The Rising Stars Scholarship Program has awarded nearly $250,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from Lincoln County schools this year, continuing a tradition that has transformed post-secondary opportunities for local students.
This year's scholarships were awarded to students from Newport High School, Toledo Jr./Sr. High School, Taft 7-12, Eddyville Charter School, East Bay Christian School, and a former Toledo High School student. Scholarship awards ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 and will help students pursue community college, trade school, apprenticeship programs, and four-year degrees.
What began in 2017 as a request to help fund a small scholarship at Newport High School has grown into one of the region's most impactful scholarship programs. Founded by longtime ASPIRE volunteer Ron Brocklehurst and his wife, Barbara, Rising Stars has now awarded close to $2 million to Lincoln County students.
Unlike many scholarship programs, Rising Stars places a strong emphasis on resilience, determination, and personal growth. Students submit transcripts, resumes, and essays describing the challenges they have faced, the obstacles they have overcome, and their goals for the future. The program recognizes not only academic achievement, but also perseverance and character.
“Rising Stars is all about strength of character, resiliency, courage and hard work,” Brocklehurst said. He also credits Jon Zagel and Keith Nelson from the Lincoln County Foundation, and Lisa Lackey, ASPIRE Coordinator at Eddyville Charter School and Jen Hamilton, ASPIRE Coordinator at Toledo Jr/Sr High, for all their hard work and dedication.
The Rising Stars program includes several scholarship categories, including R.E.A.L. Scholarships (Recognizing Excellence in Academics and Life), the Brocklehurst Grit Award, memorial scholarships, and donor-sponsored awards.
Lincoln County School District congratulates all of this year's scholarship recipients and thanks Ron and Barbara Brocklehurst, the Rising Stars board, and the many donors whose generosity continues to open doors for local students.
2025-26 Rising Stars Scholarship Recipients
Toledo Jr./Sr. High School
Hayle Strong, Faith Retherford, Caydence Baracosa, Tenaya Cordova, Izabel Lyons, Cade McGuire, LeeAnne Parrish, Bailey McAlpine, Gabby Worden, Ashlynn Brandenburg, Kaylie Warfield, Lily Macomber, Gabby Layfield, Dimitri Smith, Gracee Retherford, Toby Hibbs, Adrian Todd, Mason Chamberlin, Levi Short, and Antonio Contreras.
Eddyville Charter School
Jillene Sanders, Gracee Slaughter, Annabelle Brown, Savannah McClain, Ivy Mies, Ashton Fawver, Chase Quetschke, Garrett Reed, Zoe Silvonen, Fletcher Irby, Trevor Martin, and Landynn Larson.
Newport High School
Camille Keck, Rosemary Crouse, Brynn Hillebrand, Sophie Cottrell, Sequoia Newberg, and Ava Stevenson.
Taft 7-12
Maya Freschi.
East Bay Christian School
Ethan Todd.
Former Toledo High School Student
Audrey Menke.