STEPHANIE FERNANDEZ

A little about Michele Meyer:

Michele graduated from Bryan College of Court Reporting in 1978 after which she immediately joined the field of deposition reporters and remained a top-notch reporter until 2004 when she was diagnosed with cancer. Michele attempted to return to reporting but found she could no longer report the type of depos she loved doing and decided to live the rest of her life to the fullest and chose to be with her family and friends. Michele, better known as "Mimi" to those closest to her, died on January 2, 2008.

Michele was not only an outstanding working reporter, but she was also very zealous and passionate in her support for our profession. She dedicated many years as the treasurer and a board member of the Los Angeles General Shorthand Reporters Association.

But we in DRA all remember her tenacity in DRA's fight against contracting, starting with the "Coalition," a precursor to DRA, and then her presence at DRA's founding and her continued dedication and efforts in making DRA what it is today. She was very involved with DRA's workings behind the scenes and declined to be recognized for her involvement with the legislation committee, but kept close tabs on the happening in legislation and often wrote the synopsis of the legislation for the DRA newsletter.

Our profession has lost a stellar reporter in many ways, and DRA could think of no better way of showing our appreciation of what she did for our profession than to honor her with the presentation of this scholarship in her name.

Stephanie's acceptance of the Michele Meyer $750 Scholarship:

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the support of the Deposition Reporters Association. Like many students, I rely on scholarships and student loans to pay for my education. This scholarship will help to relieve my financial burdens and ensure that I can continue my education.

With the help of this scholarship, I'll be able to continue pursuing my educational and professional goals and prepare to take the Certified Shorthand Reporters examination next June.

The generosity of the Deposition Reporters Association will have a serious impact on my education and career.

With sincere thanks.