Winners of the American Cancer Society's College Scholarship Announced

In 2011, the American Cancer Society’s 12-state Great West Division awarded 65 scholarships totaling $197,500, including three recipients in Colorado.

Katie Ledall of Greeley, Luke Mountjoy of Centennial and Corey Williamson of Bayfield were each awarded a $2,500 college scholarship by the American Cancer Society.

All three have been award multiple scholarships from the Society totaling $27,500. Since 2006 residents in Colorado have received 24 scholarships.

Ledall, a 2008 graduate of Eaton High School, was diagnosed with a brain tumor (pilocytic astrocytoma) in 1999. As a cancer survivor she was active in school including being the Senior Class President, co-editor of the school paper and a member of student council. She graduated with a 3.88 grade-point average. She also spent time volunteering at Northern Colorado Medical Center.

She is a junior at Colorado State University with a 3.7 grade point average and is considering a graduate degree in social work. She is an active committee member for the Relay For Life of CSU.

Mountjoy attended Metropolitan State College for his Freshman year before transferring to the University of Colorado – Denver for the remainder of his undergraduate degree. He previous won the American Cancer Society scholarship during his Sophomore year. Mountjoy will begin his second year of medical school at Des Moines University in the Fall where he’s studying to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. While he’s unsure yet as to what his field of specialization will be, he is looking into General Surgery or Pediatrics. Mountjoy says his “pediatric oncologist had a huge impact on my when I had leukemia. She was a wonderful doctor and a kind, caring human being.” Mountjoy says he realizes the importance of having a doctor who not only has an aptitude for science, but also compassion for patients.

Williamson is attending Fort Lewis College in Durango where he is a senior in exercise science specialists program. This is the fourth time he has received this American Cancer Society scholarship. The cost of tution is taking large piece of the Williamson’s family budget as Corey, his sister and his father are all attending college.

Williamson was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2003. He is a 2007 graduate of Bayfield High School. Though he was in treatment from eighth grade through his junior year, he stayed active in sports and even competed in the state wrestling championships. During his freshman year at University of Wyoming he joined the rugby team. An active participant in Relay For Life, Williamson is working on his personal training certification this summer.

Scholarships were awarded based on financial need, leadership, academic achievement and community service. To be eligible, candidates must have had a cancer diagnosis before age 21 and be a Great West resident. Students must also have a GPA of at least 2.5 and been accepted to an accredited school.

The purpose of the scholarship program is to help both the patient and family overcome the financial burden of cancer. For many, the financial impact from their cancer diagnosis has put the opportunity for higher education out of reach. With the opportunity for a cancer survivor college scholarship to help cover the increasing cost of tuition and related expenses, pediatric and adolescent cancer survivors are encouraged to fulfill their dreams and realize their full potential. 

For more information about this scholarship program, call the American Cancer Society toll-free at

1-800-227-2345.