Give to the Frances G. Kopec Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established by daughter Chris Behrens, to honor her mother, the Frances G. Kopec Memorial Endowed Scholarship provides assistance to students who possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 and are seeking a degree or certification.

Frances was born in 1913 in northern New Jersey. Her mother, Josephine, emigrated from Poland while pregnant with Frances. Josephine’s husband did not come with her and died in Poland. Frances grew up during the hard times of the Great Depression of 1929. She never finished high school, but later in life, she did take some nighttime classes, because she firmly believed in learning. Frances married at age 29, during World War II.  She quickly learned how to manage the household accounts on a very tight budget, while raising her family. She was a good cook and loved music and dancing. Her musical tastes ran from Polkas to Mantovani to Operas to Englebert Humperdinck. She especially loved all six of her grandchildren. She always cooked their favorite foods and kept toys in her house just for them. When she was about 77, after months of ever-worsening symptoms, she was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). She eventually became totally paralyzed and passed away on Dec. 22, 1992, at the age of 79.

Success Stories

Meerya Shemza

"Because of you, I am able to continue my studies in information system technology. I look forward to the day when I can celebrate with my family by getting a job as an IT security analyst. Your support allowed me to get involved as a vice president of our Student Government Association. Your kind generosity in supporting students like me makes it possible for us to reach our dreams and make a difference in the world."

Mikayla Morgan

"Thank you! I am very grateful and honored for being chosen for this scholarship. You are sowing seeds into my success as I further my education, clearing the pathway to achieve my goals."

Sophia Amaya

Sophia Amaya aspires to be a doctor with a focus in psychology.  While she dreams to contribute to the improvement of the healthcare system, she hopes to also challenge the longstanding opinion that traditional medicine always holds the “right” answer; being passionate about exploring alternative approaches and enlightening others about the potential options available within the world of healthcare.

Growing up, Amaya's mother worked multiple jobs to provide her family basic necessities.  Coming from a single parent home, Amaya has been working since the age of 15 to help support her family.  To be able to go to college, Amaya chose Seminole State because of its affordability. She is dedicated to excelling academically and participating in extracurricular activities to increase potential scholarship opportunities.

"I am truly grateful for your generosity and support. Your belief in my capabilities motivates me to strive for excellence and never lose sight of my dreams.  I hope to one day be in a position to give back to students just as you have done for me. Thank you once again for making a significant difference in my life. Your generosity has not only lightened my financial burden but has also instilled in me a sense of purpose and determination to succeed." - Sofia Amaya

Additional Information

Thank you to the following donors who support this scholarship:

• Chris Behrens
• Thaddeus Kopec
• Tom Kopec