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The Bright Foundation Launches New Scholarship Initiative

The Bright Foundation recently launched a new initiative, the Lois Dale Scholarship. This scholarship is a need- and merit-based grant that honors graduating seniors of East High School in Des Moines Public Schools, ensuring they have the financial means to complete a two- or four-year college education without accumulating student loan debt.

This scholarship is a need- and merit-based grant that honors graduating seniors of East High School in Des Moines Public Schools, ensuring they have the financial means to complete a two- or four-year college education without accumulating student loan debt.

The 2015 Lois Dale Scholarship recipients include:

Alex Blair – Iowa State University
Jason Jeffries – Iowa State University
Ruth Tina Phaviset – University of Iowa
Selena Z. Pintor – Iowa State University
Jay Williams – University of Iowa

Dan Kelly and Wes Ritchie of the Bright Foundation recognized the scholarship recipients at East High School’s senior awards night.

“This is a great community of scholarship recipients to be part of. The scholarship has improved my life in so many ways – not only by allowing me to graduate debt-free in just eight semesters, but also by providing a support system and a network of other Bright Scholars.”

“My first year in college has been amazing. I was able to get involved with intramural sports, Iowa Wishmakers and Dance Marathon because you took the financial burden off my back and allowed for me to get the most out of my college experience. I’ve been able to focus on school and not worry about working which has allowed me to get the most out of my education. I was also able to fulfill one of my dreams before going to college; I was able to pay for a child’s Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World with my graduation money because of your generosity and covering the expenses of my education. This first year has been great and I cannot wait for the next three years. Thank you Bright Scholars of Iowa!”

“I would like to thank you for your contribution. Without your help, it would be difficult to attend college and pursue my dream career of being a veterinarian. I am extremely honored and hope to give back to foundations like this one day.”

“I am and always will be eternally grateful for what you have done for me and what you’ve done for others. It’s truly amazing how two special people, Lois and Dale Bright, could be so generous in helping others out. I truly aspire to be like them, giving out of generosity and expecting nothing in return. As college rolls on, I get more and more excited to become a teacher of mathematics, not just to teach young adults math, but also to challenge and aspire them to be better people. Without your help though, I am not sure any of that would be possible. For that, I am truly thankful. For now though, I will continue on in college, doing the best I possibly can do and doing my best to represent the Bright Foundation well. Thank you for all you do again, and God Bless.”

“The most valuable part of being a Bright Scholar was experiencing college from a different perspective. I am so grateful for every opportunity and position I was able to hold because I had nothing to worry about and could truly enjoy every moment. Having the freedom to get involved allowed me to further my professional development and give back to the college and community, things I would not have been able to do if I didn’t have the scholarship.”

“Being a Bright Scholar means being part of a family that is selfless and giving, and which strives to provide a better future for today’s youth who, in turn, will contribute to society.”