In a celebration of academic achievement and a promise to transform lives, The Rogers Foundation awarded $520,000 in college scholarships to 13 outstanding Clark County School District seniors during a ceremony at The Beverly Theater in Downtown Las Vegas.

Students gathered for an afternoon that included portraits, a lunch banquet and a scholarship reveal. The Rogers Achievers Scholarships are $20,000 to $100,000 and valid toward tuition and expenses at accredited U.S. universities and colleges.

This year, six students were awarded $20,000 scholarships and five received $40,000. Then came a twist: Beverly Rogers, Chairwoman of the Board of The Rogers Foundation, invited two students to the stage: Ethan Kurian of Ed W. Clark High School and Asher Kay of Advanced Technologies Academy.

Both were stunned to learn that they would receive a $100,000 scholarship. Ethan’s award came from The Rogers Foundation, while Asher’s was made possible by a gift from the estate of Susan Turney.

“Scholarship season is one of the most meaningful times of the year for us,” said Janae Downey, CFO of The Rogers Foundation. “These students are impressive in every sense, but it’s their stories and determination that leave the biggest impact. Supporting their next chapter is truly a privilege.”

Over the past several months, hundreds of applicants submitted essays, letters of recommendation and test scores. The foundation’s selection committee conducted reviews, followed by interviews to identify the 13 scholarship recipients.

“These remarkable students have turned challenges into momentum,” said Rory Reid, CEO of The Rogers Foundation. “They’re poised to make a meaningful impact, and we’re proud to be part of their journey as they head to college.”

“These scholarships honor my late husband, Jim, whose passion for education never wavered,” said Rogers. “Continuing that legacy through these students is incredibly meaningful. The emotion in the interviews and on stage – the smiles, the tears – is a powerful reminder of why this work matters. These young people are the future, and we’re proud to support them as they begin what comes next.” 

Rogers Foundation Achievers Scholarship Winners:

$20,000

Noah Gonzalez – Northeast Career and Technical Academy
Feruth Yemane – Nevada State High School
Mark Aronov – Desert Oasis High School
Madison Spayth –  Nevada Connections Academy
Sofia Ramirez – Foothill High School
Jacob Weiss –  Las Vegas Academy of the Arts

$40,000

McKenna Gordon – Northwest Career and Technical Academy
Ava Nave –  Southwest Career & Technical Academy
Elias Ramos – Basic Academy of International Studies
Jada Knox – Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
Caden Lee – Liberty High School

$100,000 – Rogers Achiever

Ethan Kurian – Ed W. Clark High School
$100,000 – Susan Turney Award for Fine Arts

Asher Kay –  Advanced Technologies Academy

The Rogers Foundation is one of the largest privately funded charitable foundations in Nevada. Its mission is to transform lives through arts and education. A Foundation of the Year and 2019 Angel Award recipient, The Rogers Foundation charitable activities are:

• Funding scholarships to attend college
• Providing funding for statewide educational reform efforts focused on educational equity through Educate Nevada Now
• Powering education nonprofit CORE, a two-generation program that serves underserved students and families from middle school to graduation
• Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena and live music venue, The Beverly Theater

More: TheRogers.Foundation and @therogersfoundation