About The Be Thoughtful Scholarship

The Be Thoughtful Movement, Inc. was established in 2018 out of a passion and belief that everyone has a gift and purpose to share, regardless of one’s physical or intellectual ability. Co-founders Stephen Tarca and Susan Johnson, while helping their son Harold navigate the transition from school-age support services to post age 21 life, helped create a travel business for him that aligns with his passions and abilities, but more importantly provides purpose and meaning in his life. The success and positive change that occurred was transformative and has been the inspiration behind The Be Thoughtful Movement.

To honor Harold’s inspiration and to further the organization’s mission to support the creation of new jobs for people with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities, we created The Be Thoughtful Scholarship Fund, and we will award periodic scholarships to individuals with disabilities that demonstrate a desire to pursue a personal passion, including but not limited to, creating a business, furthering their education, or purchasing tools/equipment to support their craft/passion. Financial need will also be a determining factor in our selection process.

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Meet Thomas Kelly – 2023 Scholarship Recipient

Thomas is a graduate of Farmington High School and will be attending the University of Iowa in the fall of 2023 and is enrolled in their REACH Program. UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) is nested in the UI College of Education and is a comprehensive transition program for college-age students with intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities. UI REACH offers an integrated college experience in a caring and structured environment. Academics, career and transition, social growth, and campus life are areas of focus. UI REACH is a four-year program with early graduation options. Thomas embodies the spirit and purpose of The Be Thoughtful Scholarship.

Thomas is a positive and energetic young man, who has already accomplished so much while also encouraging others along the way. I encourage you to view his video produced by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, and see why Thomas is such a deserving recipient (besides having a great 3 point shot!).

Please join us in wishing Thomas all the success in the world as he heads to Iowa this month to begin this exciting new chapter!! Continue to “Play Up” Thomas……you inspire us all!

See our past recipients of The Be Thoughtful Scholarship

Bobby Jenner – September 2021

Bobby Jenner was our very first scholarship recipient. Bobby used his scholarship to purchase a special printer to make t-shirts and decals. Bobby recently shared, “My new printer allows me to be productive during the day, and allows me to be creative by coming up with new designs and gifts”.

Emma Tuttle – October 2021

Emma Tuttle used her scholarship funds to purchase new cameras and lighting equipment so she can continue to pursue her passion of making healthy food cooking videos!