Cohenour Scholarships will be awarded to employees in pursuit of a Child Care Professional Certificate (CCP), a Child Development Associate (CDA), the National Administrators Credential (NAC), Continuing Education Units (CEU’s), a vocational diploma in Early Childhood Education, an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Montessori certification, management courses and educational workshops.

Recipients may use the scholarships for application fees, registration fees, matriculation fees, miscellaneous education fees, tuition, books and other instructional materials.

Mark Allen Cohenour was born in Sacramento, California on October 30, 1968. Shortly after birth he was diagnosed with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. Historically, the disease insures loss of muscle use and a short life of pain. Those who knew Mark were impressed with his positive attitude and concern for others. He was never one to complain. In 1978, 1980 and 1981, the Muscular Dystrophy Association selected Mark as the Middle Georgia poster child. In 1979 he served as the poster child for the state of Georgia.

Mark was a determined young man. One of his main goals was to receive a high school diploma. In 1989, he completed his education, graduating from Warner Robins High School.

On May 23, 1992, at the age of 23, Mark passed away, having lived well past his projected life expectancy. Children’s Friend is honored to name this scholarship program in behalf of Mark Cohenour.