Hello, our names are Atta Kurzmann, Jim Vollinger, and Leela Kurzmann. Thank you so much for taking a moment to visit this campaign and learn about Drema’s journey.

Some of you may remember Drema from the trips we took with Northfield Mount Hermon students to volunteer at Joybells, the school/orphanage in northern India where she grew up. When we first met her, she was just eight years old—a bright, curious, and energetic child. Like most Joybells children, Drema spent the first few years of her life in extreme poverty in a remote tribal village high in the Himalayas. Her parents could not afford proper food, medical care, or education for Drema. She was fortunate to be offered a home at Joybells, which provided her with nourishment, education, and, most importantly, loving care and guidance from the directors, Joy and Col. Singh. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of watching Drema grow into an exceptional young woman. A straight-A student through her many years at Oak Meadow Distance Learning School, she earned the love and respect of all of her teachers. If you were one of the volunteers who traveled to Joybells, you’ll likely remember Drema as a true star—brilliant in the classroom, always asking thoughtful questions, helping struggling classmates, and leading with joy and kindness. She was also a talented dancer and actor, often taking center stage in school performances. As she grew older, she took on the role of a leader at the school, caring for the younger children and encouraging everyone around her to work hard and stay positive—even waking up at 5 a.m. to help on the farm before school.

Drema’s determination and talent earned her a scholarship to attend Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) summer sessions. Unfortunately, she was unable to get her visa approved in time. Still, she persisted. Last year, she applied for a postgraduate year at NMH and was accepted with a scholarship to join the Class of 2025.

Since arriving at NMH, Drema has flourished. She has excelled academically, built lasting friendships, competed on sports teams for the first time, and, again, won the hearts of her teachers, peers, and dorm mates. She graduated Cum Laude last weekend and was granted two awards for excellence, the Frank Stanley Beveridge Award and the William A. Knipe International Programs Award.

This year, despite applying to multiple colleges, the admissions landscape has been exceptionally competitive for international students. Still, Drema’s determination never wavered. She was recently accepted to Hobart William and Smith College in Geneva, NY, and DePaul University in Chicago. Both schools offered her a generous scholarship. However, she still needs to raise $20,000 per year to attend either school or $80,000 for her four years to cover the remaining costs and make this dream a reality,

That’s why we’re reaching out. We believe deeply in Drema’s potential—not just for her own future but for the impact she’ll have on others. Her dream is to earn a degree in the U.S. and return to her community in India to support and uplift others, just as she has always done.

A Note from Drema:

In return for your kind support, I would be happy to help you in any way I can—during breaks or over the summer, whether virtually or in person. One day, in appreciation for all the generosity shown to me, I hope to pay it forward by supporting the education of other children at Joybells Orphanage. Your help today means everything to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.