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Royal Neighbors of America Honors 2026 Scholarship Recipients

On July 30, 2026, Royal Neighbors of America®, a prominent life insurance organization based in Rock Island, Illinois, proudly announced the awarding of 32 scholarships to exceptional student members across the country. This initiative reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to providing what they term Insurance with a Difference℠. Each recipient was selected based on their exemplary academic records, leadership qualities, volunteer efforts, and dedication to making positive contributions to their communities.

The selection process was highly competitive, requiring applicants to submit personal essays that addressed their experiences in leadership, community service, and personal growth. Royal Neighbors emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven education, which resonates with their core mission. As Amy Jones, Senior Director of Social Impact at Royal Neighbors, expressed, “Our scholarship recipients represent the very best of what it means to be a Royal Neighbor. These are individuals who take action and make their communities stronger.” By investing in the education of these aspiring leaders, the organization aims not just to help them reach their academic goals, but also to enhance the positive impact they will have on their communities in the foreseeable future.

Zarifa Reynolds, CEO and President of Royal Neighbors, also highlighted the significance of education, stating, “Education opens doors, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities for future generations. We are honored to invest in these remarkable students whose commitment to service reflects the values that have guided our organization for more than 130 years.” This sentiment is captured in the stories of the scholarship recipients, such as Graci Tubbs, who is pursuing her degree at Florida Atlantic University. Graci remarked, “This experience taught me that service is about heart, empathy, and showing up for others. It inspires me every day to give selflessly and lead by example.”

The recipients of the 2026 Royal Neighbors Scholarships hail from various states, showcasing a diverse representation of talent and commitment. Here are the names of the scholarship recipients and their respective states:

• - Colton Ashley - Iowa
• - Jenna Becker - Nevada
• - Peyton Boles - Missouri
• - Isabella Chambers - South Carolina
• - Lydia Davis - Virginia
• - Olivia Donahue - Iowa
• - Samiyah English - Florida
• - Carmen Gaas - Texas
• - Scarlett Gonsalves - California
• - Skylar Greene - Illinois
• - Boston Hodges - Mississippi
• - William Hodges - Mississippi
• - Evelyn Houston - Texas
• - Yazard Jean Pierre - Florida
• - Ani Johnson - Georgia
• - Nina Kuzichev - Washington, DC
• - Justin Lee - Texas
• - Kammie Ludwig - Illinois
• - Noah Martin* - Colorado
• - Ronald McClary - South Carolina
• - Gregory McCray - Georgia
• - Nicole Pate - New Jersey
• - Emma Pearson - Iowa
• - Ashley Pouliot - Minnesota
• - Evan Pouliot - Minnesota
• - Jacob Rose - Wisconsin
• - Verlane Rubina - California
• - Olivia Schuld - Illinois
• - Graci Tubbs - Florida
• - Randi Tubbs - Florida
• - Abigail Williams - Colorado
• - Dorothy Young - Pennsylvania

Note that Noah Martin is recognized as a fourth-generation Royal Neighbors Member, reflecting the organization's legacy and continued engagement with families over generations. The funds from these scholarships can be utilized for various educational expenses, including tuition, room and board, textbooks, and other related costs.

For those looking to learn more about the Royal Neighbors Scholarship Program, more information is available at royalneighbors.org/scholarships.

About Royal Neighbors of America
Founded in 1895 by nine pioneering women, Royal Neighbors has a rich history of making life insurance accessible to women. After 131 years, the organization continues to uphold its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The impact of Royal Neighbors is driven by its members, chapters, employees, and independent agents through dedicated volunteer efforts and various philanthropic initiatives. This social impact remains a cornerstone of the organization’s operations. In recognition of its financial strength, Royal Neighbors holds an “A” rating from AM Best, showcasing its commitment to meeting obligations to certificate holders. Furthermore, in 2026, the organization earned recognition from Forbes and Statista as one of the World's Best Insurance Companies.