Jan Dils Foundation Scholarship Winners

Keely Towner

“Thank you so much for your generous support and gratitude! I am truly grateful for your investment into my education and future goals. As a criminology undergraduate student and member of the West Virginia National Guard, I am extremely passionate about exploring criminological and sociological issues occurring in the military through research and academia. My long-term goal is to become a professor at a university, namely West Virginia University. Upon achieving this goal, I intend to contribute new, meaningful research to the field of sociological military studies. This scholarship is providing me with the opportunity to do exactly that. The generosity of this scholarship not only eases the financial burden of college, but allows me to focus more thoroughly on my studies and professional development. I plan to enroll in graduate school to obtain my Doctorate degree in Sociology and eventually plan to teach at the college level.”

Christina Cross

“Thank you so much for choosing me as a recipient of your scholarship! To be chosen amongst all who applied is such a huge blessing and a humbling thing. I am so grateful for your willingness to help as I pursue my degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Liberty University. I had contemplated taking a break from schooling due to financial strain and making sure I could provide for my family. I remember praying that if I was supposed to continue my education that God would provide what I needed. Right before summer semester started I had a family member provide the funds without ever telling them what I needed or that I was considering stopping my education. Now I am in my summer semester and with your generosity as well as a few others God has answered my prayers and provided all the funds I will need for the rest of my degree. I am so blessed to be able to continue in this journey, a journey I know I am called to. I am excited to grow in knowledge and be able to give back to the community in the future because of how you have given. I don’t have to choose whether I want to provide for my kids or continue my education and that is all thanks to you. I don’t think I can say thank you enough! May God bless you, even as you have blessed me!”

Devan Boyles

*2026 Update* “I have completed my BAS in Aviation Management in Professional Flight. I now have my commercial license and working towards my Certified Flying Instructor license to gain flight hours. In the mean time, I will be completing a MS in Occupational Safety and Health while working full time for the WV Army National Guard. Due to the high cost of both flying and a graduate program, I am need of financial assistance. Thank you Jan Dils team with all your help! Couldn’t have done it without you!; Thank you again for this scholarship that continues to help me time and time again. Almost to the finish line. Thank you!”

He is currently working on his aviation certifications at Fairmont State University to fulfill his goal of becoming a helicopter & airline pilot. With his grandfather having served, Devan always knew he wanted to join the military. However, what sealed the deal was seeing his older brother’s experience in the West Virginia Army National Guard and attending his graduation.

We’re honored to present Devan as a Jan Dils Foundation Scholarship winner and can’t wait to see him achieve amazing things! (Don’t worry, Devan, you’ve already made us proud.)

Lance Nutter

“It’s a big place and I just want to see it all. But at the end of the day, I still call right here in West Virginia HOME.”

We are honored to present one of our Jan Dils Foundation Scholarship winners, Lance Nutter! He is a West Virginia native from Cairo, and is currently working on his Fixed Wing Aviation degree at West Virginia Air National Guard.

We had a chance to sit down with Lance and talk about the meaningful work he gets to do every day. We’re thankful we’re able to help people like Lance achieve their goals and follow their dreams.

Heather Tenney

“I just always have felt like I needed to help people. That’s just who I am.”

We are delighted to congratulate & present the first winner of our Jan Dils Foundation Scholarship, Heather Tenney! Heather is a Veteran and currently attends the University of Kentucky pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us & we hope this scholarship helps in your pursuit of helping others!