It was a surreal feeling when Kaelyn Keefer heard her name read as the winner of the Strome Family Foundation Scholarship during an assembly on April 23. In that moment, the senior felt the love in the room.
“I wanted the scholarship not to just help me, but my family too,” said Kaelyn. “I knew whether I won or not, I wasn’t losing anything from this experience. This process helps you grow as a person.”
The process starts in late winter and early spring each school year for seniors who plan to attend a four-year college and want to compete for life-changing scholarship. Mark Strome, a 1974 WCS graduate, established the scholarship through The Wyoming Foundation, and specified that qualifications not be based on students’ academic achievements. Candidates must participate in a meet and greet, and then interviews, with Strome Scholarship Committee members. The final component is a 20-minute presentation by each finalist. Kaelyn thought the process helped her with public speaking, communicating efficiently with others, tackling responsibility, being self-driven, and much more.
“I was scared at first to apply, but everyone was amazing. They’re nothing but supportive,” said Kaelyn about the committee members.
Kaelyn considered joining the military, but became motivated to make a difference in the lives of children. Similar to what teachers like Mr. and Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Backes, and Mrs. Sagun have done for her at WCS.
“Growing up, certain teachers had an impact on me, and I decided I wanted to do that for little kids,” she said.
Helping others is really what drives Kaelyn. This past winter, the student-athlete organized a volleyball tournament fundraiser for middle/high school students. With help from teacher Ed Stores, the event raised $450 and 75 non-perishable food items were collected. Kaelyn enlisted the help of Nicole Yeo, WCS social worker, to anonymously donate the funds and food to district students and families in need.
“The event made everyone else happy, which made me happy,” she said. “I knew it was benefitting people who needed it.”
In addition to playing volleyball at WCS, and club volleyball, Kaelyn has participated in basketball, softball, tennis, dance, Yearbook Club, Drama Club, band, and chorus. Looking beyond WCS, Kaelyn, who is the daughter of Steven and Stacey Keefer, plans to attend Niagara University to study Elementary Education.
“This scholarship is going to help me prioritize my education and dreams. Not having to worry about the money aspect is huge. This also helps my family.”
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