CHUMS INCORPORATED
SCHOLARSHIP
2025 Scholarship winnerS
With our National theme of “ "listen to the children…enrich their lives", Chums’ Founders’ National Scholarship, established at the October 2001 Conclave at Hilton Head Island, SC. in honor of Chum Founders Mary Ward Barnes, Joyce Tate Brown and Theodora Jackson Cora.
This scholarship benefits young adults attending college for the first time who have a documented financial need.
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The CHUMS Founders’ National Scholarship is a one-time scholarship award for a recipient who is nominated by a local chapter. The recipient of the award will be voted on and announced at the annual conclave each October.
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Many of our local chapters have fundraisers for the scholarship program offered through Chums Inc. Although family members/relatives of a Chum are not eligible for this scholarship, we encourage all Chums’ families to help identify eligible and worthy candidates for this wonderful opportunity.
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Eligibility:
• A high school senior
• A non-family member of a Chum
• Has completed volunteer services for the last 3 years
• Has a five (5) year plan of future education/career goals
• Has obtained awards, distinctions and academic honors in the past 3 years
1st Place: Keilla Michaud
​Keilla Michaud is an outstanding, high-achieving student-leader who excels in academics, music, service, and leadership. She is ranked 7th in the graduating class and has completed rigorous AP, Honors, and Dual Enrollment coursework while leading across multiple school organizations. Keilla serves as President of the National Honor Society, Vice-President of the Senior Class, and Head Drum Major. A 3DE Magnet Chair Ambassador and Elevation Scholar, she fosters inclusion and service through her leadership and extensive community volunteering. Balancing academics with part-time work, Keilla exemplifies resilience, empathy, and excellence. She plans to study Public Health or Biology and pursue a career as a Physician Assistant, dedicated to improving healthcare access in underserved communities.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
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1st Place - Keilla Michaud (Orlando Chapter)
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2nd Place - Taylor Elizabeth Evans (Raleigh Chapter)
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3rd Place - Ryan White (Houston Chapter)
Scholarship Applications
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Available from the local Chums Chapter, which services your area.
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Chapters: go to the Members section/Forms for the scholarship application and instructions.
2nd Place: Taylor Elizabeth Evans
A distinguished member of the Class of 2025, Taylor Elizabeth Evans, stands out as a resilient, service-driven scholar and leader. With a 3.93 weighted GPA, she has excelled in Honors, AP, and dual-enrollment college courses while serving as President of the National Honor Society and Captain and Quarterback of her school’s first female flag football team. Taylor has maintained academic excellence and leadership through perseverance, self-advocacy, and compassion for others. Deeply committed to service, she volunteers weekly with local outreach initiatives, supports peers with disabilities, and mentors fellow students. Recognized for integrity and inclusion, Taylor uplifts her community through empathy and example. Her next chapter begins at UNC Charlotte, where she will major in International Business and minor in Italian, aiming to become a consultant who helps small businesses thrive across global markets
3rd Place: Ryan White
Ryan Demetrius White is an accomplished student-athlete and aspiring accountant whose leadership and perseverance define his high school journey. Maintaining a 3.4 GPA, Ryan has excelled in AP Calculus, AP Precalculus, and AP English, while serving as a four-year National Honor Society member and earning a Certificate of Academic Excellence. As Captain of the Varsity Basketball Team, he’s known for discipline, teamwork, dedication, and recognition that earned him First Team All-District honors. Off the court, Ryan gives back through service with organizations supporting families facing homelessness and education access initiatives. Raised in a single-parent household, he channels personal challenges into motivation and responsibility. Ryan will attend Central Maine Community College, where he plans to major in accounting and later open a firm focused on financial education and empowerment in underserved communities, reflecting his belief in giving back and building opportunities for others.