By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications Coordinator
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Junction City High School senior Ashley Caligiuri was surprised with life-changing news on Tuesday that she has been named a 2026 Rudd Foundation Scholarship recipient.
Caligiuri, who plans to attend Wichita State University in the fall to pursue a degree in health management, was selected as one of only 50 scholars from a pool of approximately 700 applicants statewide. She becomes only the second JCHS student ever to earn the prestigious scholarship as Jadie Chauncey was named a Rudd Scholar during the 2017-18 school year.
“I was in shock when I saw my mom and everyone. This is so important for my family, and I am really excited about college and being able to start health management. I can’t wait to get into my career and be able to help people,” said Caligiuri, who is also a part of National Honor Society, Spanish Club and dance outside of school.
On Tuesday, Johnny Sanchez and Anthony Mai of the Rudd Foundation Leadership team honored Caligiuri in front of family, administration, students, staff and Dr. Reginald Eggleston, USD 475 Superintendent. The morning was extra special for Caligiuri as Chauncey was also able to return to Junction City High School to celebrate Caligiuri being awarded the Rudd Scholarship, which is a highly competitive full-ride scholarship award valued at $100,000 and includes tuition, fees, on-campus housing and a meal plan.
“I’m so happy for Ashley as this means that she is not going to have to pay for school. It’s a fantastic scholarship, a great honor for her and just shows what hard work can do as she not only interned at Kollhoff Pharmacy in Junction City in the fall but also took pharmacy tech classes at Cloud County Community College,” said Nancy Dettmer, JCHS Internship and Scholarship Specialist.
The Rudd Foundation Scholarship is a renewable, four-year award that covers any remaining cost of attendance after other financial aid and scholarships are applied. Covered expenses include tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board. By removing financial barriers to higher education, the scholarship empowers recipients to achieve excellence in college and prepare to become leaders in their professions and communities.
“As her mom, I’m so happy and so thankful because this means that I don’t have to worry anymore. I am so proud of all the hard work she has done,” said Tasha Caligiuri, Ashley’s mother.
The Rudd Scholarship is a program of the Rudd Foundation. It aims to support Kansas residents who qualify for Pell Grants and plan to attend Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State or Wichita State University.