Crystal, who graduated from Dade County High School, was a student at Georgia Southern University before suffering a setback with aplastic anemia. After hundreds of hours of platelet transfusions and a bone marrow transplant, Crystal lost her long battle in November 1998, shortly after turning 21. In her honor, Blood Assurance in 1999 established a scholarship fund for high school students seeking to better themselves and aspiring to give back to the communities from which they came. 

 

The program offers a total of twelve (1) one-year scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each. Scholarship money is paid directly to each student's college or university for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses as may be required. Based on the institution's academic schedule, scholarship money will be paid on a semester or quarterly basis. Scholarship applicants will be judged on a written application, high school transcript, school and community service, letters of recommendation, and a marketing plan for a blood drive. The completed applications must be postmarked or submitted online by March 31st. 

 

Financial need is a consideration, as one of the primary goals is to help a student who might not otherwise be able to make it without the assistance. Applicants who have all educational expenses paid through other scholarships and/or grants are ineligible.