Scholarship Program

Anna Nicholson from Edgewood High school received a scholarship in 2024.  During high school she participated in a school sponsored Veterans event annually.  She is a multisport varsity athlete in track and basketball.  She is a two-year president of the student council, two years as Chief Editor of the yearbook and an NHS officer.  She has also been a class officer twice and advocates for teens against tobacco use in Texas. Anna also participated in academic UIL. She has received several “Who’s Who” and Superintendent’s awards.  Anna plans to pursue a Biomedical Science Degree at Texas A&M University with further plans in surgical Ophthalmology.

She is the daughter of Marine Corp Corporal Brian Nicholson. He was enlisted five years active duty in the Marine Corps. He served in Japan and at the VA in Dallas.  He is a biomedical equipment support specialist.  In the civilian sector he works for Alcon.  Anna said, “My dad is a hero to me and to many. He works hard no matter what and exists as such a prominent role model in my life, and in many other lives that he has touched.”Description goes here

One of our 2024 Scholarship recipients from Wills Point High School is Leland Wilson.  Lelland is an honor student with a passion for health and science. He has received honors from CTE Ambassador, Who’s who award in principles of health and science, EKG certification course, and Director of A/V production.  He plans to attend UT Tyler pursing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.  Leland said he wants to help as many people as possible without any bias.

He is the son of Veteran Jackie Wilson. Wilson served in the Marines from 2001-2005. He completed his tour as an E4 Corporal serving in Iraq twice and earning multiple service medals, such as Global war on terrorism expeditionary (twice), National Defense Service (twice), Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps good conduct medal and various individual certificates.Description goes here

2024 Scholarship recipient Abbey Thelen is from Canton High School. Abbey was involved in band, marching and concert. She was Captain in Marching band for 2 years and in the color guard. She has competed four time at the UIL State Marching Contes placing 14th, 5th, 3rd place and bronze medalist, and 2nd place and silver medalist. In Concert band she played the clarinet and bass clarinet in the top ensemble.  She also participated in UIL One Act Play each year and three years for Dinner Theatre productions.  She also competes in Speech & Debate, and Persusasive Extemporaneous Speaking. She was an officer in the Art Club and Drama Club as well as a National Honor Student.

Abbey plans to attend Texas A&M University studying Telecommunications & Media. She hopes to work in the broadcast news industry or PR for a sports team.

Her father is a Veteran of the Texas Army National Guard.  He enlisted while attending Texas A&M University in the Corps of Cadets. Her uncle, a 38-year career member of the Army.  A Colonel currently works in the Pentagon. He has served in South Korea, Germany, Afghanistan, Florida, and Texas.Description goes here

Jaylan, a graduate of Canton High School where she participated in Cheer.  She was apart of the NCA Staff for summer 2024 and made the cheer team at the University of Texas at Tyler. She was recognized as FCA All-Star athlete and featured in the Tyler Best Preps Magazine. She is  pursuing a degree in Nursing with a goal to specialize in Labor and delivery. 

She is the grand daughter of Veteran Alexander Mackinnon. He volunteered for the US Army in 1980 at the age of 27. He completed basic training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma where he became a mentor to younger recruits and learned adaptability. He completed basic training ranking 10th of 250. He became a Staff Sergeant stationed in Germany overseeing 30 soldiers responsible for guarding missiles. He was honorable discharged in 1989 after injuries received by a missile discharge. Prior to the accident when given time off he explored France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. He was recognized for his service with awards: Overseas Medal, Army Achievement, Army Combination Medal NCO Primary Leadership, and NCO Advanced Leadership.

Jaylan said she admires her grandfather for his service and leadership which has inspired her to do the same. Description goes here

2023 Scholarship recipient, Maci Schley is a 2023 graduate of Edgewood High School; she is currently attending Tarleton State University pursuing a degree in Agricultural Communications. She has been involved in agriculture most of her life. She began showing Gray Brahman cattle at the age of 10 and began advocating for the industry that she loved. She was an active member of FFA, 4-H, the Texas and the American Junior Brahman Association, St. Therese Catholic Church and the Edgewood High School National Honor Society, Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Maci excelled in most of her endeavors.

Her paternal grandfather, Bobby Schley (Shh-lie), native Texas from DeWitt County graduated St Joseph High School in Victoria, TX and immediately joined the U.S. Army. He joined in 1968 during Vietnam and was honorably discharge in 1971. He returned to his home marrying Bonnie where they raised 3 children. He owned his own construction and carpentry business and currently continues to farm and ranch. He is an active member of Cuero VFW Post #3972.

2023 scholarship recipient, Isabella Ramirez is a 2023 graduate of Canton High School; she is currently attending Texas A&M University studying Kinesiology with plans to be a physical therapist. Her minor is in sports psychology with plans to work with athletes. She became interested in this career field after sustaining a knee injury in high school that required therapy. Isabella was active in 4-H raising and showing broilers and market goats. She also competed in public speaking, fashion & design, cooking and photography. She received numerous awards during her 4-H years and was an honor graduate from Canton.

Her maternal grandfather, Cecil Eugene Jeffrey retired from the Air Force. He served stateside from 1965 to 1971. His first assignment was Rome, NY and finished his service at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Isabella also has an Uncle, Mark Jeffrey, a Lt Colonel, c-17 pilot currently serving in the Air Force stationed in California. Her Uncle Mark is also a 1990 graduate of Edgewood High School and then from Texas A&M.

Kylee is the 2022 recipient of the scholarship. She was Valedictorian of Martins Mill High and She was a member of National Honor Society, Student Council President for both her junior and senior year, as well as UIL state Champion in: Headline Writing, Literary Criticism, and Journalism. Kylee was also a member of the varsity basketball and softball teams. She participated in the "Platoon of the Fallen" program at school and the Veterans Memorial. Kylee said she has a passion for writing and will seek a degree in English and eventually law to be a criminal prosecutor.

Kaitlyn White is the winner of the VZC Veterans Memorial Annual $1,000. Scholarship. The 2021 recipient will be attending Baylor University and will be working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Congratulations.

Samantha Cervantes won the $1,000 Veterans Memorial Scholarship for 2020. Awarding the check is Dan Maucieri (L) and Virgil Melton, Jr. board members with the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial.

Leah Morgan wins Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial $1,000 for 2019. Scholarship for the upcoming year. Leah plans on attending University of Texas at Tyler. Leah plans on a pre med degree. Her family was on hand for the presentation along with Board Members Virgil Melton, Jr., Dan Maucieri, Ron Carroll and Cary Hilliard. Congratulations, Leah.