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Congratulations 2025 Bright Scholars

Recipients of the Bright Scholars of Iowa, Lois Dale Bright Scholarship, and Bright Scholars Persistence awards.

About the Scholarships

The Bright Foundation funds renewable, last dollar college scholarships covering the full cost of attendance so that recipients have the financial means to graduate on-time, debt-free, prepared to launch careers and give back. For more information, learn about our scholarships here.

2025 Recipients

Nakara Adoobe

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

University of Iowa

Lillyann Aguilera

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Hailey Ankrum

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Iowa

Camden Bennett

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Abigail Burkle

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Benjamin Bunn

Bright Scholars Persistence

University of Iowa

Jackie Campoverde Penafiel

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

Iowa State University

Keara Cameron

Bright Scholars Persistence

University of Northern Iowa

Anamaria Chavez

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Logan Corwin

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

University of Iowa

Angenai Crawford

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

Iowa State University

Elijah Dayton

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Valeria Diaz-Ruiz

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

University of Iowa

Liliana Dotson

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Iowa

Guadalupe Flores Sanchez

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Iowa

Rayvin Freeman

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Iowa

Melody George

Bright Scholars Persistence

Iowa State University

Grace Glover

Bright Scholars Persistence

University of Northern Iowa

Melvin Gonzalez

Bright Scholars Persistence

University of Iowa

Kaylie Grant

Bright Scholars of Iowa

Iowa State University

Willie Holmes

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Autumn Jones-Popp

Bright Scholar of Iowa

University of Iowa

Rilynn Kreft

Bright Scholars of Iowa

Iowa State University

Malyna Langlois

Bright Scholars Persistence

University of Northern Iowa

Moss Louvan

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

University of Iowa

Jaxx Lovell

Bright Scholars Persistence

University of Northern Iowa

Nathalia Luna Basilio

Bright Scholars Persistence

University of Iowa

Daniela Maldonado

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

Iowa State University

Allen Moreno

Bright Scholars of Iowa

Iowa State University

William Nutt

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Jonah O'Neal

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

University of Northern Iowa

Henry Orellana

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

Iowa State University

Tavia Randall

Bright Scholars Persistence

University of Iowa

Pradesh Rai

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

Iowa State University

Aryam Salah

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

University of Northern Iowa

Caitlin Taylor

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

University of Northern Iowa

Haylea Tillman

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

Macy Thompson

Bright Scholars of Iowa

Iowa State University

Liliann Tjaden-Duff

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

Iowa State University

Vanessa Truong

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Iowa

Alex Valdez-Perez

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

University of Iowa

Stefanie Wilson

Lois Dale Bright Scholar

University of Northern Iowa

Hailey Wiebold

Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Iowa

Lucas Wood

Bright Scholars of Iowa

Iowa State University

“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 am beyond grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has opened up for me. Many doors closed right in front of me, and the Bright Foundation opened up a door of hope for my future. I sometimes think I am dreaming and soon realize this is really happening. I am the first one in my family to attend a University. I can not put into words how much of a blessing this has been not only for me but for my family! I will forever be thankful.”

“I want to personally thank the Bright Foundation for this year. I would not be nearly as successful without their financial support. I come from an incredibly humble background and the financial stability they have given me in the form of this scholarship has allowed me to commit my highest potential to my classwork. They are the reason I am the student I am today. I have tried to carry the Bright Foundation’s values close to my heart this academic year. I worked extremely hard and devoted much of my outside time to volunteer work. I cannot put into works how grateful I am for the opportunities this foundation has given me. They have laid the groundwork for all of my current and future success. I plan to celebrate these values, and this foundation for the rest of my life.”

“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.”

“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.”

“With each passing semester I become even more thankful for this scholarship. My college experience has been phenomenal and this scholarship deserves all the credit. You have allowed to me the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy receiving my education at the University of Iowa. I am thankful to be a Bright Scholar of Iowa. Thank you so much for the college experience you have let me have through this scholarship.”