Ottawa University

Young OU Achiever to be Featured on Local FOX News Channel

OTTAWA, Kansas - Sixteen-year-old Courtney Turner is a full-time student at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas.  Her outstanding achievements and unusual story will be featured on Fox 4 News in Kansas City on February 7 and 8, 2007.  The "Young Achievers" segment will be aired during the 9:00 p.m. newscast on Wednesday, February 7, and during the 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. newscasts on Thursday, February 8.

Courtney was interviewed for the segment both at home and in her OU biology class on January 23 by Fox 4 news anchor Phil Witt.  Fox 4 learned of Courtney's achievements from her mother, Tonya, who called the station to recommend her daughter for the Young Achiever's Award.  When you hear Courtney's story, it's easy to understand why.

At just eight years of age, Courtney Turner already knew that she wanted to go to college - early.  She also knew that she wanted to study bio-technology when she got there.  And for a very good reason.  The precocious homeschooler wanted to find a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), the disease her mom Tonya has lived with for 17 years.  At 16, Courtney hasn't waivered from her dream.  She is currently a freshman biology major at Ottawa University.

"I've watched my mom live with MS my whole life," said Courtney.  "I've seen her want to do simple things, like play with us, and not be able to.  That's why I've always wanted to get into the lab to find a cure so that others won't have to struggle like she does."

Courtney lives in Richmond, Kansas, and chose to attend OU because it is close to home.  "I couldn't go away to college because I need to be home to help my mom," said Courtney.  "OU lets me do that; they also didn't have a problem with my age," she said. Courtney was accepted to OU after completing her GED last spring.  Because of her superior academic performance, Ottawa University awarded Courtney a Dean's Scholarship, as well as a departmental scholarship.  The 16-year-old is funding the rest of her education herself through loans.  She currently holds a 3.75 GPA. 

Assistant Biology Professor Dr. Terry Malloy is very impressed with Courtney's academic abilities as OU's first 16-year-old full time biology major.  "Courtney is ready to be here.  She's autonomous, she's driven, and she's as conscientious a student as I've ever seen."

Though her mom is the reason for her current career path, Courtney will tell you that the strongest motivator in her life has been her Christian faith.  "It's kept me strong and always given me hope.  When things seem too hard, God is always there for me to rely on.  He's the one who gave me the desire to help people."

For other young achievers, Courtney has a message:  "Keep pushing to reach your goal.  Youth is an advantage.  So just put your mind to it, and you'll do it!"

Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. Ottawa University's educational mission brings together a residential campus in Ottawa, Kansas, and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe, Arizona; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jeffersonville, Indiana; as well as multiple international instructional sites.  For more information, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/.

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