Three Rivers establishes memorial scholarship for early childhood development students
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo., (KBSI) — Three Rivers College and the Three Rivers Endowment Trust have established a scholarship for students pursuing degrees in early childhood development.
The Ava Grace Memorial Scholarship will be awarded for the first time during the fall 2026 semester. It honors Ava Grace Felps, who died in 2025 at age 8.
The scholarship was funded by Ava Grace’s family and spearheaded by her grandmother, Malissa Timbush, and her parents, Michele and Brandon Felps.
“Though her time on earth was only eight precious years, the love she gave, the lives she touched and the light she brought into this world will shine forever,” Michele Felps said.
The endowed fund will provide scholarships in perpetuity. The family plans to continue raising money to increase the amount awarded annually.
“We are so honored to play a small role in honoring Ava Grace’s legacy,” said Michelle Reynolds, Three Rivers’ director of development and liaison to the Endowment Trust. “These funds will be a gift that keeps on giving to our students in years to come.”
Three Rivers students receive more than $14 million in financial aid annually. More information is available at trcc.edu/pay-for-college/financial-aid.
