Atlantic City, NJ (November 1, 2017) – The Miss America Foundation proudly offers academic and community-based scholarships for current and former contestants to pursue their education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applications are received annually and recipients are selected from a national pool based on a variety of criteria. The Miss America Foundation is honored to congratulate and recognize the following 2017 Miss America Foundation scholarship recipients:
The 2017 Dr. and Mrs. David B. Allman Medical Scholarship recipients are Brittany Elizabeth Tew of Texas (left) and Stephanie Shoop of Ohio (right). Established in memory of Dr. David B. Allman, a past president of the American Medical Association, the Allman Medical Scholarship is awarded annually, in whole or in part, to one or more current or former contestants who currently study or aspire to enter the field of medicine. Each recipient will receive $3,323 for a total of $6,646. This scholarship is funded annually by the Allman Medical Trust, an endowed fund of The Miss America Foundation, Inc.
The 2017 Jean Bartel Scholarship for Military Awareness recipient is LeAnn Mae Penn of Pennsylvania (below). Millions of Americans have answered the call to serve their country, and Miss America 1943 Jean Bartel was an ardent supporter of the Armed Forces – having raised over $2.5 million in Series-E war bonds during her reign as Miss America – approximately $34 million in today’s dollars. Established in Jean’s memory, this $3,000 scholarship is awarded to a qualified applicant who has fulfilled a legitimate need in their community through the creation, development, and/or participation in a community-based project or event to support and raise awareness of the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protect our freedom. 
The 2017 Dr. and Mrs. Davuluri Family Medical Scholarship recipients are Charis Renai Royal of Arizona (left) and Meredith Gaufin of Utah (right). This inaugural $5,000 scholarship was e stablished this year in memory of Dr. Chaudhury Davuluri, lovingly known as “Dr. D,” a dedicated physician serving several communities across America as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist. As a father of two young women — one being a former Miss America and the other a Urologist — Dr. D absolutely loved children, caring for others, and being a mentor. In memory of their loving husband and father, the Davuluri Family established a scholarship fund through The Miss America Foundation to help young women pursue their dreams of becoming a physician and serving others. 
The 2017 Tiffany Phillips Scholar-Athlete Scholarship recipient is Sierra Kinworthy of Alaska (below) . The Tiffany Phillips Scholar-Athlete Scholarship was established in 1998 in memory of Tiffany Phillips, the teenage daughter of Steve and Dana Phillips of Oregon. Tiffany, who lost her life in a tragic accident in 1998, was both an outstanding scholar and an exceptional athlete. This $2,000 scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding scholar-athlete who competed at the local, state, or national level during the current year, regardless of whether a title was won. This scholarship is funded by The Miss America Foundation, Inc. 
The 2017 Dr. Marcia L. Leek Scholarship recipient is Miss New Hampshire 2017 Lauren Percy (below). The inaugural Dr. Marcia L. Leek scholarship was established in memory of an educational leader, science administrator, and advocate of biological sciences and chemistry study in New Jersey for over 50 years. The $1,000 Dr. Marcia L. Leek Scholarship is awarded to a contestant demonstrating academic excellence and currently competing for the title of Miss America who is enrolled with a declared field of study in education, science, or science administration. Dr. Leek’s educational legacy lives on through the students and teachers she touched through her passion and dedication to science education and her devotion to developing women leaders. This scholarship is funded by Bonnie E. Leek, sister of Dr. Marcia L. Leek. 
On behalf of The Miss America Foundation, we congratulate this year’s outstanding recipients and wish all of the applicants and recipients continued success in their scholastic endeavors!
The 2017 Miss America Foundation scholarships are separate and in addition to the scholarships awarded to contestants during the 2018 Miss America Competition in Atlantic City. For a full list of the 2018 Miss America Competition and the 2017 Miss America Foundation scholarships awarded this year, please visit: Miss America Scholarships.
Applications are now available for the 2018 Miss America Foundation scholarships. To apply, please contact your Local or State Executive Director for an application.
To establish an endowed scholarship or to support our scholarship program, please call 609-344-1800 or visit MissAmericaFoundation.org/scholarships.
