Fox Awards $2,000 Scholarship

This year, Fox Pest Control continues its commitment to expanding our philanthropic efforts by awarding a $2,000 scholarship to an outstanding student who exemplifies our core values of hard work, determination, and community involvement. We asked students to submit either a video or essay detailing a philanthropic project they were involved in over the past two years.

Even in the face of adversity, these students showed incredible tenacity and compassion. From helping create a community during the pandemic to becoming an advocate for those who don’t have a voice, these students are making a difference in the world.

We are proud to announce the recipient of this year’s Fox Award to Angelina Amato, who is a daughter of an Army officer, and a freshman at Mount Holyoke College studying neuroscience and psychology.

Due to her dad’s work, this self proclaimed “army brat” lived in two continents and five states. Her constant move allowed her to make friends in many different places, but it also meant that she had to leave them just as quickly. As a result, Angelina has learned to become more resilient and adaptable.

However, Angelina’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with Dysautonomia and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia in high school, which is a disease that caused her autonomic nervous system to collapse.

For two years, all Angelina was offered in the way of school work were remedial courses because no one knew how else they could help. And since she was constantly on the move, the special assistance she needed took too long to be approved and by the time it was, she had already moved on from that school.

But this didn’t stop Angelina from finding a way to advocate for herself and other students who might be facing similar obstacles.

“I knew I needed honors courses, not a remedial education, to pursue my dream of attending college to become a neuropsychologist. Following my mom’s example, I learned to self-advocate,” said Amato in her essay.

Many people are unaware that special education can be a challenge for military children. So Angelina started her nonprofit, Military Kids Special Needs Education Alliance, in order to provide other students an equal opportunity at education without barriers because of their condition and lack of resources.

Since its conception, Amato has helped hundreds of military kids with special needs and their families to get the resources and support they need to succeed.

“Today, many local military kids with exceptional needs receive special transportation and other services that were previously unavailable to them. I’m incredibly proud of this legacy,” said Amato.

Everyone has a special talent and unique way to give back to the community, that is why Fox Pest Control is proud to award Angelina Amato with the Fox Award.

Angelina is an excellent example of what it means to be driven and compassionate, two values that we hold dear at Fox Pest Control. We are honored to award her this scholarship and can’t wait to see all the great things she will do in the future.

Additional $1,000 Scholarship

This year we received an overwhelming number of submissions and it was difficult to choose just one recipient. That’s why we are also proud to award a $1,000 scholarship to our runner-up, Eniola Ayo-Gbenjo.

Eniola is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh studying Biological Sciences in the pre-med track. Growing up, Eniola always wanted to learn dance, but due to financial barriers and a lack of resources, she was unable to pursue her passion.

Instead of giving up, Eniola found a way to bring dance to herself and others who might not have the opportunity to experience it. She started a program called “The Dance Obsession”, which provides free virtual dance classes to kids in underserved communities, and promotes racial and socioeconomic diversity in the dance world.

“I believe no one should have to let circumstances they can’t control hinder their passions. I am proud to see how through this program, I have been able to begin to diminish racial inequalities in my small part of the dance community, and in turn open the door to allow youth to pursue their dreams, without limitations,” said Ayo-Gbenjo in her essay.

Since starting her program, her county has started the process of creating dance programs to youths in middle school to promote inclusion, although this is still in the works, Eniola is proud of the progress that has been made and looks forward to continuing her work in the future.

Seeing the impact she was having on her community, Eniola decided to pursue a career in medicine so she could continue to help others.

“My initiative sparked a passion within me regarding diversity and equity issues in healthcare. I hope to use my career to promote inclusion in medicine the same way I did with dance,” said Ayo-Gbenjo.

With her scholarship, Eniola plans to pay her school tuition and continue to serve her community. She also believes that the Fox Award has helped her confirm that she is on the right path.

“Winning this scholarship reaffirms that I’m on this path of making a real impact,” said Ayo-Gbenjo.

Eniola has a bright future ahead of her and we are so proud to have her as our runner-up.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application this year. We were truly blown away by all the amazing things our applicants are doing in their communities.

Though we can only award two scholarships, we encourage everyone to keep up the good work and continue making a difference. Make sure to check back next year for another opportunity to apply and receive the Fox Pest Control Scholarship.