The non-profit Corvias Foundation awarded Purple Tassel College Scholarships to 14 military-connected students heading to college this fall, marking the largest class of scholarship recipients in the Foundation's 20-year history. The students – all children of active-duty service members stationed at six Corvias-managed installations – represent the next generation of leaders carrying forward a legacy of service and achievement.
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Corvias Foundation has awarded a Purple Tassel Scholarship to 14 military-connected students. Not pictured: Daley Ottersbach, Ricki Walker
Since 2006, Corvias Foundation has invested more than $20 million in helping military families pursue educational and career success. While scholarships remain central to its mission, the Foundation is expanding its reach through Opportunity Hubs, which connect families with educational resources, career opportunities, and community partnerships that support long-term achievement.
“We continue to invest in the potential of military families, and these students represent innovators, educators, and caregivers who will make an impact in their communities through their pursuit of higher education," said Julie Allen, executive director of Corvias Foundation. "Their determination and commitment to serving others inspire us. As we look ahead, the Foundation is expanding how we support military families, connecting them not only to scholarships, but also to the resources, relationships, and opportunities that help them thrive."
The Class of 2026: Purple Tassel Scholarship Recipients
This year's scholarship recipients join more than 500 military-connected families whose educational journeys have been supported by Corvias Foundation during the past two decades.
Fort Bragg
1. Megan Bell, a graduate of Pine Forest High School, is attending University of North Carolina to major in art with a concentration in digital media.
2. Graduating from Union Pines High School, Lani Klein will pursue a major in tourism and hospitality management at Belmont University.
3. Amira Mobarakzadeh, a Fayetteville Christian School graduate, is heading to the University of Oklahoma for early childhood education.
4. Daley Ottersbach is enrolling at North Carolina State University after homeschooling to study nuclear engineering.
Fort Meade
5. William Porter, a graduate of Michigan Online School, is enrolling at Michigan State University for electrical engineering.
6. Graduating from the Heritage Academy Home School, Damaris Smith will study communications at Regent University.
7. Ricki Walker, who is a Smyrna High School graduate, is heading to Morgan State University, majoring in psychology.
Fort Polk
8. Madelynn Flint graduated Leesville High School and will attend West Virginia University, as an aspiring forensic biologist.
9. Gabrielle Lopez, a graduate of Leesville High School, will pursue nursing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Fort Riley
10. Aubrey Swanson, a graduate of Junction City High School, will major in advertising at the University of Oklahoma.
11. Graduating from Escriva Catholic Academy, Therese Librande is attending University of Mary to study nursing.
12. Irene Koo, a graduate of Junction City High School, will combine public health and pre-dental majors at the University of Pittsburgh.
Fort Rucker
13. Kayden Abazi graduated Enterprise High School and will attend Auburn University to pursue a major in civil engineering.
Fort Sill
14. Kenadie Redford is attending Cameron University, where she will major in nursing, after homeschooling in the Nenana City School District.
The Class of 2026 reflects the promise and potential that has inspired Corvias Foundation's work for the past two decades. As these students begin their next chapter, the Foundation remains focused on opening doors to opportunity for military families through scholarships, resources, and meaningful connections that support lifelong success. Corvias Foundation additional offerings include The Corvias Foundation Military Spouse Scholarship, with applications opening on July 20, 2026, and the Purple Tassel Vocational Achievement Scholarship, with applications opening on October 12, 2026.
About Corvias Foundation
Corvias Foundation empowers military families to achieve their educational and career goals. With its flagship program, Opportunity Hubs, the Foundation is connecting its community members with partners. The goal is to support educational achievements, create transformative connections, and prepare military-connected students for their life-enriching college and career decisions. Please visit CorviasFoundation.org to learn more.
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