$1,000 Scholarship Program

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.