The Space to Succeed Scholarship

Lauren Forney is a Health Science student at Spelman College from Katy, Texas, whose lifelong commitment to service began at just nine years old with her first canned food drive. What started as a small act of concern grew into more than 32,000 donated food items over twelve years, even continuing through a major medical emergency when she adapted her efforts online. Inspired to empower others, Lauren founded Lauren’s Community Service Academy at age twelve, a nonprofit that has helped hundreds of young people across Texas launch service projects, including the Warm Scarf Campaign, which has delivered over 800 scarves to seniors. A sought-after speaker on youth leadership and service, she continues to lead community initiatives while pursuing a career in dermatology. Through her studies and hands-on outreach, Lauren aims to serve underrepresented communities, combat health misinformation, and expand access to compassionate, preventive care.

Emma DeRuyter is a psychology and criminal justice student at Iowa State University from Le Mars, Iowa, whose commitment to service is grounded in her belief that strong, supportive communities create opportunities for young people to thrive. Drawing from her own experience navigating childhood anxiety, Emma found healing and purpose through dance and founded A Chance to Dance – LeMars, a charitable organization that provides full-tuition dance scholarships, costumes, and dancewear to children with limited resources. Through community partnerships, fundraising events, and local outreach, she has helped raise over $8,500, collect hundreds of donated dance items, and ensure every applicant was enrolled during the organization’s first three years. As a leader, Emma has developed confidence, business acumen, and a deep appreciation for collaboration, while witnessing firsthand the impact of creative, structured activities on youth confidence and well-being. She plans to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist, combining her passion for mental health, crime prevention, and community engagement to help build safer, more resilient communities – while continuing to teach and perform dance.

Anthony Brantley is a finance student at The Ohio State University from Kennesaw, Georgia, whose leadership and passion for service were shaped by supporting his family through his father’s battle with brain cancer. Motivated to understand money and its impact on stability, he turned personal adversity into purpose and founded Freedom Through Finance in 2024, a community-based organization dedicated to improving financial literacy for low-income and underserved families. Through financial education workshops, one-on-one budgeting and investment support, and youth-focused after-school programs, Anthony has helped more than 80 families across Columbus, Ohio, and Atlanta, Georgia, while training high school students to teach financial fundamentals to hundreds of elementary students. Committed to financial equity, mentorship, and community empowerment, he aims to use his education to help families achieve long-term financial health and independence.

Frank Clavelle III is a Presidential Student Ambassador and architecture student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As the founder of several community-led initiatives, he has mentored youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana, built homes with Habitat for Humanity, and led DEI efforts as Vice President of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students. Frank has also served as a College Senator and participated in cultural outreach at his university. His global perspective was deepened through study abroad programs in Paris and Seoul and a panel presentation at Sorbonne University. Frank’s work in Washington D.C. and his current internship with a civil and human rights organization underscore his commitment to equity, education, and service. He hopes to become UL’s first Rhodes Scholar and work at the intersection of civil rights and international human rights.

Brittanie Reynaud is a full-time Associate of Science in Nursing student at LSU Eunice and a mother of four. Despite her full plate, she volunteers each semester – hosting bingo at local nursing homes, participating in events like the Crawfish Étouffée Cook-off and vet clinic fundraisers, and helping sonography students and new nurses through clinical demonstrations. Her goal is to pursue a career in critical care or community health nursing and extend her service beyond hospital walls through outreach, education, and advocacy. Brittanie’s commitment to health equity, mentorship, and community resilience defines her approach to both nursing and motherhood. She believes that service creates a ripple effect – and she’s already inspiring the next generation through her actions.

Charles Pittner is an Agribusiness major at Texas A&M University and the founder of Charlie’s Kids-4-Kids Coat Drive, a grassroots project he started at just six years old. Over the past 13 years, his initiative has collected and distributed more than 9,500 coats to families across Lubbock and surrounding communities. With the help of ten local business partners and a deep commitment to service, Charles has provided warmth and hope to thousands. His favorite moment each year is handing out coats at a local elementary school, where he’s reminded of the power of gratitude and generosity. Charles plans to use his education in agriculture to further uplift communities through sustainable, people-first solutions, continuing a lifelong mission to help others.