2020 REF Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! The Raytown Educational Foundation's scholarship program began in 1998 and continues today. Scholarships for this year's seniors include 45 first year awards to 30 students totaling $41,761. Several previous graduates are eligible for renewable scholarships totaling $24,000, making the combined total for tuition year 2020-2021, $65,261.

In addition to graduating senior scholarships, in partnership with the Raytown Retired School Personnel Association, the foundation awarded Dual Credit Scholarships totaling $9,814 to 53 students. Sophomores, juniors and seniors earned 313 hours of college credit this while in high school this year.

Special thanks to our fund holders for Investing in our students' futures by establishing these scholarships and to the many donors who support them through their generous contributions. Additional thanks to Rolland Studios for providing our scholarship recipients' cap and gown photos. Congratulations, graduates!

There are 30 student photos. Whether viewing on a desk or laptop computer, tablet or mobile device, you may need to click "view entire message" in order to view them all. Enjoy.
Aspire Scholarship
Established by Chris and Stacey Payne, business developers and philanthropists, the purpose of this scholarship is to assist first generation students overcome barriers prohibiting their aspirations for a college education. Recipients are students who demonstrate both strong potential and perseverance towards successfully completing a college degree.
Iris Vazquez

College: UMKC Medical School
Major: Medicine
 
"I am beyond grateful to have been selected
as a recipient for these scholarships. This is an amazing opportunity, and because of you all college is far more attainable for me. I have the chance to continue working towards my dream future. Thank you for all you have already done for me as well as the rest of the
Raytown community!"

Richard Gooden Memorial Scholarship
Established by family, friends, and colleagues in memory of Richard Gooden, Raytown South High School Assistant Principal. Recipients are RSHS students who demonstrate positive school leadership and perseverance through personal adversity.
Sophia Trude

College: Webster University
Major: Theater Light Design

"I would like to express my gratitude for this scholarship first by stating that I appreciate the individuals that made it happen. Earning this scholarship has made a difference and is a push in the direction of pursuing and furthering my education. I am grateful for the help that this has provided. Thank you."
William Michael Hawkins Memorial Scholarship
Established by the Hawkins family in memory of William Michael Hawkins and the family’s two generations of Raytown High School students. Recipients are RHS students who are pursuing a vocational field of study.
Derry Malone

College: Metropolitan Community College
Major: Automotive Technology
 
"Thank you for believing in me, my dreams, and awarding me with this scholarship. I'm very honored to be a recipient. Receiving this award will allow me to continue on a path to obtaining my goals in life. I look forward to paying it forward in the future and positively impacting someone's life as you have mine."

Clayton James Hugill Memorial Scholarship
Established by the Hugill family in memory of their son Clayton James Hugill, a Raytown High School graduate and proud member of the RHS baseball team. Recipients are RHS students who are baseball team members who support the team and demonstrate hard work on and off the field.
River Thompson

College: Hannibal-LaGrange
Major: Computer Information Systems

"Thank you. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to further pursue my educational goals, and eventually obtain a career in the Information Technology field."
Harry Lee Johnson III Memorial Scholarship
Established by Harry's mother, Lisa Poole, to honor Harry following a tragic accident. Harry was a Raytown High School and Herndon Career Center student. Recipients are students who are pursuing a vocational field of study.
Derry Malone

College: Metropolitan Community College
Major: Automotive Technology
 
"Thank you for believing in me, my dreams, and awarding me with this scholarship. I'm very honored to be a recipient. Receiving this award will allow me to continue on a path to obtaining my goals in life. I look forward to paying it forward in the future and positively impacting someone's life as you have mine."

Jones Family Scholarship
Established by R.C. and Charlene Jones, retired Raytown Quality Schools educators, in honor of R.C.’s sister, Joella R. Sutton. Recipients are students who demonstrate strong academic goals and participation in extracurricular or community service activities.
Tiffany Lin

College: University of Texas at Austin
Major: Finance & Computer Data Science

"Thank you for choosing me as the recipient of this scholarship! This being one of the very few scholarships I have received, it will help me pay for college. Especially since my parents' income has been affected in the past few months, I am very grateful for this scholarship."
Coach Bud and Gay Lathop Scholarship
Established by alumni of Raytown South High School’s basketball team members to honor Coach Lathrop, his coaching legacy at Raytown South High School and his wife’s unwavering support. Recipients are RSHS students who are male basketball team members and who demonstrate good character and positive contributions to the team and the school.
Daquiveion Hart

College: Arizona State
Major: Sports Journalism

"I am grateful. This scholarship will allow me to attend an out-of-state school."