Scholarships
Leah's Legacy scholarships are awarded to individuals currently enrolled in a Bachelors of Science Nursing degree program. The award of scholarships in each academic period is given to an exemplary group of individuals who advance the exceptional ethics and qualities that Leah possessed and inspired in others.
The Board of Directors rates the applicants on criteria aligned with the foundation's vision, "helping students transform their lives by achieving their goal of becoming a nurse and serving the communities they work in."
Inspiring future nurses of America
Applications are accepted each year*
Senior scholar applications due April 2nd
Junior scholar applications due May 5th
Junior and senior nursing students are encouraged to apply for a Leah’s Legacy scholarship each academic year. Wishing you blessings and success in all you aspire to achieve.
*Scholarships are currently available for Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) Nursing School students
Meet Leah’s Legacy Scholars
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Adalyn Zeller - Junior
2026 Scholar
I am grateful to be pursuing my academic and athletic goals while being surrounded by supportive family and friends. After completing my degree, I hope to build a career that allows me to make a positive impact on others and continue growing. I’m thankful to receive this scholarship in memory of Leah and to carry forward the values of compassion, hard work, and dedication that she represented. I am so thankful for this opportunity!
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Ella Dinsmore - Junior
2026 Scholar
I am a junior in the nursing program at KWU, and enjoy spending time with my peers and being actively involved in my community. I aspire to become a NICU nurse and plan to continue my education beyond a bachelor's degree. I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship and will be honored to help carry on Leah's legacy. The support from this award will help me continue pursuing my goals and making a positive impact through nursing. Thank you again for your support and generosity.
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Kamryn Rietze - Junior
2026 Scholar
I am from Kensington, Kansas. I am currently a nursing student at Kansas Wesleyan University, where I am working toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in psychology. After graduation, I hope to become a trauma or pediatric nurse and make a meaningful difference for patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. I am truly honored to receive the Leah's Legacy Nursing Scholarship and grateful for the support as I continue pursuing my passion for nursing!
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Odessa Ozuna - Senior
2026 Scholar
In addition to nursing, I play Women's Basketball. Words cannot express my gratitude for those supporting me, the opportunities I have come across, and Leah and her family. After completing my BSN, I plan to move back to my hometown of Arlington, Texas where my family is. I am primarily interested in oncology, emergency, and orthopedics, but have an open mind to other specialties/areas! After my junior year in the program, I felt closer to Leah, experiencing glimpses of passion that nursing ignited in her heart. She is always in my heart!
Leah’s Legacy Scholar Community
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Morgan Spilker
2025 Scholar
Morgan found his love for nursing in a High School intern program in the emergency department at the Olathe Health Hospital, where the Nurses were the most attentive and nicest people he met.
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Maci Dunlavy
2025 Scholar
My lifetime career goal has always been to become a nurse, specifically in pediatrics. Thank you for supporting my dream of becoming a nurse!
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Jenna Soule
2024 Exemplary Scholar | 2023 Scholar
I plan to become a traveling nurse in the short term, followed by a career in pediatric nursing.
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Angel Lee
2023 Scholar
I plan to become a pediatric nurse and thank EVERYONE who has helped me become successful.
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Emily Thompson
2023 Scholar | 2022 Scholar
It is an honor to receive this scholarship, and I am thankful that it will bring me closer to finishing my degree!
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Lauren Blue
2023 Scholar | 2021 Scholar
Leah’s story is a true inspiration, and hits close to my heart!
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Olivia Dix
2022 Scholar
I will continue to live up to this wonderful, beloved woman's legacy!
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Cindy Shaeffer
2022 Scholar
Leah is an inspiration to many aspiring nurses, and I feel honored to follow in Leah‘s footsteps.
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Jordyn Scott
2022 Scholar | 2021 Scholar
I am honored to receive this scholarship under such an amazing legacy for a second time!
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Brianna Ward
2021 Scholar
I am honored to receive this scholarship and hope to live up to Leah’s legacy.
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Caila Hill
2021 Scholar
I am very thankful to receive this scholarship in honor of such a beloved woman; I hope to live up to Leah’s legacy.
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Lora Shinn
2020 Scholar
I am honored to receive this great deal of generosity and intend to uphold the standards of this scholarship.
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Amanda Hill
2020 Scholar
I am honored to receive this scholarship and hope to live up to the legacy of such a beloved woman.
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Carly Hieber
2019 Scholar
I aspire to one day be an emergency room nurse practitioner.
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Jordan Hemstedt
2019 Scholar
I am so honored to receive this generous scholarship in the name of such a successful, beloved young woman. Thank you for helping me reach my goal of becoming a nurse.
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Zoe Majte
2019 Scholar
Receiving this scholarship is such a blessing to my family and me. I am honored to represent an amazing and kind young woman and hope to live up to Leah's legacy.
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Kelli Bowles
2019 Scholar
My goal is to finish my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, obtain a graduate degree, and be an advanced practice nurse.