how receiving this scholarship will help you achieve them.3. Recommendation Letter
From a pastor, teacher, mentor, or community leader who can speak to your character and leadership.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be judged on:
Understanding of Jelly’s story and accurate reflection on his life.
Alignment with his values — kindness, resilience, humility, leadership, and faith.
Commitment to the Karen people and vision for advancing freedom and self-determination.
Character and Integrity shown through personal examples.
Why It Matters
Jelly Poe’s story reminds us that even when life takes away what we value most, we can still shine with strength, courage, and hope. This scholarship is more than an award — it is a call to rise as Jelly did: to never give up, to inspire others, and to fight for a future of dignity and freedom for the Karen people.
Applications Due: September 1 of each year
Submission Link: https://forms.gle/qB61dMys2DzUVbj88
“At my worst, I am still able to be at my best.” – Jelly Poe ✨
