A Light in the Dark: Cleo Schied, Our First-Ever Healthcare Scholarship Recipient
In the spring of 2020, the world shut down. For high school seniors like Cleo Schied, that meant a sudden, jarring end to a pivotal life chapter. There was no prom. No in-person graduation. No clear vision of what college would even look like. It was a time of confusion, loss, and uncertainty.
“At that point, my high school career was looking pretty grim,” Cleo said. “It didn’t look like I’d get to walk at graduation, and I had no idea what my first year of college would be like.”
Amid the unknowns, Cleo received something unexpected: a spark of hope. She became the first-ever recipient of the Bauer & Clausen Optometry 20/20 Health Professions Scholarship.
“This scholarship gave me a rose-colored lens,” Cleo said. “It really was a light in the darkness.”
Investing in the Future of Healthcare
Each year, Bauer & Clausen Optometry awards $2,020 through their 20/20 Health Professions Scholarship to a graduating senior from Yellowstone County who plans to pursue a career in healthcare. The doctors at Bauer & Clausen Optometry know the value of education—and they are passionate about investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals. Supporting local students like Cleo is one way they give back to the community that has given them so much.
For Cleo, the scholarship was more than just a check. It was freedom. With it, she was able to pay off her tuition fees and cover the cost of her books right away—without needing to work full-time.
“It was a huge blessing,” she said. “I only had to work part-time—12 hours a week—so I could focus on my studies. Especially during COVID, when everything was online, that made a big difference.”
A Clear Path Forward
Cleo graduated from Billings Senior High School in 2020 and went on to earn her degree in Health and Human Performance from Montana State University in 2023. Now, she’s preparing to start her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at the University of Montana this fall—part of the first-ever OT doctoral cohort at the university.
During her gap year, Cleo has been working as a preschool teacher, where she discovered a special calling: helping children who need a little extra assistance.
“I’ve always loved the medical field, but I didn’t expect to love working with kids so much,” she said. “Now my goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist, helping children on the autism spectrum or those with developmental delays reach their milestones.”
She also has a strong interest in certified hand therapy—where specialists work with individuals of all ages to help them regain essential daily functions, like opening a jar or brushing their teeth.
Helping Montana Talent Stay Home to Serve
Cleo’s journey is far from over, but she knows one thing for sure—she wants to stay in Montana.
“I’m a Montana girl,” she said. “For a while, I thought I’d have to leave to pursue my career, but I’m so blessed UM is launching this program here. I’d love to serve my community right here at home.”
Cleo’s story is a reminder that even in the most uncertain times, support and opportunity can make all the difference.