Bradley Awards Six Students Full Tuition Through Hometown Scholars Program

Bradley University has awarded six area students full-tuition scholarships as part of its Hometown Scholars program. Bradley President Stephen Standifird and Bradley Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Warren Anderson joined proud family members and special guest Kaboom! to surprise the students with their Hometown Scholars awards.

“We at Bradley are thrilled to present Hometown Scholars awards to these deserving students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a strong commitment to their communities,” said Anderson. “We believe education is not only a powerful tool for personal growth and development, but also a means to create positive change in the world. I encourage all eligible students to join us in our mission to create a brighter, more equitable future. Together, we can make a difference and inspire change through education.”

First announced in 2020, the scholarship program is designed to enhance the partnership between Bradley and regional high schools, while helping local students achieve their academic goals close to home.

This year’s Hometown Scholars Program Award winners are:

From Manual High School:

  • Naidelyn Osegueda – entrepreneurship
  • Zulema Ruiz - civil engineering

 

From Richwoods High School:

  • Kaizon Davis - psychology
  • Amber Lempesis - chemical engineering-chemistry

 

From Quest Charter Academy:

  • Alexcia Smith - marketing
  • Christopher Hudson Jr. – entrepreneurship

 

Students qualified for the program have applied and been admitted to Bradley and have demonstrated financial need. They will graduate from one of the seven participating schools (East Peoria Community High School, Limestone Community High School, Manual High School, Quest Charter Academy High School, Pekin Community High School, Peoria High School, and Richwoods High School) and are part of an underrepresented population at Bradley. If these award recipients enroll at Bradley, the scholarship is renewable for four years.

Additional information about the Hometown Scholars Program, including a link to apply, can be found here. The application for next year will open in November 2023.

Alexcia Smith.jpg

Quest Charter Academy senior Alexcia Smith (marketing) is one of six students awarded a Bradley University Hometown Scholars award. The full-tuition scholarship was presented at her school on Tuesday, March 14.

Manual High School students Naidelyn Osegueda (entrepreneurship) and Zulema Ruiz (civil engineering) receive their Hometown Scholar awards from Bradley University in a surprise presentation at Manual.

Richwoods High School seniors Kaizon Davis (psychology) and Amber Lempesis – (chemical engineering-chemistry) receive their Hometown Scholar awards from Bradley University at a surprise ceremony in the school auditorium.

Quest Charter Academy senior Christopher Hudson Jr. (entrepreneurship) received his Hometown Scholar award from Bradley University in a surprise presentation at Quest Charter Academy. He is joined by the Bradley mascot Kaboom!