Scholarships

Inspiring future nurses of America

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."

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

  • Maci Dunlavy - Junior

    2025 Scholar

    In the last 3 years I earned a Bachelor of Human Development and Family Science from KWU while working as a CNA at a Manhattan, KS hospital. My lifetime career goal has always been to become a nurse, specifically in pediatrics. Through the Kansas Wesleyan University nursing program and Leah’s Legacy Scholarship, I will be supported in reaching my dream of becoming a nurse! 

  • Morgan Spilker - Junior

    2025 Scholar

    He has an associate’s degree in athletic training from State Fair CC where he also had the opportunity to play soccer. 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. At KWU Morgan plans to continue playing soccer and graduate with his BSN in the Spring of 2027.

  • Odessa Ozuna - Junior

    2025 Scholar

    ODESSA OZUNA

    My name is Odessa Ozuna! I am from Arlington, Texas. I play on the Women’s Basketball team and am blessed to have people around me who support my aspirations! I am eternally grateful for what this scholarship enables me to accomplish academically and athletically. Leah’s passion and drive for putting others first and providing care is alive in me.

  • Jenna Soule - Senior

    2024 Exemplary Scholar | 2023 Scholar

    I am a graduate of Blue Valley West High School, Overland Park, Kansas, and currently a senior in the Kansas Wesleyan Nursing Program where I play on the softball team.

    Once I’ve completed my BSN, I plan to become a traveling nurse in the short term, followed by a career in pediatric nursing. I feel honored and humbled to receive this scholarship in memory of Leah.

  • Lauren Blue - Senior

    2023 Scholar | 2021 Scholar

    I am a Senior in the nursing program at KWU. I am from Arlington, Texas and will plan on going back to Texas to become a Nurse Practitioner once I've graduated here. I will be working on a medical floor after I graduate. Leah’s story is a true inspiration, and hits close to my heart! 

  • Angel Lee - Junior

    2023 Scholar

    As a nursing student athlete, I am grateful for this scholarship. I want to be a positive example for my younger siblings by getting my nursing degree while playing collegiate basketball. I want them to know that if you're nice to people and work hard, you can accomplish anything. I plan to become a pediatric nurse. I also want to acknowledge and thank EVERYONE who has helped me become successful.

  • Emily Thompson - Senior

    2023 Scholar | 2022 Scholar

    I am a senior at Kansas Wesleyan University. I am from Independence, KS which is in the very southeast corner of Kansas! My goal is to graduate with my BSN and work in the ER. Eventually, I would like to be a psychiatric nurse practitioner after I get my master’s. It is an honor to receive this scholarship and I am thankful that it will bring me closer to finishing my degree!

Leah’s Legacy Scholar Community

  • Olivia Dix

    2022 Scholar

    I will continue to live up to this wonderful, beloved woman's legacy!

  • Cindy Shaeffer

    2022 Scholar

    Leah is an inspiration to many aspiring nurses, and I feel honored to follow in Leah‘s footsteps.

  • Jordyn Scott

    2022 Scholar | 2021 Scholar

    I am honored to receive this scholarship under such an amazing legacy for a second time!

  • Brianna Ward

    2021 Scholar

    I am honored to receive this scholarship and hope to live up to Leah’s legacy.

  • 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.

  • Lora Shinn

    2020 Scholar

    I am honored to receive this great deal of generosity and intend to uphold the standards of this scholarship.

  • Amanda Hill

    2020 Scholar

    I am honored to receive this scholarship and hope to live up to the legacy of such a beloved woman.

  • Carly Hieber

    2019 Scholar

    I aspire to one day be an emergency room nurse practitioner. 

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.