Randell D. Voas Memorial Scholarship
About Randy
(Adapted from "Local residents gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country" by Jessica Harper, Thisweek Newspapers.)
 A career soldier in the U.S. Air Force, Major Randell Voas served 19 years in the military, including service in South Korea and Iraq. As a child growing up in Eden Prairie, Randy was a “boy’s boy” who enjoyed the outdoors and youth sports. He had lots of friends and was a good student.
After graduating from Eden Prairie High School in 1985, Randy enrolled at the University of Minnesota where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. In 1991, Randy decided to enlist in the U.S. Army to fly helicopters. He spent eight years actively flying in the Army prior to transferring to the Special ops Unit in the USAF. Randy's last assignment was to the 8th Special Ops as an Initial Codre for the CV22 Osprey stationed at Hurlburt Field Florida. Although he took a career path in the military, Randy continued to further his education while in the Air Force by earning his master’s in business administration in 2009.
While he was a disciplined soldier when on duty, Randy was a kind-hearted friend, father to two children, Maddeline and Mitchell, and husband to Jill. Randy not only possessed good common sense, but his honesty and integrity were above reproach.
On April 9th, 2010, Major Randell D. Voas gave his life defending our freedom as a CV22 Osprey Aircraft Commander executing an emergency landing while on a Special Operations Mission near Kandahar, Afghanistan. Under extreme circumstances, as a result of his mission, Randy saved 16 Americans that day. He was 43. After his death, Randy’s family and friends established the Randell D. Voas Memorial Scholarship, which provides scholarships to Eden Prairie High School seniors who share qualities similar to Randy’s.
The Program
The Randell D. Voas Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Major Randell D. Voas, USAF, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on April 9th, 2010. It was established by Randy's mother, Jo Kallemeyn, brother, Jeff, wife, Jill and children, Maddeline and Mitchell. Major Voas attended Eden Prairie Schools from first grade to his graduation from Eden Prairie High School in 1985.
The scholarship is in the amount of at least $500 per academic year and is not renewable. It is awarded to a Eden Prairie High School senior who has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, is actively participating in school and community activities, and is pursuing some type of post-secondary education (vocational, junior college or university).
2012 was the first year the scholarship was administered by FEPS. FEPS is proud to play an active role in awarding this annual scholarship.
The 2012-13 Randell D. Voas Memorial Scholarship
 The winner of this year's 2012-13 Randell D. Voas Memorial Scholarship is Kayla Schroeck, daughter of Dale and Sandy Schroeck.
During high school, Kayla maintained a high level of academic excellence, with a 3.98 GPA, all while giving back to EPHS and the Eden Prairie community.
Kayla also participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including DECA/BPA and Key Club. Kayla’s Business instructor, Mark Griffin, described her as “a hardworking and talented young woman who has demonstrated her ability to work well with her fellow students”.
In addition to a full and very rigorous academic load, and volunteer and extracurricular activities, Kayla also worked in a paid internship position at Light’N Up.
This fall, Kayla plans to attend Ridgewater College, Hutchinson Campus, majoring in Multimedia & Design Technology and Web Programming. Congratulations, Kayla!
Current & Past Winners
2013 Kayla Schroeck
2012 Mikalyna Sell
Criteria
This scholarship is awarded to a Eden Prairie High School senior who:
- Has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
- Is actively participating in school and community activities.
- Is pursuing some type of post-secondary education – studies may be Vocational-Technical School, Junior College, Community College, or University.
Award Amount
The Randell D. Voas Memorial Scholarship will be at least $500 per academic year, and is not renewable. This scholarship is administered by the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools.
To Apply for the 2013-2014 Randell D. Voas Memorial Scholarship
Applications for the 2013-14 Randell D. Voas Memorial Scholarship will be available early 2014. The application deadline will be mid-April and the scholarship will be awarded at the EPHS Academic Awards night mid-May, 2014.
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