Scholarship Recipients

Essay submissions reinforce important character and civics lessons students retain from their veterans

2023 Scholarships

Funded by Wells Fargo
Kennedy Keller
1st Place - Kennedy Keller
Kennedy began her VHP career in 7th grade when her parents convinced her to join the club. She noticed it was different from any other club and thought it would be an interesting experience. Kennedy has interviewed and written seven stories over the last six years. During her final two years in the club, she held the secretary position and was the co-lead publisher of Edition I of Since You Asked™. These positions helped Kennedy learn crucial life skills such as communication and leadership. She was honored to be a part of the VHP team and help create something to honor those who have served. Kennedy will attend Texas Christian University in the fall and will be minoring in Spanish.
Hannah Gilbert
2nd Place - Hannah Gilbert
Hannah has been a member of VHP for two years, and her interest in hearing veterans' stories encouraged her to join her school's chapter. She had the privilege of interviewing her grandfather, uncle, and the commanding general of the United States Army Forces Command. VHP allowed her to grow in her love and appreciation for veterans and learn what it truly means to be an American. She never dreamed she would grow to love hearing and writing about veterans as much as she does now, and VHP has taught her life lessons she is beyond grateful for. Hannah will attend the University of Arizona in the fall. She plans to study business management at the Eller College of Business.
Zach Fox
3rd Place - Zachary Fox
Zachary is the VHP Chapter President at St. Joseph Academy. He's been an active member for two years. Zachary has participated in many club and community events, such as Wreaths Across America, club fundraisers, and school memorial ceremonies for Veterans Day. He had the honor of writing his father's story for VHP's annual book, Since You Asked. He learned facts about his father's military service that he had never known during the interview process. Zachary's college and career goals are to attend the United States Air Force Academy in June 2024. He aims to follow in his parents’ footsteps in becoming a successful Air Force pilot.
Steven Rourick
Above and Beyond - Steven Rourick
Steven joined VHP as a freshman and interviewed five veterans, including retired Admiral Hal Pittman, who provided powerful mentorship. As VHP Chapter president at Shadow Mountain High School, he energetically led club members and participated in a variety of civic events, including Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Day, and Memorial Day. He is also the lead publisher for Edition II of Since You Asked.™ Steven was a VHP student intern last summer and completed important veteran archiving work, as well as helped plan the annual book reception. Steven will begin his next adventure at Yale University.
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2023 AVHOFS

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Copper Star of Knowledge Scholarships

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The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS) provides three scholarships each year to students who have maintained an excellent scholastic standing, demonstrate qualities of leadership and good moral character, and are active participants of a VHP Chapter.

Congratulations to Hannah Gilbert, Evan Kobley, and Steven Rourick for receiving awards at the 2023 Patriotic Awards Luncheon.