Tracey Meares Representation Matters Award at SIU Plastic Surgery

The SIU Institute for Plastic Surgery honors the 38-year journey of Tracey Meares’ denial of the Valedictorian title she rightfully earned in 1984 at Springfield (IL) High School. In 2022 that wrong was finally corrected when she was officially certified as Valedictorian of her SHS Class of 1984, following the premiere of the documentary chronicling her story entitled, “No Title for Tracey”.

To further honor her struggle and journey, the SIU Institute for Plastic Surgery is now offering this $1,000 Award to visiting medical students from underrepresented populations to promote more diversity in training opportunities in Plastic Surgery.