All Things Are Possible

Albuquerque Teen Receives U.S. Presidential Scholar Award
August 15, 2019

ALBUQUERQUE – In May 2019, the U.S. Secretary of Education announced the 55th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, career and technical education fields. Among those to receive this award was a member of the Albuquerque Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, Abigail (Abby) Pribisova.

Early in her senior year, Pribisova was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Through the school year she underwent many difficult treatments but she maintained a positive outlook and relied on her faith in God. Pribisova not only beat the cancer but at the end of the school year was inducted into this year’s U.S. Presidential Scholars class.

“I think everybody deals with cancer in different ways. My way was I just wanted to act like everything was normal. I didn’t want to talk about it; I just wanted to keep on trucking,” said Pribisova during a local news interview.

Pribisova stayed active in the church’s youth praise team, Pathfinders and focusing on academics. In June 2019, she was honored for her accomplishments and traveled to Washington D.C. “It was great to see different parts of D.C., visit the White House and meet so many amazing people,” she said.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars honor is given to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service. Pribisova has done them all and also been a great inspiration to the members of her church, showing them that with God and a positive attitude, all things are possible.

By Janet Van Why