Grace Arthur, Addison Burnett, and Charlie Bouzek each earned $1,000 from Century based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership, community service, and a written essay.

Applications were received from students at 25 different schools, plus one who is home schooled. Congrats to the winners, and thanks to everyone who entered our competition.

Since the inception of our program in 2004, we’ve awarded a total of $37,500 to 50 local students.

William Pauly Scholarships awarded

These scholarships (two this year) are awarded to students between the ages of 16-18 and named in honor of the late William Pauly, a former longtime board director at Century. His wife, Sue, succeeded him on the board and chairs our scholarship committee.

One of the recipients is Grace Arthur, a driven and intelligent young woman who plans to become a Physician Assistant. She’d like to work in a setting where she can treat patients with skin cancer and educate children and teens on the importance of skin health and prevention.

She boasts a 4.415 GPA at Rockwood Summit High School and has earned numerous accolades, including the Academic Leader Award and A.P. Scholar with Distinction.

Outside the classroom, Grace has been deeply involved in school activities, including serving as co-president of the Health Science Club. She works as a shift lead at a frozen yogurt store, has done job shadowing at St. Luke’s Hospital, and volunteered over 72 hours at Saint Claire Hospital. Plus, she’s an active member of her church’s youth group, including playing an instrumental role in organizing the annual Luke 18 retreat, which helps 7th and 8th graders build faith and friendship.

Grace will be continuing her education this fall at Trine University in Indiana, where she has been accepted into their Honor College and Direct Admit Physician Assistant Program.

The other recipient is Addison Burnett, an exceptional young woman who exemplifies dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. With aspirations of earning of dual M.D./Ph.D. degrees in oncology, Addy hopes to become a medical scientist researching alternatives to chemotherapy to improve cancer treatment.

She maintains a 4.545 GPA while excelling in leadership roles like secretary of the 10th Grade Class at Seckman High School and Co-Chair of the Culture and Climate Committee for Student Council.

She was also selected to represent her school at the Missouri Association of Student Councils’ State Conference, highlighting her outstanding leadership. In addition, she was nominated for a Masterpiece Award in the Fox C-6 School District, an accolade given to students who show excellence in their endeavors.

Addy has volunteered over 350 hours in childcare and youth activities at her church and on a mission trip to rural Tennessee.

Louis Kovarik Scholarship awarded

This scholarship is awarded to students ages 13-15 and named in honor of a former longtime board director at the credit union who is deceased.

This year’s winner is Charlie Bouzek, an extraordinary young woman dedicated to her education, community service, and future career as a Clinical Psychologist specializing in Behavioral Health Leadership. She plans to obtain bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees.

At Notre Dame High School, she maintains a 3.9 GPA and has a strong academic foundation, having been a member of the National Junior Honor Society all three years at Seckman Middle School.

Her extracurriculars are just as impressive — she has sung in concert choirs in the past, and currently plays sports, cheers, and is involved in several clubs.

She’s also dedicated to community service, with over 160 volunteer hours, including roles at her church, serving as a Youth Ministry Assistant, a Ministry Retreat Assistant, and Children’s Liturgy program helper. She’s also involved with the Fox School District Character Kids Club Leadership Program, assisting with a camp for kids in grades K through 6 each summer. Plus, she assists with various events at a pre-school and an elementary school in Jefferson County.

We can’t wait to see the amazing impact that all three our scholarship recipients will continue to make. Their futures are bright!