The Special Education Foundation (SEF) is proud to celebrate and support students with disabilities as they pursue higher education and the next chapter of their lives. Through the SEF Scholarship Program, we recognize outstanding students who have demonstrated resilience, determination, leadership, and a commitment to excellence.

We are honored to recognize our 2026 scholarship recipients and celebrate the achievements that have brought them to this exciting milestone.

2026 Scholarship Recipients

John Cary Scholarships, presented by Emerson ($5,000)

• Will Cleer — Parkway South High School, attending the University of Missouri–Columbia
• Nicole Dozier — Normandy High School & North Tech, attending Houston Community College
• Caidyn Harris — Lafayette High School (Rockwood), attending Webster University
• Lillian Hodel — Webster Groves High School & South Tech, attending the University of Missouri–Columbia
• Nathan Hudson — Clayton High School & South Tech, attending Southeast Missouri State University

Christopher Davis Scholarship ($2,500)

• Edwin Plancarte-Reyes — Ritenour High School, attending St. Louis Community College

Jane Vickrey Leadership Scholarship ($5,000)

• Deshon (DJ) Burks — Clayton High School, attending St. Louis Community College

Catching Up With a Former SEF Scholar

The impact of an SEF scholarship continues long after a student receives their award. We recently caught up with Vivian Lang, a past SEF scholarship recipient, to see how she is doing and how her scholarship has supported her journey.

Vivian is entering her second year at St. Louis Community College at Meramec, where she is majoring in Biology. Outside the classroom, she has been involved with the Crochet Club and Cru. One of her proudest accomplishments over the past year was earning a 3.0 GPA.

This summer, Vivian enjoyed a trip to Colorado with friends, spending time with friends who were home from college, and working on different crochet projects. Her SEF scholarship has also made a meaningful difference in her education.

“My SEF scholarship has impacted my education by giving me funds to pay for my materials like school books and supplies, giving me less to stress over as I focus on my schooling and future goals.”

Vivian's story is a reminder that a scholarship can provide more than financial support. It can give students greater peace of mind as they focus on their education, pursue their interests, and work toward their future goals. We are proud to continue following Vivian's journey and celebrating the accomplishments of SEF scholars—past and present.

Investing in Bright Futures

Each scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it is an investment in students whose determination and potential inspire those around them. As these graduates begin college and career pathways, SEF is proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the educators, families, donors, and community partners who help make these opportunities possible.

Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients! We look forward to seeing the impact you will make in your communities and beyond.

Learn more about the SEF Scholarship Program and how you can help support future scholarship recipients.