Around this time last year, I wrote an article about Solvay Pharmaceuticals' annual SolvayCARES "Thriving Student Achiever" scholarship contest, which has been helping students with Cystic Fibsosis - an inherited, chronic disease of the lungs and digestive system - to realize their dreams of going to college for the past 17 years. This year, it seems Solvay has found a way to make everyone a winner.

In addtion to all forty finalists receiving $2,500 to use during the academic year, Solvay also awarded $500 scholarships to every qualified applicant, so no one went home empty handed. To honor the contest's 17th anniversary, Solvay will award this year's scholarship winner with $17,000 to pay for college expenses.

This year, the students wrote an essay entitled "My dream for the future is ..." in addition to submitting works of art such as poems, photographs and original songs.

Voting, which began on September 15, 2009 and will conclude just before midnight on October 15, 2009, can be done online at www.SolvayCARESScholarship.com, by calling 888-305-9808 and following the instructions, or by texting VOTE1, VOTE2, etc - depending on the finalist chosen - to 30364. Only one vote per phone number or email address will be accepted; however, a person can vote once online, then once again either by phone call or text message for his/her favorite finalist.

Click here to learn more about voting and contest rules.