Rodrock Development honors talented students with scholarships

Rodrock Development believes in the importance of families, and that commitment stretches far beyond the confines of its carefully designed communities. Sure, quiet cul-de-sacs, top school districts, and family-friendly activities are part and parcel of Rodrock neighborhoods. But the team also nurtures a sense of community through its annual Rodrock Vision Scholarship. 

Now in its 26^th year, the Rodrock Vision Scholarship was offered to graduating seniors who’ve demonstrated a commitment to their communities, the ability to set goals and achieve them, and the capacity to assume responsibility. The scholarship required applicants be a member of the 2023 high-school graduating class, live within a Rodrock community, and have plans to continue their education beyond high school. Each was carefully chosen after completing a thorough application process that included written statements, character references, and personal interviews.

This year, some $20,000 was awarded to 10 deserving students. From varsity sports to religious groups, and student council to charity efforts, these students went above and beyond during their high-school career. 

Among them was Anna Gomez, who graduated from St. James Academy and will be studying at nursing at Benedictine College, while minoring in Spanish. “Winning the scholarship will help me excel in college and receive a nursing degree, allowing me to serve the people in my community,” she says. 

Misha Raichura will attend the University of South Florida majoring in Biology, on a pre-med track. The Rodrock Vision Scholarship will help the Blue Valley West graduate incur a little less debt along the way—and she credits her neighborhood with providing her with support along her educational path. 

“Living in a Rodrock community has allowed me to be connected to an amazing community and network,” she says. 

Olathe Northwest graduate Keaton Coad will be attending Creighton University this fall, where she will major in journalism and play soccer. “The Rodrock Vision Scholarship will help me develop as a leader on and off the field,” Keaton says. “My dream is to be a sideline reporter and this will help me get there. Living in a Rodrock community has taught me how to give back to others and the power of kindness.”

Amber Allen will likewise take her athletic career with her to college. The Olathe West graduate will play volleyball while pursuing a biology degree at Benedictine college, followed by Veterinary School with the goal of becoming a small animal veterinarian, like her father and grandfather before her. 

“Winning this scholarship will help me achieve my academic goal to eventually be a veterinarian who provides affordable veterinary care to a lower-income community,” Amber explains.  

Dakota Oliva has lived within a Rodrock community her entire life and was another proud scholarship recipient. 

“I will be attending Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, this fall and will be majoring in Music Education,” says the Olathe North graduate. “By attending a private, out-of-state university, this scholarship will help pay for some of those added costs. I have truly had a rich childhood, growing up in the same home in Ravenwood Place my entire life. The community, neighbors, and support that I’ve received my whole life living in a Rodrock development is what has prepared me to go out into the world and pursue my dreams and be successful. While it will be difficult to leave a place that I’ve always called home and has impacted me so much, I know it will always be here and that the love and support of this community goes with me.”

“At Rodrock, we continually strive to re-invest in families,” says president and CEO Brian Rodrock. “We develop in the best school districts in Johnson County and want to see the continued success of all the children in our communities. We’re proud to give through the Rodrock Vision Scholarship Program and proud to invest in our high school seniors for a brighter future for us all.”

The Rodrock Vision Scholarship Program prides itself on being “a worthwhile investment in a brighter future for us all.” And with talented students like these, the future looks very bright indeed.