Congratulations, Gemma Kilgore, on Receiving the Max McElhaney Memorial Education Scholarship for 2024!
Rocky McElhaney Law Firm is thrilled to announce that Gemma Kilgore is the 2024 recipient of the Max McElhaney Memorial Education Scholarship! We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gemma, a young woman with a bright future ahead.
“We loved Gemma’s essay,” said Rocky McElhaney. “Her description of the Gold Standard of Love touched us deeply and we’re looking forward to what she will do in the future.”
About Gemma Kilgore
Gemma is currently a junior at Ohio Wesleyan University, where she is expected to graduate in 2026. In her scholarship application, Gemma shared her experiences and challenges that have shaped her into who she is today. She wrote:
“I will not deny that the soft encouragement and affection shown to me has impacted my character, yet I believe the hardest moments of my life have better shaped my individuality, spirituality, thoughtfulness, and judgment…There were moments when I despised my parents for “forcing” me to run track my senior year, but I soon realized that they knew I would regret not closing that chapter of my life. Not only did I break four school records, but I reached the state competition for the 400-meter dash and they cheered me on every treacherous step of the way… I am proud of myself for sticking with a sport that initially I felt drained my life away, only to understand that it taught me courage and discipline, which is impossible to buy and even harder to teach.”
Gemma also told us about the Gold Standard of Love in her home:
“The golden standard of love is my father leaving the Air Force so we didn’t have to uproot our lives and move for the third time. The golden standard of love is my mother working two full-time jobs when my father lost his, and making sure all four of us kids had food, clothes, school supplies, and love, amidst everything else.
There are times when the gold standard of love doesn’t appear as lovely as a glow of sunshine and is instead scratched and tarnished; but when that standard is observed from all angles and all possible perspectives, there are parts where the sparkle still persists and catches your eye. I believe that is the real, unsugarcoated standard of love that every family needs.”
Gemma applied for the Max McElhaney Memorial Scholarship to help further her studies in Inclusive Elementary Education at Ohio Wesleyan University. Her long-term goal is to teach ESL abroad in impoverished countries. She notes that her “dream is tethered to the hope of improving the lives of children no matter their background or what they were taught to believe in.”
About the Max McElhaney Memorial Educational Scholarship
Rocky McElhaney Law Firm awards the Max McElhaney Memorial Educational Scholarship , a $3000.00 award, to an undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited four-year university or college. Eligible applicants must submit:
- A story of the gold standard of love in the student’s family.
- A statement of financial need.
- A written statement of no more than 100 words explaining why the applicant should be chosen above all others. Tell us what sets you apart and why you are special. Do not give us cookie-cutter responses about commitment to studies or hard work-wow us!
- One recommendation from a faculty member or university/college advisor.
- Proof of enrollment in a 4-year private college or university for the upcoming fall semester.
- Student status and/or declaration of major in History or Education.
- One picture. It can be a solo shot, an illustration of the student doing what they love, or spending time with those they love.
Congratulations once again, Gemma, on your selection this year! We are all so proud of you.
If you’d like to apply for the 2025 Max McElhaney Memorial Educational Scholarship or learn more about our previous winners, click here.