2025 Scholarships

Legacy West Chapter 66
AZ & NM 2025 Scholarships


2025 Legacy West Chapter 66 Pioneer Scholarship CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS

Reagan Monroe was awarded a $1000 scholarship from the 2025 Chapter 66 Legacy West Scholarship committee.

Reagan has shown a heartfelt dedication to community service through diverse volunteer roles that span animal welfare, migrant family outreach, and inclusive athletics. From caring for shelter animals at the Humane Society to building trust with children in migrant communities and supporting athletes with special needs in Unified Track and Field, Reagan has consistently demonstrated compassion, creativity, and leadership. These experiences have shaped her personal values and inspired her to pursue a degree in Supply Chain Management at Arizona State University, where she hopes to connect business operations with meaningful community impact—whether through nonprofit collaboration or improving service delivery to those in need.

Eliza DelaPaz was awarded a $1000 scholarship from the 2025 Chapter 66 Legacy West Scholarship committee.

Eliza’s volunteer work in a Tanzanian village profoundly shaped her understanding of service, emphasizing the importance of listening, cultural humility, and authentic connection. Whether assisting in classrooms or distributing essentials, she learned that meaningful impact begins with relationships and a willingness to learn from others. This experience sparked her passion for education, mental wellness, and community building, leading her to pursue a degree in Neurosciences at Arizona State University. Eliza’s long-term goal is to create a school rooted in mindfulness and compassion, where people feel seen, supported, and empowered—just as she did during her time in Tanzania.

2025 New Mexico Combined Club Scholarship CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS

Mikael Smith was awarded a $1000 scholarship from the 2025 NMCC Pioneers – Chapter 66 Legacy West Scholarship committee.

Mikael’s lifelong commitment to community service is deeply rooted in his family’s values and reinforced through a wide range of volunteer experiences. Inspired by his mother’s involvement in school outreach and his father’s work as a firefighter, Mikael has actively contributed to local initiatives such as the Yuma Food Bank, Relay for Life, and the Humane Society, as well as numerous community events. His most impactful service has been at On Vida Health Hospital, where he supported patients through the Kindness Project, assisted in the pharmacy and gift shop, and provided comfort to those without visitors. These experiences have deepened his understanding of compassion, teamwork, and the importance of emotional support in healthcare settings.

Mikael plans to become a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner by attending the University of Arizona in the fall of 2025.

Nandini Gopalakrishnan was awarded a $1000 scholarship from the 2025 NMCC Pioneers – Chapter 66 Legacy West Scholarship committee.

Nandini will be a freshman studying Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. Nandini has contributed to her community throughout high school. Nandini co-founded The Books For All Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to delivering books to underserved communities, and donated over 4,800 books to hundreds of children. As co-founder and president of her school’s UNICEF Club, Nandini has also helped raise over $2,000 for UNICEF USA and organized presentations that educate peers on children’s rights and global health. Nandini also served as Co-Executive Director of STEMducate, a non-profit dedicated to exposing students to STEM opportunities and careers. She is especially proud of founding the STEM in Sports initiative, which demonstrates how STEM concepts intertwine with everyday activities and sports. These experiences have taught Nandini the importance of accessibility, empathy, and thoughtful leadership—qualities she plans to bring to biomedical engineering.

Hayden Liddy was awarded a $1000 scholarship from the 2025 NMCC Pioneers – Chapter 66 Legacy West Scholarship committee.

Hayden has shown unwavering commitment to the foster care community. She has organized and performed violin concerts at children’s homes during the holidays, led musical groups to spread joy, and volunteered as a photographer at summer camps for foster girls—giving them cherished memories in the form of photographs. Her service extends to appreciation dinners and seasonal gift drives, reflecting a consistent drive to uplift others.

Hayden is passionate about helping military personnel return home safely and quickly to their loved ones. Her desire to make a meaningful impact through technology is rooted in empathy and a deep understanding of separation and sacrifice. Her educational goal is to intern at General Dynamics, where she hopes to contribute to U.S. defense and aerospace innovations that improve soldiers’ safety and connectivity. Hayden will be attending Arizona State University fall 2025

2025 Phoenix Thunderbird Combined Club Scholarship CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER

Nicolas Jones was awarded a $1000 scholarship from the 2025 PTCC Pioneers – Chapter 66 Legacy West Scholarship committee.

Nicolas has built a life around public service. His experiences as an Airborne Infantryman, paramedic, and police officer have given him firsthand insight into the physical and emotional toll faced by first responders, veterans, and trauma survivors. These high-stress careers not only shaped his sense of duty but also revealed a critical gap in mental health support—sparking his decision to pursue a new path in healing.

Now armed with a bachelor’s degree in Human Systems Engineering from Arizona State University, Nicolas is continuing his education with a master’s in Counseling. His goal is to become a trauma-focused psychotherapist specializing in holistic, evidence-based care for those in helping professions and trauma survivors from all walks of life. He plans to earn certifications in somatic and psychedelic-assisted therapies and ultimately establish a wellness center that integrates therapy, yoga, breathwork, and nature-based healing. His vision is to create a sanctuary for renewal—accessible through partnerships with police and fire departments, the VA, and federal agencies—where those who serve and suffer can find lasting support and restoration.

2025 Southern Arizona Combined Club Scholarship CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER

Lila Dessen was awarded a $1000 scholarship from the 2025 SACC Pioneers – Chapter 66 Legacy West Scholarship committee.

Lila’s commitment to community service is woven into every aspect of her life. Growing up in Tucson, she has actively contributed to causes that uplift both people and the environment. From mentoring fifth-grade students in reading at Cragin Elementary to caring for rescued cats through Moon and Stars cat rescue, Lila has demonstrated compassion, leadership, and a deep sense of civic responsibility. Her regular participation in park cleanups with Tucson Clean and Beautiful reflects her dedication to environmental stewardship, while her work on the Harris-Walz campaign—registering voters and educating the public—shows her passion for civic engagement and advocacy.

These experiences have shaped Lila’s educational and career goals. As a double major in political science and law, she plans to pursue law school and focus on public policy reform that promotes equity and justice. Her volunteer work has reinforced her belief in the power of small actions to drive systemic change, and she is determined to use her education to advocate for underrepresented communities.

2025 Legacy West Chapter 66 – Madalyn Rollins Scholarship – CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS

Congratulations to the 2025 winners of $1000 scholarships provided by the Madalyn Rollins bequest, through Legacy West Pioneers’ Chapter 66. These students are graduating seniors from Apache Junction High School. Madlyn Rollins was a Pioneer in Arizona, and at her passing her husband set up the bequest as an ongoing fund for students from the Apache Junction High School, Apache Junction, Arizona. Each year students are selected by the chapter scholarship committee. Congratulations to these winners! Arizona Chapter 66, part of Legacy West Pioneers, wishes them success in their future endeavors.

  • Anthony Barrios Campos
  • Emily Cortez
  • Madisyn Gray
  • Benjamin Kidde
  • Charlotte Miller
  • Isabella Montoya
  • Cash O’Connor
  • Ashley Perez Rodriguez
  • Brianna Quintanar
  • Sophia Smith
  • Raul Torres