Graceland University Awards 2019 Spectacular Scholarships

Graceland University awarded $110,000 in prestigious scholarships to Spectacular campers last week. Spectacular, or Spec, is the largest annual gathering of youth in Community of Christ, Graceland’s sponsoring church. Over 1,000 campers and their leaders gather at Graceland University, where they have opportunities to participate in leadership and discipleship development, diverse worship, and expression of arts, music and sports. The scholarships awarded at Spec are announced at the end of the week-long camp and are available to students entering their senior year of high school and participating in the camp.

InSpire Scholarship

The InSpire scholarship is intended for students who are passionate about the mission of Community of Christ and are committed to continuing that interest while pursuing their education at Graceland University. The Graceland community provides many opportunities to promote the important work of the church’s mission initiatives – the InSpire Scholarship is offered in order to encourage Community of Christ students to attend Graceland and pursue those opportunities.

2019 InSpire Winners:

• Bristol Hough, MidFarwestlands – $3,000 x 4 years = $12,000
• Breanna Clark, Central Mission – $1,500 x 4 years = $6,000

Wallace B. Smith Leadership, Arts and Sports Grant

Wallace B. Smith was president of Community of Christ, Graceland’s sponsoring church, from 1978 to 1996. The scholarships named in his honor go to students who show the promise to make a significant contribution to the Graceland campus by modeling the university’s three core values: learning, wholeness and community. In addition to one $3,000 scholarship, Graceland offers additional scholarships ranging from $1,000-$2,500 and renewable for up to four years, to Spec campers who have distinguished themselves within at least one of the university’s three core values.

2019 Wallace B. Smith Winners:

• Adam Sherer, Heart of America – Honor Grant, $3,000 x 4 years = $12,000
• Asa Henry, Calizonia – Learning Scholar, $2,500 x 4 years = $10,000
• Loralei Jackel, Heart of America – Learning Scholar, $2,500 x 4 years = $10,000
• Onalee Anderson, North Atlantic States – Distinguished Scholar, $1,000 x 4 years = $4,000
• Tiffany (Ashlyn) Byrd, Midwest Crossroads – Distinguished Scholar, $1,000 x 4 years = $4,000
• Clara Cleland-Leighton, MidFarwestlands – Distinguished Scholar, $1,000 x 4 years = $4,000
• Addison Demesko, Central Mission – Distinguished Scholar, $1,000 x 4 years = $4,000
• Braden Kowalski, Headwaters – Distinguished Scholar, $1,000 x 4 years = $4,000
• Jackson Main, Central Mission – Distinguished Scholar, $1,000 x 4 years = $4,000
• Tanis Rees, Northwest – Distinguished Scholar, $1,000 x 4 years = $4,000
• Delaney Wetjen, Heart of America – Distinguished Scholar, $1,000 x 4 years = $4,000

Thomas Cochran Memorial Volleyball Scholarship

The Thomas Cochran Memorial Volleyball Scholarship is given to volleyball players selected by the Graceland University coaching staff. Winners receive up to $2,000 renewable for up to four years.

2019 Thomas Cochran Winners:

• Addison Demesko, Central Mission – $2,000 x 4 years = $8,000
• Jocelyn Dailey, Canada – $2,000 x 4 years = $8,000
• Isabelle Morse, Central Mission – $1,500 x 4 years = $6,000
• Bailey Wiemann, Heart of America – $1,500 x 4 years = $6,000

In addition to the scholarships listed above, which are specifically available to Spec participants, Graceland has established several scholarships to help with the cost of earning a college degree and taking part in the Graceland experience. More information can be obtained from the Admissions Office (admissions@graceland.edu or 866.472.2352) or by visiting Graceland’s website.