The Navy League Foundation is proud to announce our 2024-2025 scholarship award winners. These students come from families of sea service veterans and excelled in both academic achievements and extracurricular activities before attending college.
We are able to award these scholarships thanks to the generous donations our foundation receives. All of our scholarships go toward the children or grandchildren of sea service members to help offset the cost of attending a university.
RADM William A. Sullivan, USN (Ret) Scholarships
Ryder Zook is the son of Kristian Zook, who serves in the Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant (1135 – Special Warfare). Ryder attended Horizon Prep, where he was named to the Headmaster’s List Summa Cum Laude for 4 consecutive years, served as president of his school’s service organization aptly named the Give Back Club, and received the Horizon Prep Barnabas Award for Excellence in Character. Born and raised in San Diego, California, Ryder was passionate about history, theology, fencing, and sailing. He was also deeply committed to serving his school through his work in the Give Back Club and his community by volunteering with numerous local organizations, including the Community Resource Center, the Fallbrook Fire Safe Council, and Summit Church.
At Horizon Prep, Ryder enrolled in an academically rigorous course load, including AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 1, AP Government and Politics, AP Macroeconomics, Ceramics 2, 12th-grade English, and 12th-grade Bible, and he maintained a 4.2 cumulative GPA. He had a particular affinity for his science and math courses due to his interests in mechanical and ship engineering.
Outside the classroom, Ryder was actively involved in fencing, kickboxing/Muay Thai, the Give Back Club, and the Art Club. He held leadership positions in the Fencing Club (Founder), Rocketry Club (President), and Give Back Club (President). His hard work and dedication resulted in several notable achievements, including induction into the National Honor Society, earning a College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award, and being named to the Headmaster’s List Summa Cum Laude for his consistently high GPA. He was particularly proud of receiving one of the highest honors given to Horizon Prep students, the Barnabas Award, for demonstrating kindness and encouragement to others while habitually displaying a Christ-like character.
Ryder is currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at LeTourneau University. He is excited to continue learning and exploring the myriad opportunities available to him in science and engineering. After college, Ryder plans to join the NOAA Corps of Commissioned Officers and work on research vessels. He is enthusiastic about exploring the world of marine science and ship engineering and hopes to make a positive impact by aiding in valuable oceanic and atmospheric research.
Claire Duffy is the daughter of Michael Duffy, who serves in the Marine Corps as a Lt. Colonel. Claire attended Sage Creek High School, where she was known for being president of her student section as well as president of the National Honor Society in her junior year.
Born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Claire has always been passionate about theatre, which led her to participate in advanced theatre in high school and track and field. She was also deeply committed to community service, gaining over 300 hours throughout high school by feeding the homeless with Solutions for Change and teaching kids with special needs how to surf with Surfing Madonna.
At Sage Creek, Claire enrolled in a rigorous course load, including AP Government, Marine Biology, ASB, and Theatre, and maintained a 3.94 GPA. Throughout high school, she took AP US History, AP European History, AP Language and Composition, Spanish 4 Honors, and Precalculus Honors. She was particularly interested in political science and public policy.
Outside of the classroom, Claire was actively involved in track and field, link crew, associated student body, National Honor Society, Bobcat Ambassadors, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She held leadership positions in Drama Club, NHS, and ASB. Her hard work and dedication resulted in notable achievements, including being named the most improved runner. She was particularly proud of being voted Standout Junior by her ASB class.
Claire is currently pursuing a degree in political science at the University of San Diego. She is excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities in law and government. Claire plans to attend law school after college with the hope of going into government work. She is enthusiastic about exploring government and law and hopes to make a positive impact by creating meaningful change in the country.
Ann E. Clark Scholarship
Ke’ala Stauber is the granddaughter of Orville Stauber, who served in the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. Ke’ala attended Sehome High School, where she was known for her advanced math skills, participation in basketball and tennis, commitment to volunteering through Key Club, love of music, being a violist in two school orchestras, and her passion for chemistry.
Born and raised in Bellingham, WA, Ke’ala has always been passionate about the outdoors, whether it be hiking, skiing, biking, or gardening. She was also deeply committed to local volunteer events. She completed over 20 hours of volunteer work, and some of her favorite events included park clean-ups, plant sale fundraising for Kiwanis, and serving as a course-marshal for community fun runs.
At Sehome, Ke’ala enrolled in a rigorous course load, including Advanced Orchestra, Civics, AP Calculus BC, Anatomy, Neuroscience of Addiction, Spanish 4, Chamber Orchestra, and AP Literature and Composition, in addition to the five other AP courses she took during her first three years. She maintained a 4.00 GPA and was particularly interested in the sciences, specifically neuroscience, chemistry, and environmental science, and how these fields can positively impact others.
Outside the classroom, Ke’ala was actively involved in high school tennis, Key Club, Science Olympiad, Calculus Club, and orchestra. She held leadership positions in Key Club as the Secretary, Calculus Club as the Vice President, and Science Olympiad as a Team Leader. Her hard work and dedication resulted in several notable achievements, including a Varsity Letter in tennis, a third-year letter in orchestra, a Superior rating in the SJMEA Large Group Contest for both Advanced and Chamber Orchestras, a score of all 1s in the Washington State Solo and Ensemble Contest in the Chamber Orchestra, and two state-qualifying teams in Science Olympiad. She was particularly proud of her Superior rating in the SJMEA Large Group Contest, where her Chamber Orchestra received the highest rating in the entire competition.
Ke’ala is currently pursuing a degree in the sciences as an Exploratory STEM major at Colorado State University. She is excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities in chemistry, neuroscience, and environmental science. Ke’ala plans to graduate with honors from CSU and pursue further education beyond a bachelor’s degree in her intended field. She is enthusiastic about the constant variability and challenge of science—learning and discovering through experimentation, observation, and calculation—and hopes to make a positive impact in scientific discovery, benefiting individuals or making our planet more sustainable.
Congratulations, Ke’ala, on attending Colorado State University!
Navy League Foundation Scholarship
Sam Hewitt is the grandson and great-grandson of two Navy service members, his grandfather, Billy McFarland, and his great-grandfather, Francis Boyer. Sam attended Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, Missouri, where he was recognized as a Presidential Scholar nominee, a National Merit Finalist, and a Missouri Scholars 100 nominee, representing the top 100 scholars in the state.
Born and raised in Webster Groves, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, Sam was an active member of his high school community. He was involved in the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society, and the Webster Groves ScholarBowl Team. He served as the secretary of the Spanish National Honor Society and co-captain of the ScholarBowl team, a role he particularly valued. Sam enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition with his teammates as they tested their knowledge against other schools on a wide range of topics. His team qualified for the national competition and traveled to Atlanta in May 2024 to compete against top teams from across the country.
Academically, Sam pursued a rigorous course load, maintaining an impressive 3.99 unweighted GPA. He completed five AP classes and enrolled in six more during his senior year. In addition, Sam worked as a student assistant in the AP Physics 1 class, an experience that deepened his interest in education and inspired him to explore a career in teaching.
Sam is currently attending Washington University in St. Louis, where he plans to pursue a double major in education and physics. Motivated by his positive experiences in the classroom, Sam is eager to build a future where he fosters a community of students passionate about learning and the pursuit of knowledge.
Congratulations, Sam, on attending Washington University in St. Louis! BZ!
Gloria and J. Michael McGrath Scholarship
William Liam Ashton is the grandson of Captain Richard E. Davis, Jr., who served in the Navy as an aviator and in various capacities on several aircraft carriers. Liam attended Virgil I. Grissom High School, where he was known for his academic excellence, success competing in varsity sports, and his kindness and willingness to help others.
Born and raised in Huntsville, AL, Liam was passionate about running and swimming, as well as mathematics, engineering, and history. He was also deeply committed to serving his community by tutoring, volunteering at local hospitals, blood drives, 5K races, and other community events, taking part in mission projects at his church, and coaching the summer swim team at his local pool.
At Virgil I. Grissom High School, Liam enrolled in a rigorous course load, including 11 AP classes, and maintained a 4.40 GPA. He was particularly interested in science and mathematics and aspired to become a chemist.
Outside the classroom, Liam was actively involved in the Varsity Track and Field, Swimming, and Cross-Country teams. He held leadership positions as captain of the Varsity Cross-Country team and in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). His hard work and dedication resulted in several notable achievements, including membership in the National Honor Society, the Mathematics Honor Society, and the Latin Honor Society, as well as being invited twice to the state leadership conference of HOSA. He also became a certified Patient Care Technician while still in high school. He was particularly proud of qualifying for the Junior National Swim Championships his senior year.
Liam is currently pursuing a degree in biochemistry at Rhodes College, where he is also a member of the Rhodes swim team. He is excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities in biological and chemical research. Liam plans to work as a medical or pharmaceutical chemist, focusing on the development and testing of new medicines. He hopes to make a positive impact in the medical field and contribute to improving people’s health and well-being.
Congratulations, Liam, on attending Rhodes College! Bravo Zulu!
Wesley C. Cameron Scholarship
Arianna Mays is the daughter of Chance Mays and Diana Molina, who serve/served in the US Navy as a Master Chief and Second Class Petty Officer. Arianna attended Frank W. Cox High School, where she was known for being the concertmaster for the Falcon Concert Orchestra, playing on the varsity basketball team for three years, being one of thirteen AP Capstone candidates, and volunteering her time at the school’s coffee shop.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Arianna was passionate about creating art, making music, staying active through sports or rollerblading, and reading. She was also deeply committed to coaching recreational league sports for youth and keeping trash out of our oceans.
At Frank W. Cox, Arianna enrolled in a rigorous course load, including AP Calculus, AP Government and Politics, AP Research, Honors English, Anatomy and Physiology, and Concert Orchestra, maintaining a 3.9 GPA. She was particularly focused on scoring high on all her AP exams her senior year and earning an AP Capstone.
Outside the classroom, Arianna was actively involved in coaching youth sports for military kids ages 7-13 and leading a CCD class at her church on Sundays after mass. She held leadership positions as an Assistant Coach, Head Teacher, and Concertmaster for her school Orchestra. Her hard work and dedication resulted in several notable achievements, including Honor Rolls, placing first at assessment, and leading her teams to win championships. She was particularly proud of the Carnegie Award her orchestra won when they were invited to perform a concert in New York City.
Arianna is currently pursuing a degree in Nursing at George Mason University. She is excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities in the medical field. Arianna plans to earn her Master’s degree and hopes to make a positive impact in the world of nursing while continuing to explore her passions in arts and athletics.
Congratulations, Arianna, on attending George Mason University!
Albert Levinson Scholarship
Violet Anyssus Kraft-Lund Marley is the granddaughter of Leslie Richard Marley V, who served in the United States Navy as a SR E-1 Deckhand. Violet attended Proctor Academy, where she was known for achieving Head’s List and Honor Roll from her freshman year through her senior year. In addition, she regularly participated in the after-school science and mathematics mentoring program as a student tutor.
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Violet was passionate about outdoor activities, especially skiing. She skied regularly with her parents and began competing at the age of 7. This passion earned her the title of ‘Most Valuable Alpine Skier, Winter 2021.’ She was also deeply committed to mental health awareness, participating in and ultimately becoming president of the Wellness Club, which focused on the mental health of fellow students.
At Proctor Academy, Violet enrolled in a rigorous course load, including AP Calculus, Physics, AP European History, Honors Organic Chemistry, and Anatomy and Physiology. She maintained a 3.9 GPA and was particularly focused on her long-standing goal of going to medical school and becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon, a dream she has held since the 5th grade.
Outside the classroom, Violet was actively involved in road cycling, strength and conditioning, kayaking, skiing, swimming, and mountain biking. She held leadership positions for the Proctor Academy Wilderness Orientation, the Wellness Club, and the after-school mentoring program as a student tutor. Her hard work and dedication led to her recent promotion to Field Supervisor at Spring Ledge Farm in New London, NH, after previously working as a field hand. She also earned numerous academic awards, including Head’s List, Honor Roll, and Proctor Academy endowed scholarships such as the Tim Norris Scholarship Fund and the Richard Cramer ’57 Scholarship Fund. As an athlete on the Proctor Academy Varsity Alpine Ski Racing team, she was named Most Valuable Skier.
Throughout her life, Violet has also been deeply interested in arts and music. She regularly participated in ceramics, theater, and the vocal ensemble. In her senior year, she landed the lead role in the school performance of Mean Girls. She was particularly proud of spending a semester abroad in the European Classroom in Vauvenargues, France. Immersing herself in the culture and art of another country for two months was the opportunity of a lifetime.
Violet is currently pursuing a pre-med degree at the University of Vermont. She is excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities on the pre-med track and in the work/study programs offered at UVM. Violet chose the medical profession because it combines her love of science and math with her desire to help others. Along with being a compassionate individual, she has a competitive nature that will no doubt assist her as she moves forward in medicine. Violet is passionate about exploring anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry and hopes to make a positive impact on the world by saving lives as a heart surgeon.
Congratulations, Violet, on attending the University of Vermont! BZ!
John G. Brokaw Scholarship
Morgan DeJaager is the grandchild of David Stuart Caffrey Jr., who served in the Navy as a Commander. Morgan attended Great Bridge High School, where she was known for her academic achievements, community service, and contagious joy.
Born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, Morgan was passionate about health and wellness and enjoyed staying active by playing pickleball, golf, and doing yoga. She worked at a cycling gym and rode frequently. Morgan was also deeply committed to showing kindness to everyone and was a member of the Friends of Rachel Club, an anti-bullying organization.
At Great Bridge, Morgan enrolled in a rigorous course load, including AP Literature, AP Government, AP Pre-Calculus, and Anatomy & Physiology, maintaining an impressive 4.29 GPA. She was particularly interested in her Economics class and eager to learn more about financial markets, investments, and insurance as she continued her education.
Outside the classroom, Morgan was actively involved in the National Honor Society and Ceramics Club. She held leadership positions throughout her education, including serving as a class delegate. Her hard work and dedication resulted in several notable achievements. She was particularly proud of being nominated and selected as a writing coach for the Wildcat Writing Center.
Morgan is currently pursuing a degree in Business at Auburn University. She is excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities in finance. Morgan plans to help others make wise financial decisions and achieve financial freedom. She is passionate about creating a nonprofit organization with a mission of partnering with domestic violence shelters to provide financial literacy courses to survivors.
Congratulations, Morgan, on attending Auburn University! Bravo Zulu!
Jack and Eileen Anderson Scholarship
David Haroldsen is a grandchild of Tom Daniels, who served in the Navy as an E-6, Electronics Technician First Class. David attended Benet Academy, where he was known for being a top-ranked student, a National Merit Scholar, and a co-captain of Benet’s Scholastic Bowl team.
Born and raised in Aurora, Illinois, David was passionate about math, science, computers, and music. He was also deeply committed to serving others and creating community in his church youth group and Boy Scouts.
At Benet, David enrolled in a rigorous course load, including Multivariable Calculus, AP Physics C, AP Statistics, Latin 4, Advanced Humanities, Concert Chorale, Team Sports Gym, and Religion 4 (a graduation requirement at Benet, a Catholic School). He maintained an impressive 4.404 GPA and was particularly interested in programming and singing.
Outside the classroom, David was actively involved in Madrigals (Benet’s auditioned singing group), Musical (Newsies!), Scholastic Bowl, Coding Club, Math Team, Track, and his personal coding projects (see davidharoldsen.com). He held leadership positions as a two-year co-captain of Scholastic Bowl and co-head of Coding Club. His hard work and dedication resulted in several notable achievements, including his Scholastic Bowl team qualifying for NAQT Nationals three years in a row, his Tetris clone for the Samsung Watch, Bestris, achieving over 23,000 downloads globally, and earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Of all his accomplishments, he was particularly proud of earning his Eagle Scout.
David is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering at Brigham Young University. He is excited to continue learning and exploring opportunities wherever his degree takes him. David plans to explore the many possibilities that may arise after earning his degree—whether working for NASA, a large tech company, or pursuing an entrepreneurial venture by starting his own company. He is also excited to continue his love for singing and his passion for technology in college. David hopes to make a positive impact both personally, by starting a family, and professionally, by advancing technology.
Congratulations, David, on attending Brigham Young University! Bravo Zulu!