Congratulations to Our 2024 WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship® Recipients
May 3, 20245/3/2024
Community
Since 2017, the WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship® program has recognized more than 5,000 young members across the United States and awarded more than $3 million in scholarships1. This year, WoodmenLife awarded 578 scholarships, ranging from $500 to $10,000.
Meet This Year’s $10,000 Scholarship Recipients
Rykir E., Bowie, TX
As a high school student, Rykir discovered his love for computers. Now, he’s completed his first year of college, pursuing a degree in Computer Science at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX.
On campus, he’s involved in the Association for Computer Machinery (ACM) and the National Model United Nations. The latter is the world’s largest university-level Model UN, and it provides students with a forum to hone skills in diplomacy, negotiation and critical thinking.
Rykir says his dream job is to become an astronaut for NASA. The scholarship will help him pay for some of his college tuition and allow him to focus on his academics and extracurricular activities.
“The WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship is a great thing for students who are looking for scholarships focused on community service,” Rykir said. “I’m very passionate about community service and believe even the smallest acts can make a real difference to our communities.”
His advice for high school students who want to move on to higher education?
“Get into a good routine of studying now. It will help tremendously when first entering college.”
Abby M., Bristow, OK
Abby is a graduate of Bristow High School and has always been an athlete. Through her time playing softball and basketball, she realized how important it is to take care of her body. Abby plans to attend Rogers State University in Claremore, OK, majoring in Health Sciences in Physical Therapy.
“I’ve been an athlete my whole life,” Abby said. “I’ve dealt with many injuries, and my physical therapist has always helped me get better. I was inspired by my physical therapist and want to be able to help other athletes recover from their injuries.”
Abby shares that WoodmenLife has supported her and her family with peace of mind for more than 20 years now.
“I found it humbling and fitting to apply for the WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship,” Abby said. “WoodmenLife plays a big role in my family’s financial needs. I’m so grateful to receive this scholarship.”
Her advice for high school students who want to move on to higher education?
“Get involved in your community. I am very involved in my community and am a part of a leadership class through my high school where I regularly serve at the local food pantry, recycling center and around the school. I believe being involved in the community will help me as I enter college and meet new people.”
Josie Y., Goshen, KY
After graduating from North Oldham High School, Josie plans to attend the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY, for Political Science — and she looks forward to taking the lessons she’s learned from her family and experiences at school with her.
“Our family is very involved with WoodmenLife and our community, so it was an easy decision to apply,” Josie said.
Guided by her passion for patriotism, she shared in her scholarship application about her experience with the Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA), where she attended a three-day conference participating in international diplomacy.
“I learned a lot about voting and civic engagement and how our freedoms as American citizens are different from other countries,” Josie said. “I want to go into Political Science because I’m dedicated to raising awareness around civic engagement, especially youth civic engagement.”
Her advice for high school students who want to move on to higher education?
“Focus on what you are passionate about, and it will help when you’re writing scholarship essays. Scholarships help so much with deciding what you want to do, and any amount of money you get will be so worth it in the long run.”
In addition, 15 $2,500 WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarships are awarded each year. Congratulations to the 2024 recipients:
- Lydia S., Jena, LA
- Robert J., Worthington, PA
- Joe L., Union City, TN
- Shelby W., Ozark, AL
- Chloe G., Weimar, TX
- Baylee K., Marion, IL
- Sunny C., Murray, KY
- Peyton-Grace L., Clewiston, FL
- Mason S., Mifflinburg, PA
- Hayden P., Benton, KY
- Clair M., Fort Smith, AR
- Kira H., Bartlesville, OK
- Leighanne B., Dallas, GA
- Miles M., Murray, KY
- Peyton T., Lompoc, CA
Learn more about how to qualify for a WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship at WoodmenLife.org/Scholarships and see all this year’s winners at WoodmenLife.org/Congrats
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WoodmenLife Extras are available to members. An individual becomes a member by joining our shared commitment to family, community and country, and by purchasing a product. These extras are not contractual, are subject to change and have specific eligibility requirements, such as length of membership, number of qualifying members in household and/or qualifying event.
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Get to Know Our 2023 WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship® Recipients
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