Meet the winners of the 2024 Linden Scholarship
Six bright young students have earned money for college through The Salvation Army’s Linden Scholarship.
This year’s winners are majoring in nursing, mathematics, ministry, psychology, and other admirable disciplines. All of the students volunteer regularly and are up-and-coming leaders.
The Linden Scholarship was established in the mid-1970s by St. Paul native Pearl H. Linden and her two sisters, who left The Salvation Army $250,000 to help college-bound students in need of financial aid. Linden asked that the scholarships be awarded to students who demonstrate community spirit and high moral standards.
The one-time, non-renewable scholarship offers $3,000 for students pursuing a four-year degree and $1,500 for students in two-year programs.
“The Linden Scholarship demonstrates how estate planning can help create a lasting legacy that makes a difference in the lives of others,” said Paul Deakins, Executive Director of Development for The Salvation Army Northern Division.
Here are the winners of this year’s Linden Scholarships:
Ella Bailie
Ella Bailie graduated from the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield. She is majoring in Communications at Elon University in Elon, N.C.
Ella is a committed volunteer. Since 2020, she has given five hours per week to the Safe Hands Rescue animal shelter in Minneapolis. She is also a regular volunteer for Mobile Loaves, a Minneapolis-based food charity.
She excelled in high school academics and activities, earning a 3.94 GPA while serving as captain of the JV volleyball team and co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper.
“I plan to use my education to invoke positive change in the world by incorporating sustainable and creative ideas into my work,” Ella said.
Her teachers and mentors know she will go far.
“Ella is independent and incredibly bright,” her college counselor said. “She has the intellect, maturity and heart to meet all of her goals.”
LaRae Dodson
LaRae Dodson graduated from Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights. She is attending the University of Minnesota with an undecided major.
LaRae is a volunteer powerhouse, giving three hours every week to Key Club since 2020, plus volunteering stints with her school district, local nursing homes, and Feed My Starving Children.
She is also an accomplished athlete. She was team captain of the school volleyball team, winning MVP and all-conference honors. In track and field, she was all-conference and named Most Improved Player.
“In every word that I say, and every step that I take, I want to give back to my community,” LaRae said. “Service is in my blood, and I will continue to give back to my community by volunteering my time, labor, and knowledge.”
For years, LaRae’s teachers have witnessed her resolve.
“LaRae is one of the hardest-working, most involved students I have ever worked with,” said her Key Club advisor. “She is thoughtful, open to others’ viewpoints, and determined to succeed.”
London DeVallier
London DeVallier graduated from Woodbury High School. She is majoring in Nursing at Blinn College in Bryan, Texas.
London will be an awesome nurse because caring for others is in her DNA. She has spent more than 100 hours volunteering at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, and this August she will travel to Honduras to volunteer with a team of medical professionals. She has worked as a childcare specialist and is currently employed at Woodwinds Hospital in St. Paul.
“My long-term goal is to become a registered nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital,” London said. “I want to help kids in need, and I am willing to work as hard as I can to make that happen.”
London is as unique as she is talented.
“Every couple of years there is a student like London in my class,” said one of her teachers. “She is hungry to learn more and willing to put in whatever time is needed for any challenge. It has truly been a highlight of my year having her in class.”
Nellie Larson
Nellie Larson graduated from Farmington High School. She is majoring in Mathematics at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.
Nellie is one smart kid. She graduated with a 4.14 GPA, won Student of the Month five times in a row, twice lettered for her school’s Math Team, and more. She also excelled in several of her school’s choir groups, and she has spent hundreds of hours volunteering for Job’s Daughters International since 2022.
Earning her bachelor’s degree is a stepping-stone to loftier goals.
“I’m extremely interested in also earning my master’s degree in education … to become a math teacher,” Nellie said.
Her teachers are proud of her accomplishments and excited for her future.
“Nellie is extremely kind and compassionate,” said one of her teachers. “She is also responsible and trustworthy. She is equipped with the skills necessary to succeed.”
Macey Kaufenberg
Macey Kaufenberg graduated from Park High School in Cottage Grove, with an incredible 4.3 GPA. She is majoring in Music and Ministry at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul.
Macey is a well-rounded student who excels in everything she does, be it academics, sports, or volunteering. For four years she has volunteered four hours per week at Inver Hills Church, plus other volunteer endeavors for Key Club, National Honor Society, and Student Council. She played varsity tennis, and she also lettered in academics every year of high school.
After college, Macey wants to work full-time as a worship leader.
“It has always been my goal in life to help others in whatever ways I can,” she said. “I am forever grateful to continue volunteering as a finish high school and continue into college.”
The spiritual leaders in Macey’s life are immensely proud of her.
“I do not have any memories of Macey not volunteering,” her pastor joked. “She is an incredibly caring and generous person. I have been blessed to have Macey serve with me all these years.”
Audrey Amoah
Audrey Amoah graduated from Woodbury High School. She is majoring in psychology at the University of Minnesota.
Audrey is a volunteering machine. Last August, she was named Woodbury Princess and has since given 16 hours per week. Additionally, she is a weekly volunteer for Key Club and the International Christian Faith Center.
She is on a mission to become an OB-GYN and represent people of color.
“The lack of diversity in this field motivated me to address health dispareities for Black women and patients of color,” Audrey said. “I aspire to bring diversity and inclusivity to women’s healthcare.”
Her teachers know her future is bright as a leader in her community.
“Audrey is truly one of the most generous, kind, polite, reliable students I have ever worked with,” her school counselor said. “I have no doubts about Audrey’s future as a leader and amazing citizen.”
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