COWLEY COUNTY, KS — Fourteen area high school students receive the Florence L. Stephens Scholarship.

Due to Stephens’ great love for education as well as the students of Cowley County, the Florence L. Stephens Trust was established to administer the scholarship fund for local high school students. RCB Bank serves as the trustee and is guided by a board that consists of an RCB Bank employee, principals and counselors from both Winfield High School and Ark City High School.

Stephens, born in 1917 in Arkansas City, attended elementary school in Ark City. She attended high school in both Ark City and Wichita. She went on to graduate from Southwestern College in Winfield.

Stephens returned to Arkansas City where she served as a school counselor and later as director of guidance for USD 470. She was involved in many organizations, including Delta Kappa Gamma, National Retired Teachers Association, Toastmasters International and Ark City Music Club. She also served as a volunteer chaplain for South Central Kansas Medical Center.

She passed away in Arkansas City on January 17, 2012, at the age of 96.

Scholarship selection is based primarily on academic achievement and awarded to Cowley County, Kansas high school seniors.

The 2026 Florence L. Stephens Scholarship Recipients are:

Arkansas City High School

Mylee Giles is attending New York University Tisch School of the Arts where she will study Theatre. Giles was involved with Theatre all four years of high school, along with Choir, Hope Squad and FCA. She was also involved with Drama Club, Student Council, Volleyball and Show Choir during her high school career, while maintaining an excellent GPA and graduating at the top of her class.

Jose Morando plans to attend University of New Mexico to study Political Science. Jose was involved with JAG and Scholars Bowl at ACHS, winning awards in competitions of both these organizations.

Hadley Musson has plans to attend Kansas State University and major in Agri-business. Musson’s extracurricular activities included FFA, serving as the chapter president and National Honor Society. She also worked as a pharmacy technician and managed a home-based baking business.

Kembran Watson will attend Cowley College to major in Biology Pathway, while also playing on their Men’s Tennis Team. He played for the ACHS Tennis Team, serving as the senior team captain. Watson has worked part-time jobs throughout high school while excelling in school and maintaining a high GPA.

Winfield High School

Seraphina Goodson plans to attend the University of Wisconsin Madison where she will pursue a degree in Educational Policy. Her honors and activities include AP Scholar with Honor, WHS Band and Jazz Band, Drama Club, GSA and Theatre. She has also worked part-time at the Winfield Public Library, while also being a self-employed tutor.

Ruth Lashier will attend Creighton University in Omaha, NE to pursue a degree in Political Science with a focus on Public Policy. Her honors and activities include Principal’s Honor Roll, WHS Student Council, FCA, HOSA Executive, Spirit Squad, Theatre, WHS Girls Swim Team and Winfield Swim Club.

William Lin will be attending University of Colorado-Boulder to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. While attending WHS and graduating with honors, Linn also completed an Associate of Engineering Design degree from WSU Tech. Lin’s extracurricular activities included Varsity Swimming, Winfield Swim Club, Link Crew, NHS, Foreign Culture Club, Interact Club and Washburn Leadership Challenge Team.

Robert Meyer will be attending Kansas State University to obtain a degree in Political Science, while also participating in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). His academic honors and awards include NHS, serving as president, AP Scholar with Honor, Principal’s Honor Roll and completing United States Senate Page School with First Honors. Meyer was also involved with Varsity Swimming, Winfield Swim Club, Orchestra and Link Crew.

Central High School (of Burden)

Adison Henderson plans to attend Wichita State University to major in Forensic Science with a focus in Criminal Investigation. Henderson is a volunteer firefighter for the Burden Fire Department and is currently working on obtaining her EMT certification.

Aubrey Miller will be attending Butler Community College to pursue a degree in nursing. Miller achieved academic success while in high school maintaining a high GPA, earning a place on the Honor Roll and was inducted into the National Honor Society.

Dexter High School

Jessica Carroll will be attending Newman University to major in Biology Education. Carroll’s leadership roles included National Honor Society and Scholars Bowl President, while being a Honor Roll student and maintaining an excellent GPA.

Brylee Casebolt plans to attend Kansas State University this coming Fall to major in Kinesiology with the end goal to become a physical therapist. Casebolt’s extracurricular activities included South Central Border League All-American Team, FFA, Book Club, Student Council, FCA, Band and Choir.

Udall High School

Alyssa Beveridge will be attending Wichita State University to complete their Dental Hygiene program. Her high school activities include Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Future Business Leader of America.

Eloise King is enrolled at Washburn University majoring in Legal Studies. King’s honors and activities include Cheer Team, HOPE Squad, National Honor Society, Honor Roll and Valedictorian.

 

RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Kansas and Oklahoma. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.bank or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151