Character Council Senior Scholarship Program

Edmond High School seniors continue to make a positive difference in our community. This year the Character Council of Edmond was able to award four $1500 scholarships in part due to the generous donations of others to our 501c (3) nonprofit. Our 2023 scholarship winners are: Sam Mooney, Grace Noland, Jack Ray, and Kaitlyn Twenter. They were honored for their exemplary character at a reception following the Character Council’s April board meeting. 

Over the last nine years, the Council has awarded twenty-five scholarships to Edmond high school seniors who submit an application along with an essay based on a character trait that they demonstrate in their daily life and a letter of recommendation that attests to their good character.

Oklahoma Christian School high school senior, Sam Mooney, chose the character trait of compassion, helping those in need, for his essay. Sam wrote: “My personal mission will be to encourage others to serve, multiply the amount of compassion demonstrated and create a larger impact to positively change my community.” Sam volunteers for many local agencies including Project 66, Anna’s House Foundation, and Hot Dogs for the Homeless. Sam ended his essay by saying, “I have learned, you may never know when your expression of compassion will encourage someone or even change their life.”

In school, Sam excels at Calculus, passing the college AP Calculus exam among his other noteworthy accomplishments. Mr. Sanchez, Sam’s Math instructor wrote in the letter of recommendation, “He is smart, funny, determined, resolute, composed, responsible, respectful, and confident.”

Sam will be attending Oklahoma State University in the fall majoring in engineering with the goal of becoming an aerospace engineer.  

Scholarship winner, Grace Noland from Edmond Santa Fe High School chose the character trait of determination, overcoming obstacles in order to reach my goal. In her essay, Grace wrote, “I have overcome academic and social obstacles through determination, which I call ‘grit and grace’”. She continued to write, “I am proud that I am driven toward my goals with fierce determination but also exude compassion, empathy and kindness.”

Santa Fe principal, Jason Hayes wrote in his letter of recommendation, “Grace represents the very best. Her accomplishments as a student, athlete, and involved member of the local community help set her apart from other students her age.” Grace is in National Honor Society, is on the Varsity Cheer Squad and serves as a Edmond Public Schools Student Ambassador among her various listed accomplishments.

Grace will be attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall majoring in Political Science.

Our third recipient, Jack Ray is a senior at Oklahoma Christian School. Jack likewise chose determination as his character trait. Jack wrote, “Similarly to many things in life, having determination in accomplishing my goals was not something that I was born with; I had to work for it.” His determination is evident in all his school accomplishments including National Honor Society; lettering in Cross County, Track, and Soccer as well as his many leadership roles. Jack ended his essay on determination by writing, “I was determined then, I am determined now, and I will continue to be determined.”

In the letter of recommendation for Jack, Chelsi Graves stated, “He is one of the most compassionate and patient people I know, and has consistently shown resilience in the face of adversity.” Jack volunteers at Anna’s House and City Rescue Mission among other listed organizations on his application.

Jack is enrolled at Oklahoma State University where he will pursue a degree in Physical Therapy.

Our final scholarship winner is Edmond Santa Fe senior, Kaitlyn Twenter, who also chose the character trait of determination. In her essay, Kaitlyn wrote, “However in my eyes, being determined means putting your mind to something and pushing yourself to accomplish that.” Kaitlyn demonstrated that determination in her academic awards including AP Scholar with Distinction. She is also an award-winning horseback rider. Kaitlyn closed her essay stating, “It takes drive and passion to push yourself to achieve everything you want and more.” 

Kaitlyn’s high school teacher, KC Williams wrote in the letter of recommendation, “She always does her best to make everyone else better. I have come to know Kaitlyn as a courteous, intelligent, driven, and trustworthy student.” In the community, Kaitlyn listed many organizations including Edmond Mobile Meals teen leader, Free to Live volunteer as well as seasonal staff for Edmond Parks and Recreation.

Kaitlyn will be attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall majoring in criminology. 

The selection committee, comprised of nine volunteers, was impressed by all the applications submitted this year. What was evident in the students' applications was the determination to make a positive difference in their personal lives, their schools, and their community. Edmond can be proud of all our high school seniors who continue to represent what is best in our city. 

Pictured left to right: Kaitlyn, Grace, Jack, Sam

Since its inception in 2015, the Character Council of Edmond has sought high school seniors who exemplify good character in their daily lives. The application process includes an essay based on a character trait they demonstrate and a letter of recommendation that will attest to their character. We awarded our first scholarship to Patricia Salas from Santa Fe High School. Since then, we have awarded the following $1000.00 Scholarships: 

• 2016: Kathryn Puckett (Memorial); Hannah Berndt (North); Kennedy Allbee (Santa Fe). 
• 2017: Kylie May (M); Alison Duke (N); Cassidy Towe (SF)
• 2018: Kelsey DePrang (M); William Hentges (N); Brandon Duong (SF). 
• 2019: Casey Minnick (M); Caroline Best (N); Aja Montgomery (SF). 
• 2020: Sivadarshan Aravindan (SF); Mackenzie Goings (M); JJ Ruff (M).

Starting in 2021, the Character Council was able to fund scholarships for $1500 thanks to the generosity of others.

• 2021: Gracie Berger (N), Zachary Hall (SF), Layla Molina (SF).
• 2022: Campbell Christensen (M), Jaclyn Fan (SF), Kayla Nguyen (M).

If you would like to make a tax exempt donation to help support this Edmond initiative, please mail your donation to:

Character Council of Edmond

PO Box 392

Edmond, OK 73083