January 6, 2026 – Branson, MO – Skaggs Foundation proudly awarded 32 students a
combined total of $25,250 in scholarships for the Spring 2026 semester. These scholarships
support students pursuing degrees in the medical field and reflect the foundation’s ongoing
commitment to improving healthcare in our community.
The awards were presented during a scholarship reception held at Ozarks Technical Community College Table Rock Campus on December 2. Recipients had the opportunity to connect with other students and committee members while enjoying light refreshments. During the event, Kenny Madura, a member of the scholarship committee and former scholarship recipient, shared his inspiring journey and how the program helped shape his career.
Since the scholarship program began in 2003, Skaggs Foundation has invested $629,540 back into students, helping future healthcare professionals achieve their educational goals. 2025 marked a record-breaking year, with 92 scholarships awarded throughout the year, demonstrating the growing impact of the program and the generosity of donors.
Meghan Connell, Skaggs Foundation President, emphasized the importance of the program: “These scholarships are an investment in the future of healthcare in our region. By supporting these dedicated students, we are not only helping them achieve their dreams but also ensuring that our community will have skilled, compassionate professionals for years to come.”
The Spring 2026 scholarship recipients include: Kaylor Alms, Briana Bledsoe-Pebley, McKenzie
Calhoun, Cassandra Carter, Helen Chapman, Aubrey Chichurka, Hailey Cole, Heath Cole, Molly
Crouch, Cindy Dandurand, Kyelee Duet, Ellie Dunagan, Olivia Edwards, Shelby Evans, Lucy
George, Emilee Goddard, Chloe Grimm, April Guevara, Landry Huey, Astrid Knittel, Kollin Kolb,
Timmy Kovalenko, Taegan Myatt, Lexus Newlyn, John Nichols, Kayci Norris-Hill, Madison
Phifer, Maci Rogers, Jammi Scoggins, Shane Walters, and Amanda Wilcox.
To be eligible for a Skaggs Foundation scholarship, applicants must reside in Taney or Stone
counties MO., or Boone county, AR., be an employee of Cox Medical Center Branson or the
family member of a Cox Medical Center Branson employee. Applications for the summer and
fall 2026 semesters will be accepted Feb. 9- Mar. 27, 2026. To learn more about the scholarship program or to apply, visit the scholarship page on Skaggs Foundation’s website,
SkaggsFoundation.org.
