Will Yokabitus Scholarship

Drug addiction can be an immense challenge for both the victims of addiction and their loved ones. Between the behavioral changes and the health effects it can have on an individual, drug addiction is one of the most difficult challenges facing individuals across the country. As estate planning lawyers, we often help our clients with advance planning to plan accordingly for a loved one who struggles with addiction, and, unfortunately, the settling of an estate of a loved one who lost their fight.

Unfortunately, data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that in 2017, about 38% of adults in the U.S. struggled with an illicit drug use disorder. This data suggests that most people likely know at least one individual in their life who struggles with drug addiction. While our team at Cary Estate Planning is not equipped to tackle the drug crisis in America, we feel a responsibility to help students preparing for their college careers to understand the effects that controlled substances can have on them. That is why we started the Will Yokabitus Scholarship.

The Will Yokabitus Scholarship takes the name of Attorney Paul Yokabitus' late brother, who recently lost his battle with drug addiction at the young age of 37 years. Will was a loving father who cared very deeply for his four young sons. We started this scholarship to honor Will's memory, and to allow students to share how they have been impacted by drug addiction, either from personal experience or in relation to a friend or family member who has struggled with addiction. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to the applicant that provides the most thoughtful and well-written response to the prompt below.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply, please provide the following:

A) An updated resume that includes your contact information, as well as relevant education, professional, and volunteer experience.

B) A 750-1000 word essay on how you or a loved one has been impacted by drug addiction and how that experience has shaped your plans for the future.

C) A current unofficial transcript from the applicant's school. First-year college students may submit an unofficial transcript from their most recent school, as well as an unofficial transcript from their current school.

APPLICATION DEADLINE AND INSTRUCTIONS

To be eligible for The Will Yokabitus Scholarship, applicants must submit their completed application (personal statement, resume, and transcript) by e-mail to marketing@caryestateplanning.com. All applications must have a subject line that reads: "[Applicant's First and Last Name] – 2021 Will Yokabitus Scholarship". Submissions without this subject line will not be considered. The deadline for all application materials is May 31, 2021.