2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipients Announced
The Rural Gone Urban Foundation is honored to announce our 2025 scholarship recipients—women who embody grit, hard work, passion, and an unwavering commitment to bettering their lives and their rural communities. Through 11 scholarships valued at $1,000 each, we are proud to invest in women who are chasing big dreams.
Founded in the wake of an allegedly incurable medical diagnosis, the Rural Gone Urban Foundation was created with the hope of showing the next generation—beginning with founding board chair Brooke Taylor’s daughter—that success is so much more than a GPA or résumé. It's found in work ethic, resilience, passion, and the bravery it takes to pursue a life you're proud of.
“This isn’t just about the money, though that's important, too,” Taylor said. “We hope every Rural Gone Urban Foundation scholarship recipient feels seen, supported, and celebrated for having the guts to chase something bigger. Every single applicant this year showed us the meaning of bravery.”
Now in its third year, the Rural Gone Urban Foundation’s scholarship program saw 126 applications from 26 different states, with applicants ranging in age from 17 to 52.
“Our scholarship committee, made up of thirteen women from diverse backgrounds and time zones, reviewed every application with care and intention,” Taylor said. “We are not looking for perfect résumés—we’re looking for work ethic, passion, grit, and the ability to tell your story. And what a year of stories we received. We are so proud to champion this 2025 class of scholarship recipients.”
Scholarship Committee Chair Taylor Rogers echoed that sentiment: “These applications were full of heart, grit, and dreams. Every applicant had a story worth telling. Narrowing it down was one of the hardest—and most inspiring—things I’ve ever been a part of. It’s an honor to support women who are putting everything they have into building a future they believe in.”
The 2025 recipients will soon head to traditional universities, graduate programs, and junior colleges, pursuing fields ranging from education and healthcare to agriculture and conservation.
Meet the 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholars
A remarkable group of women whose stories remind us why investing in grit, passion, and perseverance matters.
Melody Carmack
East Texas A&M University
Melody Carmack, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Melody Snow Carmack is a resilient and purpose-driven individual who has turned life's hardest seasons into catalysts for growth. Shortly after high school, Melody became the primary caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with two types of cancer. Determined to better serve her family and community, she enrolled in a medical assisting program, pursuing certification that would allow her to provide more advanced care. Her mother graduated to heaven before Melody could complete the program, but Melody pressed forward and finished what she started — carrying with her the lessons of compassion, strength, and perseverance.
At 19, driven by a deep sense of service, Melody enlisted in the U.S. Army. She served more than five years of active duty, including a deployment to Afghanistan, rising to the rank of sergeant. Her time in uniform sharpened her leadership skills, tested her grit, and deepened her commitment to showing up for others — especially when the path was difficult.
After returning home, Melody found healing in reconnecting with agriculture, nature, and the daily rhythms of rural life. Homesteading became more than a way of life; it became a way to rebuild, to nurture, and to steward the land. In December 2024, Melody completed her Bachelor of Animal Science and is now pursuing a Master of Agricultural Sciences at East Texas A&M University.
Lucy Cochran
Oklahoma State University
Lucy Cochran, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Lucy Cochran is a determined leader and community builder currently serving on the President’s Leadership Council at Oklahoma State University. Raised in a rural community where opportunities were earned, not given, Lucy has always found a way to turn hard work into meaningful impact.
In high school, she wore many hats—Vice President of FFA, President of National Honor Society, Captain of both the cheer and soccer teams, Senior Class President, and a leader in her school’s Choir and National Technical Honor Society. Along the way, she built a reputation for showing up, leading well, and setting the tone for others.
Service has always been a cornerstone of Lucy’s life. Throughout high school, she dedicated over 100 hours each year to her community, leading worship at her church and volunteering with local initiatives. That commitment didn’t slow down when she got to college—she continues to complete service hours each semester, prepares to volunteer at a nursing home, and secured an internship with a local domestic violence shelter. She also shares her leadership story with Stillwater High School students, inspiring the next generation.
Seeing the need for stronger support systems, Lucy founded a mental health awareness club on campus, creating a welcoming space for students to find community and resources. All the while, she has balanced full-time coursework with an 18-hour-a-week job, proving that resilience and purpose can go hand in hand.
Lucy’s story is rooted in grit, vision, and a deep belief in making the spaces she’s part of stronger than she found them.
Katy Hazlett
Western Governors University
Katy Hazlett, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Katy Hazlett, commonly known as Katy Carothers, is a dedicated paraprofessional at Rimrock Jr. Sr. High School who brings heart, grit, and a deep sense of purpose to her work with students. During the pandemic, Katy became a critical support system for online learners, a role that earned her the Outstanding Professional Award for her contributions to education during a season when students needed connection more than ever.
Long before stepping into the world of education, Katy earned her Certified Nursing Assistant credential at 16 and immediately started working full-time through a high school work-release program. The experience of balancing school, work, and life responsibilities taught her resilience early — a quality she leans on today as she balances raising her family, working full-time, earning a college degree, and remaining deeply involved in her rural community.
Katy’s passion for helping students was shaped by a teacher who showed up for her in big and small ways. “I remembered she made me feel important,” Katy shared. “She made sure I had basic life needs like food and sometimes clothing. I realized then that the kids I work with — and their stories — are my why.”
Today, Katy is working toward her ultimate goal: becoming a guidance counselor. She dreams of continuing to be the person who sees the students who need it most — providing not just academic support, but a steady presence of encouragement, understanding, and hope.
Outside the classroom, Katy enjoys photography, exploring the world around her, and spending time with her children and her goats. Her warm and steady spirit has made her an irreplaceable part of her school and community.
Kaylee Henderson
Western Oklahoma State College
Kaylee Henderson, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Kaylee Henderson is a motivated and hardworking high school senior at Mountain View- Gotebo and a Cosmetology student at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center who has a unique passion for serving others. Because of her own learning disability, Kaylee enjoys helping students with learning disabilities during her teacher aide hour at the elementary school.
Heading to Western Oklahoma State College in the fall with plans to transfer to Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Kaylee is excited about the prospect of attending college and looks forward to pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education while continuing to serve in her community. With Kaylee’s strong work ethic, willingness to learn and adapt, and dedication to making a positive impact on children like herself, she is well-positioned to succeed both academically and personally as she embarks on the next chapter of her educational and professional journey.
Outside of the classroom Kaylee serves as captain of the cheerleading team, has a part-time job, and is involved in multiple community service activities including volunteering at the Carnegie food bank, picking up trash at the local park and cemetery, assisting the Masonic Lodge with benefit dinners, and clocking over 100 additional hours of community service projects.
“I am proud of being told that I won’t or couldn’t by my educational and social peers because I can, I did, and I will continue to do so,” Kaylee wrote. “It fills me with pride to know that I am a hard worker, respectful, successful, and beautiful. I set good examples to all of the younger women who look up to me and that makes me the most proud.”
Kyndall Holleman
California State University
Kyndall Holleman, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Kyndall Holleman is a kindhearted, driven woman whose focus, determination, and self-motivation have shaped everything she’s accomplished. She put herself through college, earning her bachelor’s degree in just three years by taking 18 to 21 units each semester — a testament to her commitment to her goals and her future.
Beyond the classroom, Kyndall has a deep heart for service. She volunteers her time at Mid Valley Providers, a facility for adults with disabilities, where she works to ensure every adult she encounters feels seen, celebrated, and valued. Inspired by her experiences, she is now adding a special education credential to her agricultural teaching certification, with a vision for building programs where students of all developmental abilities can experience agriculture firsthand. Her ultimate goal is a more inclusive, compassionate learning environment where general education and special-needs students learn and grow together.
Kyndall’s dedication is rooted in her close relationship with her parents, whom she calls her “heroes” and “light on days that are hard to bear.” Even after facing personal loss and family health challenges, Kyndall’s commitment never wavers — especially when it comes to her students. As she wrote, “They deserve nothing but the best when they are at school.”
When Kyndall sets her heart on something, she gives it everything she has — whether she’s caring for loved ones, helping elderly neighbors, or advocating fiercely for students who need an extra champion. She leads with compassion, grit, and an unwavering belief that everyone deserves to feel connected and valued.
Leah Hoyt
University of Oklahoma
Leah Hoyt, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Bound for the University of Oklahoma to major in psychology, Leah Hoyt is a goal-oriented, adventurous, and compassionate student with a deep-rooted commitment to the well-being of others. Much of her high school life has been spent in the dance studio, where she devotes between sixteen and twenty hours a week during the school year. Outside of dance, Leah stays active in her school’s leadership class and frequently steps up as an emcee or speaker for school events, drawing on her love for public speaking.
Leah’s heart for others shines through in everything she does. At the dance studio, she assists with classes for younger dancers and leads her team through pre-competition notes and prayer. She’s often the first to offer a pep talk or a hug to any teammate who needs it. At school, Leah believes every student should feel like an important part of the community.
In addition to her passion for leadership and mentoring, Leah has a love for fitness and spending time outdoors. Her favorite place to hike is the local wildlife refuge, where her connection to nature runs deep. A sincere interest in marine wildlife has shaped her academic and career goals.
“Animal behavior psychologists observe animals in their habitats, pay close attention to the types of interactions that take place, make note of any stressors, and then create treatments that help them adapt,” Leah wrote. “With my future degree, I also hope to educate others about animal behavior, the similarities we share with mammals, and the very real emotions these sea creatures experience.”
Leah’s blend of compassion, determination, and curiosity positions her to make a meaningful impact in both the academic world and beyond.
Skyla Pierson
University of Montana
Skyla Pierson, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Skyla Pierson is a dedicated and driven student from Deer Lodge, Montana, completing associate degrees in wildlife biology and natural resource/rangeland management. This fall, she will transfer to the University of Montana to pursue a bachelor’s degree in terrestrial-focused wildlife biology.
Skyla’s passion for giving back to her community runs deep. She has spent significant time coaching youth volleyball, helping young athletes develop both skills and confidence, and volunteering with her local Elks Lodges. Service isn’t just something Skyla does — it’s a core value that shapes how she shows up in every part of her life.
To build hands-on experience in her future field, Skyla has contributed to several local and global conservation projects. She worked on Leatherback Sea Turtle conservation efforts in Costa Rica, participated in research on ecosystem stability in Yellowstone National Park, and helped study silver-haired bats and western toads in Stevensville, Montana. Altogether, she has logged over 275 conservation service hours, reinforcing her commitment to field biology and wildlife preservation.
“What makes this accomplishment particularly meaningful to me is the impact I know it has on the ecosystem and the species that rely on it,” Skyla said. “It was not just about the hours logged, but about the positive change I was able to help create.”
Looking ahead, Skyla plans to pursue a master’s degree in wildlife biology with the goal of becoming a field biologist specializing in the study and mitigation of chronic wasting disease. She is also passionate about finding better ways to balance agricultural development with wildlife conservation, working toward solutions that sustain both rural communities and natural ecosystems.
Griffin Smith
North Central Missouri College
Griffin Smith, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Griffin Smith is a senior at South Harrison High School in Bethany, Missouri, where she has built a reputation for hard work, leadership, and service. She has been accepted for early admission into North Central Missouri College’s Practical Nursing program, where she will take the next step toward her goal of becoming a licensed practical nurse.
Throughout high school, Griffin has remained committed to excellence, earning a place on the North Central Missouri College President’s List and maintaining High Honor Roll recognition all four years. Beyond academics, she has been actively involved in Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), National Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and Student Council, where she currently serves as class vice president.
Looking ahead, Griffin plans to continue her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northwest Missouri State University, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Her dedication to education, leadership, and service reflects a deep commitment to building a career that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Hallie Steele
University of Indianapolis
Hallie Steele, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Hallie Steele is a determined and resilient student at the University of Indianapolis, majoring in elementary education. Raised in the small town of Hope, Indiana, Hallie has forged her own path through significant adversity. As a first-generation, independent student, she has navigated both emotional and financial hardships — stepping into adulthood early when she was abandoned by her mother at 16. Hallie took on the responsibility of caring for her two younger siblings while working to support herself and her family.
These challenges taught Hallie the critical role empathy and emotional support play in a student’s success. Inspired by the high school teachers who invested in her beyond the classroom, Hallie is determined to become an educator who nurtures both the academic and emotional growth of her students.
“They didn’t just teach me math or history; they invested in me as a person, offering encouragement and guidance,” Hallie shared. “Their belief in me motivated me to keep pushing forward.”
In her first year of college, Hallie has focused on building the skills needed to create inclusive, compassionate classrooms — spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered. She hopes to one day work in under-resourced schools and communities, serving students who face challenges similar to her own.
Ultimately, Hallie’s goal is to become the kind of teacher who changes the course of a student’s life — just as others once did for her.
Willa Wetzel
Ivy Tech Community College
Willa Wetzel, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Willa Wetzel is a compassionate, driven student from Hope, Indiana, graduating from Hauser High School in 2025. Throughout high school, she built leadership skills through active involvement in FFA, where she served as an officer for three years, and spent 10 years participating in 4-H. She also balanced academics and athletics as a member of her high school basketball team.
Willa’s heart for helping others runs deep and starts with family. Growing up as the only granddaughter, she became her grandmother’s right hand. When her grandmother suffered a stroke during Willa’s fourth-grade year, Willa and her mother stepped in as primary caregivers—cooking meals, assisting with daily care, and offering constant support. Even at ten years old, caregiving came naturally. After her grandmother passed away the summer before high school, Willa realized how much purpose she found in serving others.
When Willa moved to a new town, she immediately sought out ways to get involved and joined FFA. What began with attending a few meetings quickly grew into leadership. She earned election as Chapter Secretary her sophomore year, served as Chapter President her junior year, and now represents her peers as Student Advisor. Through FFA, Willa built confidence, sharpened leadership skills, and found a powerful outlet for her passion to serve.
Willa plans to attend Ivy Tech to earn her degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant, a career that will allow her to work with adults and children in a variety of settings. Drawing from her personal experience, she wants to help others rebuild strength, reclaim independence, and find hope after life-changing events. Willa’s story reflects resilience, grit, and an unwavering commitment to making life better for the people around her.
Cortney Zimmerman
Oklahoma State University
Cortney Zimmerman, 2025 Rural Gone Urban Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Cortney Zimmerman, originally from Spencer, Wisconsin, grew up on her family’s small livestock operation, raising Purebred and Percentage Simmental cattle, market hogs, and Nigerian Dwarf goats. From a young age, she jumped into 4-H and FFA, inspired by her siblings’ involvement and the sense of community the organizations provided. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture and leadership.
Cortney’s journey took her from local fairs to statewide service, where she served as a 2020–2021 Wisconsin State FFA Officer. She later represented FFA members nationwide as the 2021–2022 National FFA Central Region Vice President, an opportunity that deepened her love for supporting youth in agriculture and sharpened her communication and leadership skills.
Today, Cortney attends Oklahoma State University, where she is majoring in Agricultural Communications with a minor in Agribusiness and Economics. Alongside her studies, she and her family are fulfilling a longtime dream of breeding registered Pembroke Welsh Corgis. This summer, she will begin an internship with Bayer North America, eager to apply her experiences and grow her impact within the agricultural industry.
“As I near the end of my college journey, I cannot help but get excited knowing that I will get to do this as my chosen career,” Cortney wrote. “I look forward to being a voice in agriculture and communicating for those in the fields feeding the world, educating the next generation, researching the next agricultural breakthrough, and everyone in between.”
Cortney’s path reflects a blend of hard work, deep agricultural roots, and a drive to lift others up as she grows.
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