I cannot begin to put into words how grateful I am. The work The Next Step does is so important. The transformative nature of education is without parallel. It is, with the exception of 12-step programs, the most impactful thing in the lives of those in recovery. I still believe that there are probably people that are far more deserving than myself.

I am humbled by the generosity of Ron Wiese and all the donors. I hope they know the impact they have had on my life and more than likely all the other recipients as well. It is their generosity that not only facilitates the realization of recipients’ dreams, but also the connections we make through this scholarship.

Mark D.