2026 Royal Neighbors Scholars Driving Positive Change Nationwide

/PRNewswire/ - Royal Neighbors of America(R), one of the nation's fastest growing life insurance organizations1 based in Rock Island, Ill., has proudly granted 32 college scholarships to student members nationwide as part of its ongoing dedication to delivering Insurance with a Difference(SM).

Each recipient earned a scholarship honoring their academic success, leadership qualities, volunteer efforts, and dedication to fostering meaningful improvements in their local areas. Applicants must hold Royal Neighbors beneficial membership status to qualify.

"This experience showed me that service centers on compassion, understanding, and being present for those around us. It motivates me daily to give generously and set a strong example," said Graci Tubbs, one of this year's scholarship recipients pursuing her studies at Florida Atlantic University.

Selection involved a rigorous review of personal statements covering leadership, community involvement, and dedication to self-improvement. The initiative highlights purposeful learning and tangible community effects, consistent with Royal Neighbors' foundational goals.

"Our scholarship recipients embody the highest standards of what it means to be a Royal Neighbor. These individuals act decisively to strengthen their communities," said Amy Jones, Senior Director of Social Impact at Royal Neighbors. "By supporting their education, we help them reach their objectives while boosting the lasting positive influence they will create."

"Learning creates pathways, bolsters communities, and builds prospects for coming generations," said Zarifa Reynolds, CEO and President of Royal Neighbors. "We take pride in supporting these outstanding students whose service dedication mirrors the principles that have directed our group for over 130 years."

2026 Royal Neighbors Scholarship Recipients

Name	State
Colton Ashley	Iowa
Jenna Becker	Nevada
Peyton Boles	Missouri
Isabella Chambers	South Carolina
Lydia Davis	Virginia
Olivia Donahue	Iowa
Samiyah English	Florida
Carmen Gaas	Texas
Scarlett Gonsalves	California
Skylar Greene	Illinois
Boston Hodges	Mississippi
William Hodges	Mississippi
Evelyn Houston	Texas
Yazard Jean Pierre	Florida
Ani Johnson	Georgia
Nina Kuzichev	Washington, DC
Justin Lee	Texas
Kammie Ludwig	Illinois
Noah Martin*	Colorado
Ronald McClary	South Carolina
Gregory McCray	Georgia
Nicole Pate	New Jersey
Emma Pearson	Iowa
Ashley Pouliot	Minnesota
Evan Pouliot	Minnesota
Jacob Rose	Wisconsin
Verlane Rubina	California
Olivia Schuld	Illinois
Graci Tubbs	Florida
Randi Tubbs	Florida
Abigail Williams	Colorado
Dorothy Young	Pennsylvania

*Fourth generation Royal Neighbors Member

Scholarship funds can support tuition, room and board, textbooks, or additional education costs. For details on the Royal Neighbors Scholarship Program, see royalneighbors.org/scholarships.

About Royal Neighbors of America

In 1895, nine founding women established a membership community. They ranked among the first to extend life insurance access to women. Today, 131 years later, Royal Neighbors continues its focus on Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities(SM). Members, chapters, staff, and independent agents nationwide advance this focus via local volunteer work and giving programs, placing social impact at the heart of operations.

Royal Neighbors members benefit from Insurance with a Difference(SM) via customized life insurance and annuity offerings, chances to contribute locally, and member perks that aid financial and personal wellness.

Royal Neighbors maintains an "A" (Excellent) rating from AM Best2 for financial strength and capacity to fulfill ongoing commitments to certificate holders. In 2025, Royal Neighbors earned its ninth Great Place to Work certification. In 2026 Royal Neighbors was named by Forbes and Statista as a World's Best Insurance Company. Additional details are available at royalneighbors.org.

1. American National's Exit, Benefit Ratio Shifts, Avoidable Mortality and PRT Rulings. Life Annuity Specialist News Brief; April 3, 2025

2. As of December 12, 2025, Royal Neighbors is rated A Excellent (3rd highest out of 13) by the AM Best Company for overall financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to certificate holders. For the latest Best's Credit Rating, access ambest.com.

Disclosure: Royal Neighbors of America(R) (NAIC #57657), licensed in all states and the District of Columbia, except AL, AK, HI, LA, MA, NH, NY. Membership and qualification required, products and contractual provisions and limitations may vary by state. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of Royal Neighbors of America. Not a deposit, intended to be held long-term.

Royal Neighbors Media Contact:
Marie Young, Director, Marketing and Communications
myoung@royalneighbors.org
Office Line: (309) 732-8280 | Personal Cell: (319) 530-0849

SOURCE Royal Neighbors of America