Five Des Moines students receive Inaugural Teree Caldwell-Johnson Servant Leader Scholarships

The inaugural Teree Caldwell-Johnson Servant Leader Scholarship awarded $13,500 to five Des Moines Public Schools graduates pursuing higher education.

The scholarship was established to honor the life of Teree Caldwell-Johnson, made possible through Sammons Financial Group and those who made memorial gifts to honor her legacy. The funding supports underserved students and special consideration for students who lived or are involved with programming in Oakridge Neighborhood.

The inaugural awards reception was held on Wednesday, June 24 at Sammons Financial Group, 8300 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. Scholarship recipients included: 

• Zamiratu Dainkeh, Drake University, journalism 
• Amaria Daye, Grand View University, criminal justice 
• Vick Lumanya, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), nursing 
• Kali Quach, Iowa State University, biology 
• Reem Samir, University of Iowa, biology 

“One of Teree’s greatest gifts was her ability to see potential in others, sometimes before they saw it in themselves,” said Vernon Johnson, Teree’s husband, in a press release. “She believed in encouraging people, opening doors and helping them pursue opportunities they might not have thought possible. Our family is honored to celebrate these students and the bright futures ahead of them.”

A committee of family members and friends selects scholarship recipients each year. It is meant to provide support to future generations of Des Moines School District students and to preserve Caldwell-Johnson’s legacy as an educational and community leader during her 20 years as president and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood. She was also the longest-serving member of the Des Moines school board and remained involved in community service through her advocating for affordable housing, educational opportunities and volunteering directly with the communities she served. This scholarship serves as a way of propelling the leaders of tomorrow through Caldwell’s outstanding efforts to improve her community.

“At Sammons Financial Group, we believe education creates opportunity and service strengthens communities,” said Rob TeKolste, president of Sammons Financial Group, in a press release. “Through this scholarship, we are proud to honor Teree Caldwell-Johnson’s legacy of service by helping students who have demonstrated that same commitment to pursue their educational goals and realize their potential.”

To learn more about Caldwell-Johnson, her scholarship and to make a contribution, click here.

“We are honored to celebrate Teree through this scholarship program, intended to elevate those nearest to her passions – the youth in our community,” said Kristi Knous, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, in a press release. “Her impact is not just felt by these award recipients, but also by the community who embraces this next generation of leaders, learners and changemakers.”