The path from high school to college is full of challenges. For Misty Vonderleith, the challenges might have been insurmountable barriers, without the encouragement and support of Kids’ Chance.

Misty spent her childhood years in the care of extended family. At the age of 8 – just as she was getting to know her father – she lost him to a work-related highway accident. “I grew up with a very tight budget, unable to have what other kids had growing up,” she says. “I could never have come up with the funds needed to go to college.”

Despite a chaotic home life, a learning disability, and the absence of parental guidance, Misty was able to succeed in high school. She particularly excelled in her culinary courses, earning three state titles as well as ServSafe certification from the National Restaurant Association and the South Dakota Food Handler’s Card. “I always had my prep work done ahead of the class,” she notes, adding that she also participated in a national culinary competition.

Now, with support from the Jim Hudak and Sally Silvia Scholarship Fund, Misty is a member of the University of South Dakota Class of 2028. She will begin her studies in forensic anthropology, archeology and historical anthropology, in addition to pursuing a pre-veterinary track. “I love history and anthropology, but I also love animals,” she explains. “At some point I will have to choose between them, but right now I am just really excited to be learning about all of it.”

After working at a full- and part-time job during the summer between high school and college, Misty is grateful that the scholarship will let her reduce her need to work. “They say that if you work more than 20 hours a week during college, you are much less likely to pass your courses and get to graduation,” she points out. “I am determined to break the chain of my family’s history. I want to get good grades, and I want to enjoy the college experience.”

For Misty, this includes participating in university activities, particularly those with a volunteer service aspect. “Moving to campus is a little scary,” she says. “Getting involved will allow me to meet other students while giving back to the community.”

Jim Hudak and Sally Silvia are thrilled to know that their scholarship is available to help Misty reach for her dreams. Jim became involved with Kids’ Chance while serving as executive chairman and chief executive officer of Paradigm Outcomes. The organization’s mission resonated with him.  

“My father was a schoolteacher and librarian,” he explains. “A scholarship made it possible for me to go to Yale; my family never could have afforded it otherwise. I was fortunate to have healthy, working parents, but I can relate to the need for financial support.

“Paradigm was the first corporate sponsor of Kids’ Chance of America,” Jim continues. “We appreciated the effort to build a national infrastructure – that’s how Paradigm was able to grow. At the time, Kids’ Chance was active in 14 states and now there are Kids’ Chance organizations in all 50 states.”

The couple enjoys meeting scholarship recipients at Kids’ Chance national events. “You get see them blossom over the years, from shy teenagers to confident young adults,” Jim says. “Kids’ Chance offers them a caring community, in addition to financial support.”

“There aren’t many opportunities in life where you get to change the trajectory of someone else’s life,” Sally adds. “The ripple effect of these scholarships is enormous. Kids’ Chance scholars have such a passion for helping others. We are making a real difference in the world.”

Jennifer Andrisen Selzler, president of Kids’ Chance of South Dakota (KCSD), agrees. “The impact of these scholarships goes well beyond the financial,” she says. “There is an entire community that is rooting for Misty and her fellow Kids’ Chance scholars. We are eager to embrace their success.”

Jennifer notes that KCSD awarded its first scholarship in 2016. “We had one scholarship recipient that year, and this year we have nine – and we will reach our goal of 10 very soon,” she says. “We are putting a lot of energy into outreach, getting information about our scholarships into peoples’ hands.

“Our scholarships are giving kids the chance to become citizens who give back to society,” Jennifer adds. “We are beginning to see them return to Kids’ Chance as volunteers and ambassadors.”

Misty is grateful for the opportunity to go to college and to work toward a rewarding career and likes knowing that KCSD is helping other students overcome difficult circumstances. “Kids’ Chance is making it possible for students who, like me, could otherwise never go to college to reconsider their future plans.”