Hi, My name is Lesley Gray. I am a full-time student, I work full-time, and I’m a full-time mother to four beautiful children. I first learned about SFTS in 2010 when Kirk and Laura came to the school I was attending. I was able to help with the presentation that day and cried the entire time. Then I tried to make it to every presentation I could to support the Smalley family. This organization is close to my heart, and I am honored to receive The President’s Choice Scholarship. I Am Somebody!

My name is McKinley Rider, and I am a senior at Du Quoin High School in Du Quoin, Illinois. In my free time I enjoy volunteering at my local humane society, baking, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. After graduating in May, I plan to attend Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. I then plan to work as a Registered Nurse in the ICU to receive critical care hours to enroll in CRNA school to become a Certified Registered Nursing Anesthetist. I have always had a passion and love for helping others and giving back to those in need. I am so honored and thankful to be selected as a recipient for the Stand for the Silent Scholarship. It is scholarships like these that help students achieve their career goals and dreams! I have been impacted by Ty’s story and will be forever grateful for this foundation. Clare Pooley once said, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind!”

My name is Bryce Hampton, I am a senior at Gallatin High School in Bozeman, Montana. After High School I plan on playing Baseball and studying Kinesiology at Washington State University. After college I plan to keep playing baseball as long as possible then stay in the game as a professional or collegiate coach.

My name is Nyra Frierson, and I am from East Cleveland, OH. I am currently a senior at Shaw High School as well as a freshman at my local community college. I am an extremely active member in my community where I spend my time participating in my local marching band, student council, and helping others in my area. I serve as the student council treasurer for 2023-2024 academic year. I believe that there is never a milestone for anything, including education. In the fall I plan to expand my knowledge at Alabama A&M University where I will study computer science; to pursue my dreams of becoming a software engineer. Most importantly I would like to express my gratitude to the selection committee for selecting me as a recipient for the SFTS Scholarship. Thank you all for believing in me and supporting my goals.

Hi, my name is Macy Barefoot and I’m from Noble, Oklahoma! I’ve grown up in Noble my whole life and love the small-town atmosphere. I love my community and would not trade it for the world! Throughout my years in Noble I’ve been involved in FCA, Honor Society, Volleyball, Basketball, Athletic training, unified partner for special Olympics, and so much more! I am also involved in my church and serving the Lord!  This scholarship means so much to me, and I cannot express my gratitude for it! I will use this scholarship to further my education at Oklahoma State University! #gopokes!

My name is Hensley Kidd, and I am a senior at Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, Oklahoma. I love to dance and to spend time with my family and friends. After high school I plan to attend the Honors College at Oklahoma State University where I wish to obtain my master’s in psychology. My goal upon graduation is to become a grief counselor. I would like to spend my time working with children who, like me, have lost a parent. I am incredibly humbled and grateful for being chosen as a recipient of the Laura Smalley Memorial Scholarship. It is through the Stand for the Silent Organization and their generosity that my college dreams can become a reality. Thank you so much for choosing me for this amazing scholarship.

My name is Logan McDougall, and I’m currently a senior at Mission Early College High School in El Paso, TX. Though I’m only 17 years old, I am also a junior in college at the University of Texas at El Paso and have already completed my associate degree as well. My goal is to go to Colorado School of Mines, studying for a career in chemistry, with a possible focus on petroleum engineering. I’m a military kid, and I’ve lived and traveled all over Europe, and would love to find myself studying abroad in the near future as well. I’ve always loved reading, volunteering in my church locally and with missions, and have a passion for music-both listening to and playing it! I’m incredibly grateful and honored to be a recipient of the Laura Smalley Memorial Scholarship for 2023! Thank you! 

My name is Abigail Mansfield and I live in Stillwater, Oklahoma! I have a bachelor’s degree in biology from Oklahoma State University and I’m currently pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science online from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. As I’m pursuing this degree, I’m gaining practical knowledge while working at a small rural hospital lab. My goal is to become a board-certified medical laboratory scientist with a specialization in blood banking so I can help provide lifesaving blood products to critical patients! In my free time you can find me reading, embroidering, or enjoying the outdoors by hiking or kayaking! I am so thankful to be a recipient of the Ty Smalley Memorial Scholarship!

My name is Emeri Pasley, and I am delighted to be a recipient of the SFTS Ty Smalley Memorial Scholarship. I originally come from Quincy, IL, and am the youngest of four girls. I am also a proud aunt to my two nieces and two nephews, whom I adore greatly. Currently, I am a Junior at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO. I am majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology on a pre-law track. Law has been my passion for a few years now and I am extremely excited to pursue a further education and go to law school. I hope to specialize in either criminal law or estate law.  In my next semester at Rockhurst, I will be participating in an internship called the Innocence Project. This is a program that reviews cases of those wrongfully accused in hopes of appealing their sentences or proving their innocence. I am blessed to be able to be a part of something that can truly elicit a change and difference in the lives of those who most need it. It is thanks to the aid and generosity of this organization that I am able to pursue these dreams and more, for which I am extremely grateful.

Hello, my name is Sarah Chavez, and I am currently attending a program to learn medical billing and coding. I have always been fascinated by the medical field. I am also working as a waiter. I love my job but, eventually I know I will want to do more with my life. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity offered by the SFTS organization and will continue to pursue my education because of this scholarship. I could not be more thankful for Stand For The Silent and will always remember Ty Smalley.  

My name is Jessica Payne. I live in Albuquerque New Mexico with my parents, sister, and four brothers. I love swimming and art. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and any chance for an adventure. I find the world fascinating and beautiful. I am currently a sophomore at my community college, and I plan to major in interior design or child development. I work for my dad’s real estate business, which has sparked an interest in construction and homes. I love people, and I always have. I love serving in my church and getting to know the families in my community. People fill me with light. I love learning from others and getting to know their remarkable stories. I have been blessed by the kindness of so many people.

Hi! My name is Shauna Lake, and I am a senior at Dora High School. As a current high school student, I devote my time to participating in three sports year-round: track, softball, and basketball. I also serve as Vice President in my schools JAG program. In this school year, my friend and I started an organization within our school called Restroom Hospitality. In summary, we installed free hygiene products in each bathroom stall within our high school. Our motive was focused on the lack of female hygiene products available to those who are in need. This project has made me realize that I love serving others and benefiting communities. I plan to further my education at Missouri State University and then going to the University of Missouri for my graduate school. I aspire to pursue a career in either business, law, or the medical field but I have seriously considered doing all three. My plans as of now are to major in Exercise and Movement Science with a double minor in Psychology and Health Sciences. My dream is to be a physician’s assistant with my own law firm (might take some time). In my free time I love to go to the gym and hangout with my friends. The gym is my healthy way of coping with stress and any other emotion life throws at me. I am so honored to have been chosen as one of the SFTS Scholarship Recipients. This program is going to save lives and create a future for amazing individuals. I would like to give a special thanks to my dad for being my rock and constantly encouraging me to aim high. Above all else, thanks to those who have motivated me to be the best version of myself. 

My name is Emily Ramos from Hulbert, Oklahoma. I enjoy going to church and spending time with my family. I am attending Northeastern State University in the fall of 2023, and I plan to pursue a degree in science. After I graduate college, I plan to attend med-school and become a pediatrician and work with kids. I am very honored and grateful to receive the Ty Smalley Memorial Scholarship. Thank you to everyone from Stand For The Silent organization for not just helping me achieve my long-term goal but also spreading kindness around helping everyone know that they are not alone and that everyone in this world is somebody. To everyone reading this… a few kind words can change someone’s entire day and being kind costs nothing.

My name is Sophie Earp, and I am a senior at Albuquerque School of Excellence. I plan to major in biology with a pre-med focus in college with the goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon! My passion for helping others stems from observing the most important people in my life, my family. With the help of my role models around me, I can proudly say they are the reasons I am where I am today. In my free time, you can catch me playing volleyball or curled up somewhere with a new book every week. I am eternally thankful and grateful for the opportunity Mr. Smalley and the Stand for the Silent organization have given me and I plan to make you all proud of it.

Hi! My name is Christopher Slone! I’m a seventeen-year-old aspiring lawyer from Powell County, Kentucky. As an avid lover of politics, I’m constantly striving to spread open-mindedness through the messages I preach. I’m a proud advocate and member of the LGBTQ+ community. In my free time, I enjoy watching Stanley Kubrick movies, practicing Korean, and working on my comic, which I plan to publish in the next few years. I can’t tell you how incredibly thankful I am to have received this scholarship. To know that my scholarship application was able to touch the hearts of those who have inspired millions of young lives around America will never cease to amaze me. I would like to give a special thanks to my family, friends, teachers, and my trapper hat for helping me become who I am today. And to the lovely people at SFTS, thank you. Thank you for bringing so much love into the world. Thank you for planting seeds in the garden of possibilities and growing them into a legacy.

My name is Hannah Mills and I am a Junior at Wayne State College majoring in Chemistry for Health Sciences for Pre-Medicine and minoring in Spanish and Biology. My hope is to attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center to graduate with my doctorate in Psychiatry. When I’m not attending classes, I keep myself busy being the President of Active Minds at Wayne State College, a group dedicated to destigmatizing mental health. On my days off from school, I love going to work at Behavioral Health Specialists where I serve as a Staff Technician at a short-term residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. In my free time, I love taking naps, organizing various things, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with my family. I am very honored and thankful to be selected as this year’s scholarship recipient and am grateful for everything the SFTS team does.

My name is Randi Meier. I’m originally from Texas but now happily reside in Mulhall, Oklahoma on the family farm. I work at the cardiology clinic at Stillwater Medical Center and absolutely love my job. I’m finishing up my second semester of nursing school at Northern Oklahoma College. I’m officially halfway through the registered nursing program and I couldn’t be more excited! Upon graduation, I plan on continuing my career in cardiology. I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and playing with my little (rather big) best friend, my dog Kita Bear! I truly believe that we can change the world with kindness, and it is an absolute honor to be selected for the Ty Field- Smalley Memorial Scholarship! If you see someone without a smile, give them yours!

Hey there! My name is Ethan Lemke, and I attend Altamont High School in Altamont, Illinois. As of writing this, I am still undecided on my future university, but I am hoping to keep my university of choice in-state. Although I am currently undecided on where I will further my education, I am quite certain I would love to pursue a degree in journalism or, at the very least, a related field. Over the years, I have found a passion for pouring my all into my writing, and I hope to utilize this to touch the hearts of countless people around the world. I cannot put into words how thankful I am to be blessed with such a meaningful opportunity provided to me by Kirk Smalley and the entirety of the SFTS team. My thankfulness further goes out to my family, my friends, and those that have helped develop me into the person I am today.”

My name is Jacqueline Cheatwood. I am 37 and am returning to college to pursue my degree in nursing at Northern Oklahoma College. It is my goal to become an RN in the mental health field. I have a beautiful 7 year old girl, 2 dogs, and 3 cats, so my home is never quiet, but I thrive on chaos. I have been a 911 dispatcher for 13 years and still work full time on nights while I go to school and take care of my girl. In the rare free time I have, I love to fish, hunt, hike ,and just be outdoors in general. I encourage everyone to treat people with kindness and respect. You never know how much a smile and compassion can brighten someone’s day!

My name is Audrey Herman and I’m from Titusville, Pennsylvania. I’m currently a first-year student at Dickinson College majoring in Political Science with a minor in Ethics. In my free time, I like to play softball, bake, and write fiction. After graduation, I plan to attend law school at Penn State Dickinson Law. I want to right the wrongs of social injustice, mediate conflict between people, and work to prevent violence through legal means. I am very honored to be chosen as one of Stand For the Silent’s scholarship recipients, especially since this organization’s mission means so much to me. Their generous support in achieving my goals does not go unnoticed.

My name is Riley Savage, I am 18 years old with a passion for medicine and helping people. I am from a very remote town in Idaho but have strong roots based in Oklahoma where I grew up. I am going to school this fall to get a bachelors in science and nursing. I am very strong minded and independent, as well I am very outgoing and adventurous. Stand for the Silent is something some people would look at as just a small group trying to share a message. To me they are an impact that was brought into my life at a very young age. The story of Kirk and Laura’s son Ty changed my life forever. This organization brought not only a lesson to me, but changed my way of thinking. Such as you don’t know what people are going through; pushing them down in any way is not okay because you do not need to be a part of the negativity that exists in this ugly world. A lot of people are just trying to survive through hurt feelings, hard times, and different challenges. We have the opportunity to be someone’s light, why not act on that. Be the person to ask if someone is okay or needs help, be the one to sit with the kid who is eating lunch by themselves, be the one to stand up and be the voice for someone who may have not found theirs yet. These are the lessons SFTS has taught me. Stand for the Silent will forever and always be carried in my heart and mind helping me not only better myself but be someone else’s light. It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, as well have a time to express what Stand for the Silent truly means to me. Thank you for everything that SFTS has done not only for me but everyone.

Hailey is a 17-year-old senior at The Ranney School in Tinton Falls, NJ. She lives with her mom, dad, four-year-old brother (TJ), and their family dog (Nemo). Hailey enjoys spending time with her family and friends, volunteering, surfing, traveling both domestically and internationally, and competitively playing sports. From a very young age, giving back to those in need has always been her passion. Hailey tries to lead by example and believes in the power of kindness and empathy. At 13, she started Hailey’s Haven, a non-profit that assists foster youth in NJ and has recently expanded to assist youth Afghan refugees in NJ. Hailey is currently deciding between multiple acceptances to Universities across the U.S. She is certain in following a career in medicine where she can continue her passion to help others.

Halle is currently a high school senior at Preble High School in Green Bay, WI. She plans on continuing her education and attending Northern Michigan University to study Botany. She has always had a passion for plants and the environment and would love to use her degree to research solutions to help combat the global crisis of climate change. While doing so, she wants to inspire others, especially youth, to follow their passions, and always strive for greatness, no matter what anyone else thinks. To do this, she will always try to include oth-ers, be kind, and encourage those around her to do the same. She truly believes that together we all can make a difference.