Congratulations to Our 2025 WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship® Recipients

Since its start in 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 626 scholarships, ranging from $500 to $10,000.

Meet This Year’s $10,000 Scholarship Recipients

Bella B., Talking Rock, GA

Bella plans to study neuroscience at Augusta University before medical school. Her interest in becoming a doctor that works with newborns started in 2020 when her aunt had premature twins who spent more than 100 days in the hospital.

“I saw how their medical team helped through many scary times when we weren’t sure if the babies would make it,” Bella said. “What they did for the twins and my family during those months truly inspired me to become a neonatologist and help other babies and their families.”

In high school, Bella led the chorus department and performed at community events, including the annual Veterans parade in her town. She also participated in theater productions to push herself out of her comfort zone and belonged to several honor societies for math, science, English, and art. In her spare time, she served with her family on their church meal team at Ellijay Church of Christ.

She plans to use her scholarship for housing, meal plans, textbooks, lab fees, and travel expenses, as Augusta is four hours from her hometown.

Her advice: “Apply for the scholarship. Be vulnerable in your application, and show who you are as a person. Show how you’ve grown from life experiences and how you help your community.”

Madelyn F., Longs, SC

Madelyn just finished her third year at the University of South Carolina in a special program that combines undergraduate and medical degrees in seven years, allowing her to skip the MCAT exam.

“I’ve always wanted to pursue medicine,” Madelyn said. “I had heart surgery when I was little, and both my parents worked in healthcare. My experiences volunteering in hospitals and working as a medical assistant at an orthopedic urgent care confirmed this was the right path for me.”

Madelyn graduated from the Scholars Academy, with Loris High School as her base school. At college, she serves as Vice President of Philanthropy in her sorority, Tri Delta, and works as a research assistant at the Institute for Mind and Brain. She’s also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

“I’ve been a WoodmenLife member since I was little,” Madelyn shared. “When I heard about the scholarship, I knew this organization would be part of my whole life. The application questions were easy to answer because I truly believe in what they stand for.”

Her advice: “Be genuine about your goals and ambitions. Talk about what you’re passionate about, and your writing will flow more naturally.”

Susanna S., Hopkinsville, KY

Susanna is heading to the University of Kentucky after graduating from University Heights Academy. She plans to study public health on a pre-dental track.

In high school, Susanna stayed busy with theater, cheerleading, and as National Honor Society President. She was also active in Beta Club, Key Club, Interact Club, Poetry Club, and both the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the Christian County Cattlemen’s Association.

“I knew WoodmenLife offered financial support to college students,” Susanna said. “I really needed that help to attend the University of Kentucky.”

Her advice: “Start building your resume early. Try new things outside your comfort zone. That’s when you learn and build character. Keep your grades up every year, and never give up.”

In addition, 15 $2,500 WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarships are awarded each year. Congratulations to the 2025 recipients:

1. Luke H., Cadiz, KY
2. Andrew H., Julian, NE
3. Parker L., Delcambre, LA
4. Samuel M., Wadley, GA
5. Kyla E., Bankston, AL
6. Adalaide H., Hummelstown, PA
7. Evalee N., Perry, GA
8. Chandler M., Ridgeway, VA
9. Cesilie T., Oakland, MD
10. Hannah M., Hickman, KY
11. Kaycie G., Laneville, TX
12. Mako M., Myrtle Beach, SC
13. Annie S., Eastanollee, GA
14. Tiffani C., Burna, KY
15. Miller R., Mayfield, KY

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.

Written by: Diana Henry, Senior Digital Copywriter

1. 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.

Read More

Congratulations to Our 2024 WoodmenLife Focus Forward Scholarship^® Recipients

WoodmenLife Magazine

WEB862