Royal Neighbors of America, a nonprofit life insurance organization based in Rock Island, has awarded 32 scholarships to students across the nation including two students in Quad Cities.
Since 1961, scholarships have been awarded annually to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education for members and their families.
Regional honorees are Kimbree Callahan of Bettendorf, who is going to the University of St. Thomas; and Kacie Swanson of Sherrard, Illinois, who will attend Augustana College.
Investing in tomorrow
“The program is an investment in tomorrow’s community leaders,” said senior director of Social Impact Amy Jones. “By supporting our members in their educational pursuits, we are empowering them to be at the forefront of critical issues and shaping a better future for all. These scholarships are not just financial aid; they are a commitment to nurturing the leaders who will drive positive change in their communities.”
This scholarship program emphasizes the importance of strong, community-based leadership delivered through volunteerism. Students are required to respond to essay questions about their personal experiences and discuss a social issue currently affecting communities.
“One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that no matter how old you are, no matter how small your idea is, and no matter what others think you are capable of, you can make a significant impact on the world. It only takes one small act of kindness to change someone’s life for the better,” said Graci Tubbs, recipient of a $2,500 scholarship and Royal Neighbors of America Chapter Leader.
More than $5 million has been awarded to date. Scholarship recipients can use their scholarship funds for tuition, room and board, and books. Visit royalneighbors.org/scholarships to learn more.
“Education is a powerful tool for change, and we are honored to support our members in their educational journeys,” said Royal Neighbors CEO and President Zarifa Reynolds. “A sincere congratulations to the 32 outstanding individuals who have been named as scholarship recipients this year. Our Scholarship Program has and will continue to fulfill our mission to insure lives, support women, and serve communities.”
Scholarship winners
The list of students selected for Royal Neighbors scholarships includes:
- Chloe Ashley of Ionia, Iowa; going to Drake University.
- Peyton Boles of Dexter, Missouri; going to Murray State University
- Ryder Boles of Dexter, Missouir; going to Murray State University.
- Claire Boling of Gulf Breeze, Florida; going to Florida State University.
- Autumn Bowers of Chesapeake, Virginia; going to Howard University.
- Kimbree Callahan of Bettendorf; going to the University of St. Thomas.
- Eli Cameron of Leland, Illinois; going to Waubonsee Community College
- Laura Cannon of Jacksonville, Illinois; going to Maryville University.
- Stephanie Cano Salazar of Kissimmee, Florida; going to Valencia College Osceola.
- Sofia Chakounis of Centennial, Colorado; going to Arapahoe Community College.
- Isabel Coehl of Stockton, California; going to California State University Stanislaus.
- Courtney Conway of Ponte Vedra, Florida; going to the University of Florida.
- Clarice Delles of Blue Springs, Missouri; going to the University of Southern Mississippi.
- Logan Herrera of Corpus Christi, Texas; going to Texas A&M University Kingsville.
- Veniamin Kuzichez of Washington, D.C.
- Megan Lockhart of Vancouver, Canada; going to the University of British Columbia.
- Shelby Lyda of Broomfield, Missouri; going to the University of Colorado – Denver.
- Evelyn Munoiz of West Jordan, Utah; going to Arizona State University.
- Nicholas Nondorf of Machesney Park, Illinois; going to CReighton University.
- Ashley Peltier of Taylor Falls, Minnesota; going to Southwest Minnesota State University.
- Jayden Polansky of Austin, Texas; going to the University of Texas at Austin.
- Zanya Sewell of Colorado Springs, Colorado; going to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
- Madelyn Sloan Kianane of Houston, Texas; going to the University of Kansas.
- Kacie Swanson of Sherrard, Illinois; going to Augustana College.
- Cheryl Taylor Stiles of Philadelphia, Pa.; Going to Temple University.
- Graci Tubbs of Seminole, Florida; going to Florida Atlantic University.
- Randi Tubbs of Seminole, Florida; going to the University of South Florida.
- Abigail Urban of Somerset, Pa.; going to Shippensburg University.
- Halle Watson of Stigler, Oklahoma; going to the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
- Noah Woodell of Greensboro, North Carolina; going to Charleston Southern University.
- Dorothy Young of Washington, Pa.; going to the University of Phoenix.
- Samantha Zobel of Lugoff, South Carolina; going to the University of South Carolina Columbia.
