Royal Neighbors of America Awards Scholarships to
Two Local Dexter Students
Peyton Boles and Ryder Boles Named as Recipients of National Scholarship Program
Royal Neighbors of America, a nonprofit life insurance organization located in Rock Island, Ill., has awarded 32 scholarships as part of its unique promise to provide Insurance with a Difference℠. Since 1961, scholarships have been awarded annually to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education for members and their families. Peyton and Ryder Boles of Dexter, MO were both awarded this acclaimed scholarship to complete their bachelor’s degrees at Murray State University.
“The program is an investment in tomorrow's community leaders,” said Senior Director of Social Impact Amy Jones. “By supporting our members in their educational pursuits, we are empowering them to be at the forefront of critical issues and shaping a better future for all. These scholarships are not just financial aid; they are a commitment to nurturing the leaders who will drive positive change in their communities.”
This scholarship program emphasizes the importance of strong, community-based leadership delivered through volunteerism. Students are required to respond to essay questions about their personal experiences and discuss a social issue currently affecting communities.
“My goal is to have zero debt by the time I graduate. I took many hours of dual credit in high school to cut down on expenses, and I will be working over the summer to cover additional costs. This scholarship has removed some of the financial burden from my shoulders, and I am very grateful to Royal Neighbors of America,” says Peyton Boles
More than $5 million has been awarded to date. Scholarship recipients can use their scholarship funds for tuition, room and board, and books. To learn more about the program, visit royalneighbors.org/scholarships.
“Education is a powerful tool for change, and we are honored to support our members in their educational journeys,” said Royal Neighbors CEO and President Zarifa Reynolds. “A sincere congratulations to the 32 outstanding individuals who have been named as scholarship recipients this year. Our Scholarship Program has and will continue to fulfill our mission to insure lives, support women, and serve communities.”
About Royal Neighbors of America
In 1895, nine founding women created a membership community. They were one of the first to make life insurance accessible to women. Nearly 130 years later, Royal Neighbors remains committed to its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The organization’s 265,000+ members, chapters, employees, and appointed agents across the country drive the mission through localized volunteerism and Philanthropy Programs making social impact the cornerstone of their work.
Royal Neighbors members experience Insurance with a Difference℠ through their tailored life insurance and annuity products, opportunities to make an impact in their communities, and access to a variety of Member Programs including savings on prescriptions, health screenings, grief support, and more.
Mike Schoelhamer, Constituent Services Specialist with Congressman Jason Smith’s office out of Poplar Bluff, presented an American flag that was flown over the United States Capitol building in Washington D.C. to Corporal George Vails.
“At the request of Honorable Jason Smith, this flag was flown over the capitol building for Corporal George Vails, in honor of his distiquished service in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957,” stated Schoelhamer.
Mr. Vails received the flag at a morning breakfast at the Puxico Nutrition Center. He is 90 years old and lives in Puxico, Missouri.
Thank you for your service.
Capitol Flag Program began in 1937 when a Member of Congress requested a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. Today thousands of flags have flown proudly over the Capitol building.
Puxico Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post 7822 Quartermaster Brad Isaac presented Puxico School District Superintendent Cindy Crabb with an brand new American flag for the school district last week.
Flag Day is Friday, June 14, 2024.
Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek made several stops in Southeast Missouri, engaging with first responders, local businesses, and citizens as part of his ongoing efforts to campaign, as well as promote state programs and services. His stops included Cape Girardeau, Scott, Stoddard, and Butler Counties.
Treasurer Malek began his visit by honoring first responders, acknowledging their critical role in the community. He visited fire stations and emergency medical services (EMS) facilities, where he expressed gratitude for their dedication and service.
"Our first responders are the backbone of our community's safety and well-being. It is essential to recognize and support their tireless efforts, especially during EMS Week," Malek stated. Continuing his tour, Malek met with local business owners to discuss and promote various Treasurer programs designed to support economic growth and financial literacy.
"By supporting our local businesses, we are not only fostering economic development but also ensuring that our communities thrive," said Malek. In addition to his stops at first responders and businesses, Treasurer Malek also held sessions with citizens to bring awareness of unclaimed property. He emphasized the importance of residents checking for unclaimed assets, which can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, and other financial assets.
"Our goal is to reunite Missourians with their lost or forgotten property. It is your money, and we want to ensure it returns to you," Malek explained. During these sessions, Treasurer Malek provided resources and assistance to help citizens search the state’s unclaimed property database.
The Treasurer's office has successfully returned millions of dollars to Missouri residents, and Malek encouraged everyone to take advantage of this service. Treasurer Malek's visit underscores his commitment to serving the people of Missouri by enhancing public safety, supporting economic initiatives, and ensuring financial assets are returned to their rightful owners. His engagement with the community highlights the importance of these programs and services in improving the quality of life for all Missourians.
Photo and article submitted
On March 12th of 2022 while covering the Final Four Basketball Championship in Springfield, Missouri the community lost a great sports writer.
Kyle Smith was the Sports Editor of the Dexter Statesman and a contributor to SEMOBALL.com. He had a heart attack and passed away. He was my friend and mentor when it came to sports writing.
He was doing what he loved and that was covering Stoddard County sports. Kyle was at most every sporting event in the county and I spent a tremendous amount of evenings with him on the field or on the courts.
Kyle and I had a love for Diet Mtn Dew, Skittles and Twix Bars. We also ate a lot of hotdogs during football, volleyball, and basketball seasons. Many times we "fussed" over who got the left Twix or the Right Twix Bar!
Together with the Dexter Statesman former Editor, Josh Ayers, we decided to keep Kyle's memory alive by creating a Memorial Scholarship to a Stoddard County Athlete.
The first scholarship went to John Nimmo, Bernie Mules, in 2022, just a couple of week's after Kyle's passing. The last feature story Kyle wrote was about John and their run to the State Championship in basketball. It was printed after his passing. The second scholarship went to Cole Nichols of Dexter High School in 2023.
Kyle loved girls and boys basketball. He would sit on the floor taking photos and try to help them win. If he caught the ball out of bounds, he'd say, "I put some mojo on that ball, now it will get into the basket." If they were at the free throw line he'd whisper, "get in there! We need those points."
If one of them would make a mistake or get swatted down, he'd simply say, "Oopsies!" Kyle was a quiet man, but he also had a funny side too.
We know Kyle would have been so excited to see any Stoddard County team win, but especially his Bearcats. This year's scholarship went to a very deserving Bearcat, Miss Abbie Lloyd.
Lloyd is a three sport athlete playing cross country, basketball, and track/field; however she has excelled in track/field to earn a trip to the Missouri State High School Athletic Association's biggest event!
Just a few highlights from her athletic career at Dexter High School
• DHS varsity basketball point guard
• DHS cross country state qualifier three times
• DHS track and field sixth place State finish (pole vault) in 23’
• Current DHS pole vault record holder
• MSHSSA state qualifier seven times
Lloyd is a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America regional officer.
Because of her outstanding accomplishments in sports, I can honestly say without a doubt Kyle would have written several feature stories about her athletic abilities and accomplishments. And I can see him clearly rubbing his hands together and saying, "I smell a feature story!"
Kyle would have been proud to see, senior, Abbie Lloyd receive the 2024 Kyle Smith Memorial Scholarship! Along with this $500 scholarship, Lloyd received a 6 pack of Diet Mt. Dew and a "sharing" bag of Skittles!! What we didn't know is that Abbie loves Skittles and eats them before every track meet! 'Skittles Power!"
