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." 

Virginia Coleman Latta Scholarship Established by Ginny Coleman Latta to give back to her alma mater and to encourage students to continue their education. Ginny is a RSHS 1964 graduate and also taught Latin at RSHS. Recipients are RSHS students who may be the first in their family to attend college. Elijah Cole College: Hastings College Major: Engineering "Thank you. Receiving this scholarship means that it will help me with my future while attending college and give me a good boost to helping me. I'm grateful for this scholarship because I really worked hard to get it and really think this will help me a lot."  Esther Grover McCall Memorial Scholarship Established by Richard McCall in memory of his wife, Esther Grover McCall, a Raytown Quality Schools educator and curriculum coordinator for 35 years. Recipients are students who demonstrate an interest in Family and Consumer Science, Child Development, or Culinary Arts. Jailea Murray College: Metropolitan Community College Major: Pediatric Nursing "I just want to say that I’m very thankful for this scholarship because it will help with my college fees and books. With this scholarship I won’t have to worry about certain costs for school and focus mainly on my academics." Original Cardinals Scholarship Established by the first three graduating classes of Raytown South High School students, the Classes of 1964, 1965, and 1966, the “Original Cardinals,” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their graduation. Recipients are RSHS students who demonstrate positive contributions to the school through extracurricular activities and/or community service. Hopecawin Janis College: Vassar College Major: Psychology  "I'm extremely grateful for this scholarship because it gives me the opportunity to attend college and not worry so much about finances, and allows me to stay focused on my education instead." Seth King College: University of Missouri Columbia Major: Anthropology & Finance  "This scholarship will help me immensely in paying for college, and I greatly appreciate the generosity of its donors." Susanne Orrell Memorial Scholarship Established by Don and Geri Orrell in memory of their daughter, Susanne, a graduate of Raytown South High School. Recipients are RSHS female students who demonstrate outstanding study in science or math, like their daughter, Susanne.  Hopecawin Janis College: Vassar College Major: Psychology  "I'm extremely grateful for this scholarship because it gives me the opportunity to attend college and not worry so much about finances, and allows me to stay focused on my education instead." Sam Phillips Memorial Scholarship Established by the Phillips family in memory of their son, Sam Phillips, a graduate of Raytown High School. Recipients are RHS students who demonstrate financial need and college aspirations. Xzayvadi McCon College: Lindenwood Major: Secondary Education "I'm thankful for this scholarship because it makes college less scary to know I have people supporting me."  Raytown Community Pride Scholarship Established by the Raytown Educational Foundation and the Raytown Retired School Personnel Association. Recipients are students who have attended Raytown Quality Schools for four years and who demonstrate positive leadership in their schools and the Raytown community. Donovan Cusick College: Northwestern University Major: Social Policy & Spanish "I am incredibly thankful for these scholarships. I have worked hard in high school, and this funding will help me to further my education at the university of my choice, and for that I am extremely grateful. Thank you for all your help." Taylor Iverson College : University of Missouri  Major : Biomedical Engineering  "Thank you! Receiving this scholarship will support me in achieving my dream of making medicine for the people who need it the most. I will always remember and be thankful for the Raytown School District’s commitment to helping its students succeed with their post secondary education plans." Amber Johnson College : University of Missouri Kansas City Major: Choral Music Education "I just want to thank you so much for these generous scholarships that you are offering to me because without them my dream of becoming a music education teacher would be near impossible. So thank you for your generosity and your kindness and your willingness to invest in my future." Marissa Poole College: Washington University Major: Biochemistry & Pre-Medicine "I am thankful for this scholarship. It’s a relief not to have to worry about coming up with those funds. Thank you so much!" 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!" Larry Wilson, Jr. College: University of Missouri Columbia Major: Business Administration "I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given at Raytown High School and am proud to call myself a Bluejay! Thank you to all of the REF donors for making so many amazing opportunities for me and rest of the senior class of 2020." Raytown Community Pride Scholarship's Bob Kessel Scholar Award Established by the Raytown Educational Foundation in honor of Bob Kessel, creator of the Raytown Community Pride Scholarship and volunteer Executive Director for 18 years. Recipients are students who embody qualities admired in Bob, optimism, enthusiasm, humility and service.  Taylor Iverson College: University of Missouri  Major: Biomedical Engineering  "Thank you! Receiving this scholarship will support me in achieving my dream of making medicine for the people who need it the most. I will always remember and be thankful for the Raytown School District’s commitment to helping its students succeed with their post secondary education plans." Raytown High School Class of 1956 Scholarship Established by the Raytown High School Class of 1956 alumni to recognize the Class of 1956 and to assure RHS students continue to have access to a college education. Recipients are RHS students whose class rank is number 56 after seven semesters at RHS. Jhudanne Fletcher College: Iowa State University Major: Biology & Pre-Veterinarian Medicine "Dear Class of 1956, I would like to thank you for this scholarship award. It has helped ease my family's stress during these difficult times. I will be using my scholarship to cover the remaining balance of my college tuition, and continue preparing to enter Iowa State University as a freshman in August 2020!" Raytown High School Class of 1961 Scholarship Established by the Raytown High School Class of 1961 alumni to support RHS students’ aspirations for a college degree. Recipients are RHS students who demonstrate good character, enthusiasm, promise and potential.  Amber Johnson College: University of Missouri Kansas City Major: Choral Music Education "I just want to thank you so much for these generous scholarships that you are offering to me because without them my dream of becoming a music education teacher would be near impossible. So thank you for your generosity and your kindness and your willingness to invest in my future." Raytown High School Class of 1963 Scholarship Established by the Raytown High School Class of 1963 alumni to recognize the quality of education they received at RHS, to demonstrate their Blue Jay pride, and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their graduation. Recipients are RHS students who attended RHS for four years and who demonstrate positive citizenship, leadership and participation in extracurricular activities or community service. Isabella Contreras College: Rockhurst University Major: Psychology   "Thank you. Receiving this scholarship means that I can pursue my passion of psychology with all the more ease. It's thanks to you that I will be able to focus on my classwork instead of trying to figure out how to pay for my schooling. I'm proud to have portrayed my great home of Raytown well enough to receive this and I hold more gratitude than I can express. Thank you." Raytown High School Class of 1969 Scholarship Established by the Raytown High School Class of 1969 alumni during their 50th class reunion to assist RHS graduates access either a college or post-secondary vocational education. Recipients are RHS students who demonstrate good character and citizenship, and participation in extracurricular activities and/or community service. 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!" Raytown High School Class of 1986 Traditions Scholarship Established by the Raytown High School Class of 1986 alumni to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their graduation, to spread their pride in the Raytown community and to instill that pride in future generations of RHS students. Recipients are RHS students who demonstrate participation in extracurricular activities and community service. Larry Wilson, Jr. College: University of Missouri Columbia Major: Business Administration "I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given at Raytown High School and am proud to call myself a Bluejay! Thank you to all of the REF donors for making so many amazing opportunities for me and rest of the senior class of 2020." Raytown High School Cross Country Alumni Brandon Tatum Memorial Scholarship Established by the Raytown High School Cross Country Booster Club and team alumni in memory of Brandon Tatom, Blue Jay Cross Country team member. Recipients are RHS Cross Country students who demonstrate great sportsmanship, build team morale, compete at the highest level, and in spite of adversity do so without the use of alcohol or drugs. Jakob Peterson   College: University of Missouri Kansas City Major: Mathematics & Statistics "I am grateful for this scholarship because it will help me to follow my lifelong passion for mathematics, as well as my new found passion for teaching, and hopefully allow me to come back to teach at Raytown." Lillian Rhodes College: University of Central Missouri  Major: Political Science & Pre-Law "Thank you to everyone who took the time to sit down and read my essays and even consider me for their scholarships. I'm very thankful because it's taking me just one step closer to accomplishing my goals." Raytown PTA Council Joe Herndon Memorial Scholarship Established by the Raytown PTA Council in memory of Raytown Quality Schools Superintendent, Joe Herndon to honor Dr. Herndon’s leadership and service to the school district and to honor national PTA’s “One Child One Voice” motto to make every child’s potential a reality. Recipients are students who demonstrate potential, good citizenship and extracurricular activities and/or community service.  Precious Love College: Southern University A&M Baton Rouge Major: Social Work   "I am grateful for this scholarship because it helps lower the cost of my tuition. My family has been dealing with financial hardships and this scholarships helps relieve the tension. I will stay true to my winning essay and be an advocate for inclusion for all. Thank you." Jennifer Enyeribe-Okafor  College: University Of Missouri Kansas City  Major: Medicine  "Thank you so much. Receiving this scholarship will help take off more expenses off of my parents and will help pay for my future in medicine." Jesse Best College: University of Missouri Kansas City Major: Mechanical Engineering  "Thank you so much for giving me this scholarship! It will be beneficial for me to help pay for books and fees as I continue my education. Thank you again!" Raytown Retired School Personnel Association Memorial Scholarship Established by the Raytown Retired School Personnel Association in memory of deceased Raytown Quality Schools faculty and staff members. Recipients are students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in education. Jason Meyer College: University of Missouri Kansas City Major: Instrumental Music Education "I am very thankful for this scholarship that was given to me by the Raytown Education Foundation because next fall my family will have three students going to college and it helps with that financially burden of college. It will allow for me to spend more times on my studies instead of working a job to help pay for my college experience. Thank you." Taylor Jakes College: Northwest Missouri State University Major: Music Education "I am grateful for this scholarship. It will help me pay for my tuition." Raytown Rotary Club Service Above Self Scholarship Established by the Raytown Rotary Club in honor of the international organization’s earliest mottos, “Service Above Self.” Recipients demonstrate school and community leadership and service along with academic achievement and financial need. Larry Wilson, Jr. College : University of Missouri Columbia Major: Business Administration "I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given at Raytown High School and am proud to call myself a Bluejay! Thank you to all of the REF donors for making so many amazing opportunities for me and rest of the senior class of 2020." Donovan Cusick College: Northwestern University Major: Social Policy & Spanish  "I am incredibly thankful for these scholarships. I have worked hard in high school, and this funding will help me to further my education at the university of my choice, and for that I am extremely grateful. Thank you for all of your help."  J. L. Robinson Memorial Scholarship Established by the Robinson family in memory of James Luther Robinson and James Luther Robinson Jr, business and community leaders and also members of the Raytown Quality Schools Board of Education. The Robinson family gifted the land on which Robinson Elementary School was built. Recipients demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit and plans to major in business.  Denise Smith College: Johnson County Community College Major: Marketing & Advertising "I would like to send a special thank you for investing in may college education; this means so much to me. I’ve been saving up for my first year of college all year, with this scholarship I’ll no longer have to take out student loans for my first year! I am grateful that you believed in me enough to invest in my future." Walter A. and Charlotte Soule Family Foundation Scholarship Established by the Soule family in memory of their parents, Walter and Charlotte Soule honoring their belief that individuals become successful because they are willing to work hard. Recipients demonstrate a desire to help oneself through part-time employment both in high school and college. Donovan Cusick College : Northwestern University Major: Social Policy & Spanish   "I am incredibly thankful for these scholarships. I have worked hard in high school, and this funding will help me to further my education at the university of my choice, and for that I am extremely grateful. Thank you for all of your help."   Star Seeker Scholarship Established by the owners and employees of A Green Way Home in memory of their employee, Shannon Rollins, Raytown South High School student who died tragically. Recipients are students who demonstrate Shannon’s passion for music and the performing arts. Amber Johnson College: University of Missouri Kansas City Major: Choral Music Education "I just want to thank you so much for these generous scholarships that you are offering to me because without them my dream of becoming a music education teacher would be near impossible. So thank you for your generosity and your kindness and your willingness to invest in my future." Turley Twins Scholarship Established by Kole and Karlee Turley, Raytown South High School graduates, to encourage and assist students interested in an engineering career. Both Kole and Karlee were recipients of REF scholarships while in high school and desire to “pay it forward” to assist future Cardinal engineers. Recipients are RSHS students who demonstrate an interest in engineering through enrollment in high school engineering courses and intend to pursue a major in engineering in college. Chance Moore College: Memphis University Major: Engineering "I wanted to say thank you for the ability to receive this scholarship. I am grateful for any financial aid that I am given towards my college career. Each and every scholarship given means a lot to me. Receiving this scholarship gives me a better chance to obtain my future goals. Thank you."  Harold H. Vance Memorial Scholarship Established by the Raytown Sertoma Club in memory of Harold Vance to assist Raytown students meet the financial needs of a college education and to honor Sertoma International’s purpose to meet community needs through service. Recipients are students who demonstrate leadership along with strong school and community service. Emily Hulen College: Wichita State University Major: Nursing "I'm grateful for this scholarship because it is going to help me finance my textbooks for the fall semester!" Virtuoso Scholarship Established by the Raytown South High School Orchestra Boosters to assist orchestra students attend college. Recipients are RSHS students who demonstrate strong academics and participation in both middle school and high school orchestras.  Angelia Reddell College: University of Missouri Columbia Major: Psychology "Thank you for the scholarship. I appreciate the scholarship as it will assist me in accomplishing my career goals."  Wilma Wink Memorial Scholarship Established by her daughters in memory of their mother and to honor Wilma Wink’s years as an educator and coordinator in Raytown Quality Schools and a female pioneer in business education. Recipients are female students planning a business career. Tiffany Lin  College: University of Texas at Austin Major: Finance & Data Computer 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." Betty Jo Wolfe Memorial Scholarship Established by family members in memory of Betty Jo and to honor her 25 years as a Raytown educator, her deep rooted association with Raytown Quality Schools as the daughter of a former Raytown Superintendent of Schools, and her Blue Jay pride as a graduate of Raytown High. Recipients are RHS students who demonstrate financial need, involvement in extracurricular activities and/or community service. Bracey Odoms College: Langston University Major: Psychology "I'm grateful for this scholarship because it will help fund the college experience, new and fun experiences, and most importantly, education." Heather Woodson Memorial Scholarship Established by family, friends and Raytown High School colleagues, the “Woodson Warriors,” in memory of Heather’s courageous battle with cancer and her profound impact on students as a caring and compassionate teacher and coach. Recipients are RHS students who demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities, sports and/or community service.  Isabella Contreras College: Rockhurst University Major: Psychology   "I'm grateful for this scholarship because it means that the sincere connection that I have with my mentor can be felt through my writing. This means a lot to me considering my mentor was my English teacher and writing instructor. He's made a lasting impact and his presence in my life just keeps on giving. With this scholarship I can successfully further my secondary education pursuing my passion of psychology and continue to make my mentors beam with pride. Thank you." Ronald H. Woody Memorial Scholarship Established by family members in memory of Ronald Woody and to honor his athletic accomplishments as a Raytown High School student. Ronald was a 1945 RHS graduate and excelled in track, basketball, and baseball, voted “Best Athlete” his senior year. Recipients are RHS male students who have been members of the RHS track team. Larry Wilson, Jr. College: University of Missouri Columbia Major: Business Administration "I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given at Raytown High School and am proud to call myself a Bluejay! Thank you to all of the REF donors for making so many amazing opportunities for me and rest of the senior class of 2020." Gary P. Ziegenhorn Memorial Scholarship Established by family cousins in memory of Gary Ziegenhorn, a Raytown South High School Class of 1966 graduate, one of the “Original Cardinals” classes. This scholarship honors Gary’s musical accomplishments playing locally and in Los Angeles, his love for music, and his deep voice and gentle soul. Recipients are RSHS students who demonstrate music is an integral part of their lives. Taylor Jakes College: Northwest Missouri State Univeersity Major: Music Education "I am grateful for this scholarship. It will help me pay for my tuition."  Pillars of the Foundation P L A T I N U M S P O N S O R B R O N Z E S P O N S O R S THE BELGER FAMILY F R I E N D S P O N S O R S GERALD & ANN VERLINDEN MARTHA & RICH COCKERELL KIM & KEVIN BIELAWSKI  LINDA & MIKE GERDING MARY & WAYNE OYLER  PAM & PHIL SCHWEISBERGER Connect with us ‌