Art Contest Announcement

On By Danielle Olson

The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund is proud to announce that we are holding an annual art contest for High School, Middle School, and Elementary School age groups who have lost a parent/guardian, grandparent, and/or sibling to substance abuse.

We hope that this will allow these students to tap into the depths of grief and translate those feelings into creativity. Whether it’s through a painting, sculpture, drawing, or any other art medium, they can use their emotions as fuel to make something meaningful and cathartic.

One winner in each school type will receive a $500 prize. (High School Group $500; Middle School Group $500; Elementary School Group $500)

Submissions will be accepted from June 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025. Winners will be announced September 20, 2025 which is the 10 year anniversary of the Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund!

Please share with your friends, family, and local schools to spread the word about our new contest that helps younger individuals who have lost a family member to substance abuse.

Application and submission criteria: The LMM Fund Art Contest Application

Get To Know Our Spring 2025 Scholarship Recipient – Becky Tesheep

On By Danielle Olson

We’d like to formally introduce our Spring 2025 3rd Place Scholarship Recipient, Becky Tesheep . The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund was established to assist and recognize students who have lost a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, and/or spouse  to substance abuse. We are proud to award a $250 scholarship to assist Becky this year. Becky is attending the University of Miami.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Becky Tesheep, I’m 44 and I live in South Florida. I have 3 children and a Boston terrier. I’m an instructional designer and a professor at Palm Beach State College. I’m recently widowed but I continue to love reading, cooking and running in my down time.

Q: Imagine yourself 10 years from now. What goals and ambitions do you have for yourself, personally, academically, and professionally?

Personal goals I have for myself: to redefine my purpose in life and continue to follow the path God has provided me and serve for Him. Academically, complete my doctoral program with an A and become an expert in what I do professionally. Professionally, to become a research scientist in the Early Childhood field, propose changes that can improve current standards and policies in the field for educators, families and children that are served.

Q: Aside from a college degree, what do you hope to gain from your college experience?

I hope to gain knowledge and perspective other than my own, so that my research in the future has a positive effect on those in my scope of interest.

Q: What motivates you to continue working towards accomplishing your goals?

This has changed over the years. The constant is God, I believe that my purpose is to reach as many lives as I can and make a positive change/affect that can serve those for the better and aid them by providing that hope and faith in adverse times. 

Q: What advice would you give to other students who have been through circumstances similar to yours?

This is a great question and having been impacted by the death of my husband last spring, and now my son this past week, my advice is to not waver from the strength that you know you have within.  The miracles that happen serve a greater purpose than sometimes we can see in the moment it’s happening. My son gave up hope after losing my husband, which ultimately took his life only 10 months later, (New Years Day 2025).  When you feel weak, speak to someone, it’s ok to reach out for help. Some of my best conversations are with God when I’m running my daily miles.  Don’t give up on yourself, be kind to yourself and follow the beat to your own drum. Don’t be someone else’s legacy, be your own.