Students - Kids' Chance of Georgia

Meet our Scholarship Recipients

Kids’ Chance of Georgia provides scholarships to children of workers who have been seriously or fatally injured on the job and were eligible for Georgia workers’ compensation benefits.

Meet the remarkable students whose educational journeys continue because of this support.

Every Kids’ Chance of Georgia scholarship represents more than financial support.

It represents stability, opportunity, and hope during one of life’s most difficult moments.

Our students come from families whose lives have been impacted by serious workplace injuries and fatalities. While many have roots in Georgia, recipients may live and attend school anywhere in the country.

Below, meet some of the inspiring young people whose futures are being shaped through Kids’ Chance of Georgia scholarships.

Student Stories

At Kids’ Chance of Georgia, we are proud to support bright, determined students who are turning adversity into achievement. Meet some of our outstanding scholarship recipients—students who have overcome challenges and are pursuing their dreams with confidence and resilience.

Eizabeth Smiley

Elizabeth Smiley’s life changed in 2012 when her father, Shawn Smiley, was killed in a work-related accident while serving with the Atlanta Police Department. While assisting in the search for a missing child, his helicopter went down and exploded on impact. Officer Smiley was a Navy veteran and tactical flight officer in the department’s Air Unit.

Today, Elizabeth is thriving as a sophomore at the University of Southern California, where she maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA while pursuing her passion for fine arts and dance. Her sister, Victoria, is also a proud Kids’ Chance of Georgia scholarship recipient.

With the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Elizabeth is continuing to pursue her dreams with confidence.

Caylin Ewing

Caylin Ewing lost her father, Christopher Ewing, in a fatal work-related accident while he was serving as a police officer with the Smyrna Police Department. His patrol car was struck by a drunk driver, forever changing Caylin’s family.

Today, Caylin is pursuing her nursing degree at Georgia State University, working toward her goal of becoming a pediatric trauma nurse. Through determination and support from Kids’ Chance of Georgia, she continues moving forward with purpose and compassion.

With the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Caylin is continuing to pursue her dreams with confidence.

Trenten Cintron

Trenten Cintron’s family faced significant challenges after his father, Kevin Smith, suffered a catastrophic workplace injury involving severe burns from an explosion.

Now entering his senior year at Florida A&M University, Trenten is studying Interdisciplinary Studies and is on track to graduate in December 2024. With resilience and focus, he continues building a strong foundation for his future.

With the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Trenton is continuing to pursue his dreams with confidence.

Cade Nixon

Cade Nixon’s path was deeply impacted when his father, Stephen Nixon, was fatally electrocuted in a work-related accident while working on an irrigation pivot.

Today, Cade is beginning his senior year at Troy University, where he is majoring in communications. In addition to his academic work, Cade has proudly been a member of the Troy University football team, demonstrating leadership both on and off the field.

With the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Cade is continuing to pursue his dreams with confidence.

Takeo Benjamin

Takeo Benjamin is pursuing his biology degree at Georgia Gwinnett College after losing his father in a fatal work-related trucking accident.

Despite this loss, Takeo has remained deeply engaged on campus. He is active in the Student Government Association, participates in the honors program, and works as a fitness attendant at the college’s wellness and recreation center. His drive and involvement reflect a strong commitment to both his education and his community.

With the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Takeo is continuing to pursue his dreams with confidence.

Angela Juric

Angela Juric’s family was forever changed when her father, Adravko Juric, suffered a catastrophic workplace injury after being struck by a front loader at a construction site.

Angela is now excelling at Georgia Tech, where she is studying biology and recently completed the semester with a 4.0 GPA. Her academic success reflects the determination and resilience she has shown throughout her journey.

With the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Angela is continuing to pursue her dreams with confidence.

Kaeli Fariello

Kaeli Fariello lost her father, Bradley Fariello, in a fatal work-related accident while he was traveling for business. Shortly after graduating high school, Kaeli began her freshman year at Tallahassee Community College.

She is pursuing her goal of becoming a pediatric physical therapist, driven by a desire to help others facing medical challenges. Kaeli’s sister, Brianna, is also a Kids’ Chance of Georgia scholarship recipient, and their family was referred through the national “Planning for the Future” initiative.

With the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Kaeli is continuing to pursue her dreams with confidence.

Gracie Bradshaw

Gracie Bradshaw’s father, Jeremy Bradshaw, was tragically killed in a work-related accident while working on a power line when a motor vehicle struck the pole, claiming his life and the lives of two coworkers.

Today, Gracie is a senior at Georgia Southern University pursuing her accounting degree, with plans to graduate in summer 2025. Her perseverance reflects the strength she has shown in the face of profound loss.

With the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Gracie is continuing to pursue her dreams with confidence.

Brianna Fariello

Brianna Fariello’s father, Bradley Fariello, was killed in a fatal work-related accident while traveling for business.

Now a sophomore at Santa Fe Community College, Brianna is studying Animal Science and is new to the Kids’ Chance of Georgia program. Her family was referred through the national “Planning for the Future” initiative, and she is focused on building a strong path forward through her education.

With the support of Kids’ Chance of Georgia, Brianna is continuing to pursue her dreams with confidence.

HELP THE NEXT STUDENT SAY YES TO THEIR FUTURE

Behind every student story is a family navigating the financial and emotional impact of a serious workplace injury or loss.

Your support helps Kids’ Chance of Georgia continue awarding scholarships to eligible students and families connected to Georgia workers’ compensation claims, ensuring that a parent’s injury does not end a child’s educational journey.

Your gift helps provide:

Tuition assistance for college students
Support for trade and technical programs
Stability during a family’s most difficult season
Renewable scholarships for up to five years

Currently, Kids’ Chance of Georgia scholarships are awarded at $5,000–$6,000 per academic year.

Make a Difference Today

Give the Gift of Education

Your support can change a student’s life. By donating to Kids’ Chance of Georgia, you provide educational opportunities to children of Georgia’s injured workers, helping them build a brighter future.

Star Students

Meet our Scholarship Recipients

Student Stories

Give the Gift of Education