About
A legacy built on care, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
John and Judy Wright met in Pennsylvania while working at the Beaver County Airport. John was a flight instructor for the community college; Judy managed just about everything else around the hangar.
They married in 1976 and raised four children together.
Years later, when their younger kids were in high school and the older ones had "flown the coop," John and Judy realized they still had more love—and more room—to give. They became foster parents.
From 2001 to 2013, they opened their home to 55 children, all under the age of three. Their care was steady, devoted, and deeply compassionate. For some children, it was nothing short of life-saving.
Their work did not go unnoticed.
"The wealth of a community can be measured by individuals like Judy and John Wright."
— Oakland County Board of Commissioners, Proclamation (March 21, 2013)
- Honorable Joan E. Young Award for Commitment to Children Oakland County Board of Commissioners · 2012
- Oakland County Foster Parents of the Year Oakland County Board of Commissioners · 2012
- Michigan Foster Parents of the Year Michigan Supreme Court · 2012
- John and Judy Wright Scholarship for Foster Children Ennis Center for Children
John passed away in November 2012. Though she has retired from foster care, Judy's heart remains firmly in the work. She spends with Baby J and her little brother, serves on the scholarship's administrative committee, and is writing her debut memoir, JUST HOLD HER, the true story of one extraordinary foster child who changed her life.
In honor of John's memory and in celebration of Judy's enduring legacy, the Wright family created the John and Judy Wright Scholarship, supporting students who have experienced foster care and wish to pursue higher education.
The Mission
Why We Are Here
This scholarship exists for one simple reason: no young person should lose their chance at a future because they lacked a safety net.
Only 3% of former foster youth complete a four-year degree. Financial strain alone can derail even the most determined student, especially when they don't have family support to fall back on.
The Wrights understood this reality intimately. Over ten years, John and Judy opened their home to 55 infants and young children, offering stability, love, and safety to those with nowhere else to go.
This scholarship continues that work by removing barriers that often prevent foster youth from accessing and completing higher education.
And for those who want to understand the heart behind this mission more deeply, Judy has written her debut memoir, JUST HOLD HER, the true story of one extraordinary foster child who changed their lives forever. Learn more at JustHoldHer.com.
The Data
The Reality Facing Youth in Foster Care
The statistics are stark — and they explain why this scholarship matters.
- 90.5% of youth in care worry deeply about their future
- 33% feel unprepared for essential life skills despite training
- Foster youth are twice as likely to repeat a grade
- At age 26, 5% of alumni report incarceration (vs. 0.5% of their peers)
- Youth who age out at 18 are 4× more likely to be evicted
- 22% experience homelessness after aging out
- Over 33% have 5 or more school placements
- PTSD rates exceed those of war veterans
- 50% face chronic medical issues
- Mean income: $13,989 (compared to $32,312 general population)
- Employment: 48% (vs. 80% general population)
- 57% lack anyone who could loan them even a small amount in an emergency
Source: fosteringsuccessmichigan.com
These numbers are not destiny — they are barriers we can address. And that is exactly what this scholarship aims to do.
The Family
The Wright Family Today
Though spread across the country, the Wright siblings remain closely connected — through annual hiking and karaoke trips, shared humor, and an active family group chat.
Andy lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Stephanie. He is a marketing consultant, and spends his time writing stories and music.
Kelly also lives in Portland with her husband Adam. She is an Accounting Manager at Lion's Vision Gift and plays in the ukulele band Ukebox.
Casey lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband Brian. She is a Management Consultant and an actor/director with the sketch comedy group Mercury. She proudly serves on the scholarship's administrative committee.
Emily lives in Durham, North Carolina, where she is the Advisor and Content Producer for Elemeno Health. She is also an avid volleyball player and rock climber.