In 2024, KPRC 2 and American Furniture Warehouse will award $2,500 scholarships to 20 deserving high school seniors. These scholarships will be given to students who have been nominated by their high schools for their outstanding achievements and contributions.
One of the recipients of this Senior Scholarship is Athitiya Singhapan, a senior at DeBakey High School for Health Professions. DeBakey High School is part of the Houston Independent School District. Singhapan is known for being a self-published author, with her book “Rocks and Stinky Socks” being distributed at children’s hospitals and available on major retailers like Amazon and Target.
Inspired by her own journey with a chronic autoimmune illness, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Singhapan has distributed copies of her book to children’s hospitals across the country. She has also created an Instagram community for adolescents facing similar health challenges, filling a gap she saw in support groups for teens with chronic illnesses.
In addition to her writing and advocacy work, Singhapan volunteers her time teaching science to nursing home residents and creating educational videos on her YouTube channel. Her passion for science and dedication to helping others have earned her recognition, including winning first place in a nationwide video competition for the Environmental Protection Agency.
With plans to study Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas, Singhapan hopes to give back to the medical field that has supported her through her own health struggles. Her inspiring story and commitment to making a difference have caught the attention of KPRC 2 and American Furniture Warehouse, leading to her selection as a scholarship recipient. To watch the scholarship surprise for Athitiya Singhapan, check out the video above.
