PRIDE ST. LOUIS ANNOUNCES JOHN VAN VORIS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

December 1, 2025

ST. LOUIS, MO — Pride St. Louis is proud to announce the recipients of the John Van Voris Scholarships, created in 1997 to honor the life and legacy of longtime volunteer John Van Voris. His commitment to service and to the LGBTQIA+ community continues to inspire this annual award, which supports emerging leaders and allies across the St. Louis region.

This year our scholarships provided $1,000 each in financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students, children of LGBTQIA+ parents, and allies pursuing higher education at post-secondary, graduate, trade, technical, vocational, community, military, and visual or performing arts institutions. The program reflects Pride St. Louis’s belief in education as a foundation for opportunity, empowerment, and community advancement.

“As we continue John’s legacy, these scholarships help open doors for students who are shaping the future of our community. Pride St. Louis is committed to supporting the next generation of LGBTQIA+ leaders and allies as they pursue their goals and create lasting change,” said Jordan Braxton, Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Outreach.

Pride St. Louis congratulates the 2025 scholarship recipients:

  • Jetta Vaughn, Washington University in St. Louis

  • Iheanacho (Acho) Obiakor, Washington University in St. Louis

  • Hannah Jumper, Washington University in St. Louis

  • Kneeshe Parkinson, Webster University

  • Rayla Madsen, Southwestern Illinois College

  • Lydia Baker, Lindenwood University

This year’s awardees represent diverse fields of study including social work, business administration, aviation management, cinema arts, and health administration, reflecting the broad impact LGBTQIA+ students and allies continue to make across the region.

For more information about the John Van Voris Scholarship or ways to support Pride St. Louis programs, visit pridestl.org.

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