Abdallah Abed and Hope Carlson Named Inaugural Grow The Dream Scholars
PLYMOUTH, MN (April, 2023) — Prep Network announced their inaugural Grow the Dream scholarship award winners today. Abdallah Abed (Mounds View) and Hope Carlson (Proctor), become the first Grow The Dream scholars.
Prep Network and the Grow the Dream Foundation share the mission of seeking to make college athletics a reality for more aspiring high schoolers across the country.
In year one, Prep Network fielded numerous applications from Class of 2023 student-athletes who are pursuing a place on an athletic roster at a college or university in the state of Minnesota. The winners have earned a $5,000 per year scholarship for their commitment to athletic and academic excellence (for up to 4 years).
MEET THE WINNERS
Abdallah Abed of Mounds View High School
Abdallah was unanimously selected as captain for the Mounds View Football program. On top of this, he was recognized for his athletic performance by being named to the Suburban East All-Conference team. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Abdallah is widely recognized by his peers and coaches for his leadership, selflessness, and drive. Often staying after practices to help teammates, continually putting in the work in the classroom and weight room, and volunteering in his community through organizations such as Feed My Starving Children. He will be attending Bethel University as a first generation college student, majoring in Accounting or Finance where he will also compete as a member of the Football team.
“Abdallah truly embodies the core values of Prep Network and the Grow the Dream Foundation. He is a Team-Player with an insatiable desire to be the best he can be in every aspect of life. We are thrilled to have him as one of our first Grow The Dream scholarship winners” – stated Nick Carroll, Prep Network Co-Founder and CGO
Hope Carlson of Proctor High School
Hope is a straight A student and multi-year team captain for the Proctor Girls Basketball Program. In addition to basketball, Hope was also a captain for the Proctor Volleyball team. Outside of athletics, Hope has been an active member of National Honor Society and Student Government, serving as the Vice President and eventually as the President of both organizations for her school. She regularly volunteers at the local animal shelter, and has started her own clothing company called “Hope by Hope”. She will attend The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. Hope plans to major in Marketing & Business and will be playing for St. Scholastica’s Women’s Basketball team,
“In getting to know Hope, it was obvious that she is the perfect recipient of the Grow the Dream scholarship. Hope’s curiosity was remarkable for a high school student, as evidenced by her endeavors thrifting and re-designing custom sweatshirts. On top of her curiosity, her commitment to being a leader and positive role-model in her community was evident.” said Nick Carroll
Stay tuned for future years of the Grow The Dream Foundation. Applications will begin again for Class of 2024 students in the Fall. If you know of someone who we should consider next year, you can nominate them below!