People Helping People

Beloit, Kansas - June 2023

On Sunday May 7th, members of the Solomon Valley Eagles Memorial Scholarship Committee presented awards to three area High School Seniors. This scholarship is funded by Solomon Valley Eagles Aerie #3507, located in Beloit, KS.

The Solomon Valley Eagles Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to qualifying High School Seniors who, through their academic record, extracurricular activities, and volunteerism demonstrate qualities of the future leaders of their generation. The Scholarship Committee reviews each application in detail, and this year a total of 27 applications were received from the area and surrounding schools. 

The students selected to receive each of the three $750.00 awards this year were Shelly Chen, Kyera Ryser, and Carter Rathbun. Shelly Chen is a Senior at Beloit Junior Senior High School and is the daughter of Amy and Stanley Chen of Beloit. Shelly is involved in several activities including band, tennis, scholars bowl, forensics, theatre, Science Club, National Honor Society, and golf. She has also served as a class officer for the last three years. When not participating in extracurriculars or volunteering, Shelly works part time for her parents at the China House. After graduation, Shelly plans to attend the University of Kansas pursuing a degree in Psychology, followed by Medical School with the goal of entering a Psychiatric Residency Program. 

Kyera Ryser is a Senior at Beloit Junior Senior High School and is the daughter of Sean and Tori Ryser of Beloit. Kyera has been involved in FCCLA, Track, Wrestling Manager, along with several community volunteer opportunities. She has served as the District Secretary for FCCLA and works part time when not participating in school activities. After graduation, Kyera plans to attend Fort Hays State University where she will double major in Sociology and Psychology. Upon completion of this double major degree, she then plans to pursue her Master’s Degree with a specialization in substance abuse counseling at which point she will have the tools necessary to provide psychological counseling and bring awareness to social issues in her community. 

Carter Rathbun is a Senior at Lincoln Junior Senior High School and is the son of Becky and Scott Rathbun of Barnard. Carter has been involved in Forensics, National Honor Society, Scholars Bowl, Student Council, and was awarded the Creativity Award and Top IT Student Award. He has served as Class President both Junior and Senior years, as well as Vice President the prior two years. Carter has been active in the community through volunteer activities at the Finch Memorial Theatre as well as other community involvement opportunities and is an active member of the Salt Creek 4-H Club, serving in several offices. When not participating in school or volunteer activities, he works part time at The Bank of Tescott. After graduation, Carter plans to attend Cloud County Community College and pursue an Associate’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with plans to attend Fort Hays State University upon graduation from CCCC. There, he will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Systems and Technology, following his passion and interest in computers. 

Solomon Valley Eagles Aerie #3507 and the surrounding community would like to extend congratulations to these outstanding students and their families for their hard work and wish them all the best as they pursue their future goals.

Leavenworth, Kansas - April 2021

Leavenworth Eagles Aerie #55 presented South Central Regional President Florence Rodgers with a check in the amount of $10,000 for the FOE Bridge to the Cure – the charity of the South Central Region. The presentation was made at the Kansas State Spring Conference on March 13. Pictured, Jim Rodgers, PSCRP Fred Owen, State Aerie Trustee Bobby Henson, State Aerie Chaplain John Leon, SCRP Florence Rodgers and PSCRP Terry Hundley. At the same event, SCRP Florence Rodgers presented Grand Madam President Jacque Marble with a check for $2,061 for her charity, which is also the Bridge to the Cure. The money was raised from the sale of ads on the Regional Kansas and Missouri calendar.

Junction City, Kansas - January 2021

Junction City Eagles #830 adopted 150 local Christmas Angel Tree kids from the Salvation Army. Each child had a wish list and up to $100 was spent on each child. This was their 11th year adopting kids to help make their Christmas morning a little brighter.

South Central Region - November 2020

During the annual South Central Regional Conference last month in Jefferson City, Mo., Eagles from Missouri and Kansas raised a total of $15,600 for the FOE Diabetes Research Center Bridge to the Cure project. Through program book ad sales, 50/50 raffles, a live auction and more, the members combined to raise an incredible sum of money benefiting the charity of Grand Madam President Jacque Marble, who attended the conference, and Grand Worthy President Dave Smith.

Junction City, Kansas - July 2020

Junction City Kansas Auxiliary #830 held a Bingo tournament to help financially support their community. During Bingo, Madam President Rhonda Wilson presented a $5,000 check to her charity, Wheels Of Hope, and Bingo Chairman Linda Sullivan presented a check for $5,000 to Quality Play Park to help build on to the local park for the children. MP Wilson also presented Friends of Animals with a check for $1,000 and gave $1,500 to their Local Food Pantry.

Olathe, Kansas - November 2019

Olathe Eagles #700 present a $1,000 check to the American Legion Post 153 to help support their fundraiser to construct the Gold Star Family Monument at the Veterans Park. 

Lawrence, Kansas - September 2019

Lawrence Eagles #309 hosted a fundraiser for Visiting Nurses of Lawrence and raised $1,332 during their event.

Lawrence, Kansas - July 2019

Clay Center, Kansas - April 2018

Nicholas Rozean, a senior at Clay Center Community High School, painted a mural of an eagle in flight for Clay City Aerie #3650. The mural can be found in in the Eagles lodge between the member’s only club room and the social room, and it took Rozean two week to complete.

Leavenworth, Kansas - March 2018

Leavenworth Aerie #55, home of South Central Regional President James "Jim" Rodgers, hosted a reception in his honor. Many fellow Eagles from across Kansas and Missouri were on hand to help him celebrate. During the night, money raised for the FOE Diabetes Research Center, which is Rodgers' Regional charity. The Aerie donated $5000.00 with a guarantee to match up to that amount raised for the Regional charity in Missouri & Kansas. Pictured, l to r: Charlie Estes, Bingo chairman; Bill Corbet, Aerie Secretary; Jim Rodgers, South Central Regional President; and Ron Saunders, Aerie President