Meet Some Scholars

Rylann O’Bannion is a graduate of Bartlesville High School. She has distinguished herself through academic excellence, athletic achievement, and a commitment to serving others. She participated in soccer, basketball, and volleyball while maintaining high academic standards as a member of the National Honor Society. Her dedication to healthcare and community service is reflected in her involvement with Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and more than two hundred hours of volunteer service. This fall, she will pursue a degree in Nursing, building on her passion for helping others and improving the health of her community. Reflecting on the impact of this scholarship, she shared, “With this scholarship, I would be able to work fewer hours and focus on academics and engage in campus experiences.” Her determination, compassion, and commitment to service position her for a bright future in the nursing profession.

Edrei Clark is a graduate of Thomas Edison Preparatory High School. He demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, earning a 4.2 grade point average while maintaining active involvement in both academics and service throughout high school. He served as a mentor in an elementary school summer program, where he supported and encouraged younger students through learning and development. He plans to attend the University of Tulsa to explore his interests in personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship, with the goal of building knowledge that will help him create future opportunities. His faith and sense of purpose have also played a meaningful role in his journey. As he shared, “I found purpose through service at church, playing drums, and percussion during worship services …” reflecting his belief in using his talents to serve others and stay grounded in his values.

Alex Bailey is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a well-rounded commitment to academics, leadership, and service. She was an active member of the National Honor Society, Student Council (STUCO), the African American Society, and the Spanish Club, reflecting her engagement in both school leadership and cultural enrichment activities. She also contributed to her community through volunteer service and developed discipline and focus through martial arts. She plans to attend Louisiana State University, where she will pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner, driven by a desire to provide compassionate, high-quality healthcare and serve others. Her dedication to growth, service, and excellence positions her for success in the healthcare field.

Adrianna Gardner is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and a first-generation college student who demonstrated exceptional academic rigor through full AP and IB coursework while in high school. She also served in a leadership role with the Technology Student Association, where she developed strong skills in collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving. She plans to major in Biology in college as the foundation for her long-term goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. Driven by a passion for medicine and service, she aspires to work in underserved communities and help bridge gaps in healthcare access. Her commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service positions her to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.

Megan McGuire is a graduate of Skiatook High School. She earned a 4.3 grade point average while demonstrating exceptional academic and musical achievement. She has already completed 42 hours of college coursework and has distinguished herself through participation in multiple honors ensembles, including the OKMEA All-State Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band. She plans to continue developing her talents as a musician. Her dedication to excellence in both academics and performance reflects years of discipline, practice, and commitment to her craft. This scholarship will help offset college expenses, allowing her to focus more fully on her education and musical development as she prepares for a career in music.

AVERY G. ALEXANDER is a graduate of the homeschool educational system with an exemplary 4.0 GPA, and scoring 33 on her ACT Composite, while maintaining dual enrollment through a local community college receiving A+ in those classes. She was a recipient of OMTA State Achievement Audition 2024Clarence Burg Award and ranked 1+ at Oklahoma Music Teachers Association State Piano Competition for four consecutive years. Additionally, Avery was V.P. of her chapter of National Homeschool Honor Society.

She states, “… responsibility is something I highly prioritize. Balancing schoolwork, dual enrollment, household chores, and my part-time jobs has taught me time management. Earning a college degree is a big endeavor, but I am confident that I have the skills needed to be successful.”

“All my life, I have loved science and everything about it.” declares Avery. She will pursue a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering toward the fulfillment of her dream to work for NASA one day.

2022 Valedictorian of her graduating class at East Central High School.
She states that, “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve this goal in my high school career.” She is described by a teacher there as, “…a model student, friend, and team member…diligent, working not only until a task is completed, but until it is completed correctly.”
Her collegiate plans include majoring in Psychology, “to contribute to the community and make a difference.”

Graduated from Edison Preparatory High School where he was Academic All State Nominee and on the Honor Roll.  He was actively involved in community volunteerism, most notably with Mission Tulsa, an organization that feeds the homeless.

Former teachers describe him as, “intelligent, polite, hard-working, and loyal.”

He states, “The Simon Estes Scholarship would help me improve my society through my pursuit of community service in the pharmaceutical branch of Chemical Engineering and allow me to fulfill a lifelong dream of helping low-income families.”

Evan plans on continuing his post-secondary education toward a career in the field of Chemical Engineering.

Graduated with a 3.94 GPA from Claremore High School where she was a key member and leader in the school’s NHS Chapter serving as Vice President of Service. Throughout high school, she took a variety of honors, AP, and concurrent college classes earning her recognition on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for multiple semesters. She is “passionate about my education…focusing and continuing my education is my biggest priority for my future.”

She served as a coach and referee for Upward League Sports for many years being credited with the success of the NHS Hope Race Fundraiser. She states that, “by joining and being active in clubs and supporting all athletics … have taught me countless life lessons, such as striving to be the best leader I can be by understanding and respecting diversity and getting along with everyone.”

Reese is pursuing a degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Criminal Justice.

Graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Booker T. Washington High School where she was a Co-President of the National Honor Society, Co-President of YMCA Youth and Government, Co-President of RISE Girl Up, and Principal Cellist of the Advanced Orchestra.

Additionally, she was Creator & Founder of “B4 You Vote OK,” Second Chair in the Tulsa Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Cellist of Sistema Community Youth Orchestra.

She states, “My passions for music, equality, and politics have given me an unwavering commitment to enact change that will continue into law school.  I will use the Simon Estes Scholarship to seek higher education so I can be at the frontline of change to continue fighting for the arts, women, and people of my community.

Yatziry Pino Gomez is a graduate of Nathan Hale High School. She earned a 4.0 grade point average while demonstrating consistent academic excellence and initiative. She took advantage of dual credit opportunities through Tulsa Community College, building a solid foundation for her college studies. She plans to attend the University of Tulsa, where she will major in accounting and continue his academic journey with a focus on financial literacy and professional development. During high school, she participated in a culinary volunteer program, reflecting her willingness to serve and engage with her community. She shared, “The Simon Estes scholarship is a great opportunity to help me receive the best education possible while pushing me to maintain my amazing grades.” Her dedication to achievement and growth positions him for success in his field.

Ky’Liin Johnson-Cooper graduated from Booker T. Washington High School as a dedicated student-athlete who excelled both in the classroom and on the court. A proud member of the girls’ varsity basketball team, she balanced athletic achievement with academic success while earning membership in both the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. As a first-generation college student, Ky’Liin will attend Seminole State College, where she plans to continue her basketball career while majoring in Pre-Engineering. She aspires to return to Tulsa after completing her education to serve her community and help her younger siblings pursue their own educational goals. Guided by the belief that “representation matters,” Ky’Liin hopes to inspire others by demonstrating what is possible through hard work, perseverance, and education.

Collin Walters is a graduate of Broken Arrow High School. He demonstrated strong academic achievement and a well-rounded commitment to leadership, service, and the arts. He was recognized as a Broken Arrow Scholar for his PSAT performance and earned multiple AP college credits while in high school. He plans to attend Oklahoma State University, where he will study Civil Engineering, guided by a desire to combine creativity and discipline in a meaningful, lasting impact. As he shared, “Striving for Impact through creativity and discipline.” His extracurricular involvement includes serving as a drumline member in the marching band, earning first place in the Rural Museum of Poetry’s competition for his “I Have a Dream” speech, and volunteering with the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and the Tulsa Dream Center. His dedication to both academic excellence and community service reflects a strong commitment to building and uplifting his community.

Samuel Thornton is a graduate of Copan High School and the 2026 Class Valedictorian. He demonstrated outstanding academic excellence while persevering through personal hardships with resilience and determination. Throughout high school, he remained actively involved in cattle grading, livestock judging, track, and football, balancing a rigorous academic schedule with extracurricular and athletic commitments. Samuel plans to attend Oklahoma State University to study Environmental Biology, with a passion for addressing critical environmental challenges such as habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and genetic modification. Committed to serving others, he also volunteered with the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots program, lending a helping hand to families in the community. Through perseverance, leadership, and a passion for environmental stewardship, Samuel is well prepared to make a lasting impact on both the scientific community and the world around him.

Zander Krull is a graduate of Krull Classical Academy. He has achieved a 4.0 grade point average and earned an ACT score of 32 while demonstrating exceptional academic discipline and leadership. Through dual-credit coursework at Tulsa Community College and Oral Roberts University, he accumulated twenty-two college credit hours before graduating high school, providing a solid foundation for future success. He plans to attend John Brown University to study Mechanical Engineering. His homeschooling experience fostered valuable life skills, as he shared: “My homeschooling experience has allowed me to learn self-motivation, organization, and time management skills.” Beyond academics, he earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Scouts BSA program, and dedicated more than two hundred hours to volunteer service through his church and several community organizations. Shaped by his family’s foster care journey and a commitment to serving others, he exemplifies leadership, perseverance, and a desire to make a positive impact on his community.

graduated from Edison High School maintaining Honor Roll status for all four years. She lists her “Interests & Activities” as volunteering, leadership and philanthropy as evidenced by her participation in Youth Leadership Council, Tulsa Higher Education Consortium, Tulsa Community College City Lab, and Business Professionals of America. As Co-Facilitator of Youth Philanthropy Initiative she provided opportunities for her peers to build leadership skills, engage creatively, and develop STEM practices, showcasing her commitment to community engagement.

Sofia expressed, “I know that there is a lot of stigma around being unable to afford things that seem basic to others so I hope to tear down that stigma and make people feel more confident in their future and habits. So, I plan to build my knowledge throughout my college experience by attending informative community events and investment classes to educate others about investing.”

In the advancement of this pursuit, Sofia will major in Finance in university.

MIA VERA graduated from Nathan Hale High School with a 3.7 GPA, ranking in the top tier of her senior class. She concurrently completed Drafting coursework at Tulsa Technology Center, was a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in internship programs at two prestigious architectural firms who both offer high praise for her overall work ethic, dedication, and dependability.

Mia declares, “Having a dream is something important for everyone to have no matter how big or small. A dream will lead you in the future and will help you push through hard moments in your life.”

“Reducing the use of carbon and increasing the use of renewable energy to prevent more damage to the environment.” are career goals of Mia’s. She states, “I am eager to become an architect because only 1% of Latinas are in the field and only 23.3% are women.”

Mia will be pursuing her dream of becoming an Architectural Engineer while in college.

Graduated with a 3.90 GPA from Charles Page High School, where she took college classes with concurrent enrollment at TCC and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was actively involved in serving her community through volunteerism with Mana Meals, Blood Drives, German Shepherd Rescue of Tulsa, and Bell Ringing with Salvation Army.

A former teacher remembers that “She deflects the enormous praise that is heaped upon her so that others may bask in the limelight … She thinks how her words and actions impact others. I have met very few students that possess Ashley Kirkpatrick leadership skills.”

Ashley will pursue a chemistry degree to further her goal of becoming a Biochemist.

Graduate of Booker T. Washington High School where he was a member of the All-Metro Jazz and Concert Band, President of Men of Power, President of the Tulsa Kappa League, and a member of the Student Council.

He states, “Education is of the utmost importance because it will take me to new heights that would be unachievable without a degree.  The reason that I have chosen education as my field of study is to teach others, to empower, to provide direction and to define priorities.  Receiving the Simon Estes Scholarship will not only help relieve the financial burden of higher education it will also give me motivation to live up to the Foundation’s expectations – failure is not in my vocabulary.”

Jackson is double-majoring in Mathematics and Education with a career goal of becoming   a Secondary Education Teacher.

Graduated from Edison Preparatory High School with a 3.90 GPA, being in the top 10% of his class, and excelling in Advanced Placement courses. He participated on the boy’s cross-country and soccer teams and made the Oklahoma Cross Country & Track Coaches Association 5A Senior All-Star Roster Top 15. Additionally, he served on his class’ student board, Student Council Vice President, and officer of his school’s National Honor Society.

Those familiar with Hank attest to his qualities of self-reliance, perserverance, self-motivation,and good discernment. Through his volunteerism, he helped local organizations during the height of the COVID crisis.

Hank states, “I have worked very hard in all my classes throughout the years in order to give myself a competitive edge in the classroom. My studies are very important to me and I want to expand my knowledge and utilize my academic rigor to its fullest potential in college.”

He will be pursuing a degree in General Business with a desire to become a business leader in the community.