Scholarships

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 was asked 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 photos 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.”

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 people.

How to Apply

Submit the following:

1. 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.

   • 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-autonomy 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-autonomy.

• 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 ✨