Serving others has rewards

A Williston teen is one of six finalists in North Dakota with a chance at a $1,000 scholarship from Kohl's Department Stores given to those who volunteer in community service.

Ryan McCaughtry, 17, has a chance to receive the scholarship through Kohl's Kids Who Care Scholarship Program. The scholarship rewards youth who perform selfless acts and volunteer their time to help their communities with the scholarship for college.

McCaughtry is glad to hear he had a chance at the scholarship. He said after recently returning from an exchange student program in Germany, learning of the possibility of scholarship dollars was good news.

"I guess I'm surprised; kind of humbled that I was picked as a finalist," said McCaughtry.

Going into his senior year this coming fall at Williston High School, McCaughtry is a member of National Honor Society. He his start with volunteering and community service through the organization, he said.

"It's different every time; they have a ton of things to do. I think I helped with like a tennis block party and a bunch of random things," said McCaughtry.

McCaughtry said even though he still has a year to go until college, to win something like the scholarship makes a decent start in getting college scholarships and loans ready. He's planning on studying medicine. although he's not sure exactly what kind yet.

As for which college he hopes to initially attend, he's not entirely sure and is keeping the options open. One possibility is Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., where his sister is currently attending.

McCaughtry said it's nice to be recognized for his work and he enjoys doing it.

"Helping others, it's just a good thing to do," said McCaughtry.

His mother Teresa Greiner said she submitted the application for her son. Greiner heard about the scholarship and says whether or not her son wins, he's a very deserving candidate.

"He's just an all-around, exceptional person with a lot of character and morals and wants to be a help to others," said Greiner.

Greiner said her son has always been a helpful and giving person, whether it's helping with Relay For Life events or doing things through school like the student exchange and band trips to New York and Chicago.

"I think he's going to go far in life.This certainly doesn't surprise me and I'm very excited for him," said Greiner.

Kohl's public relations coordinator Sydney Hofer said regional winners are announced sometime in mid-July. Hofer said McCaughtry and the others from North Dakota are six out of 2,000 store winners nationwide who have already received $50 Kohl's cards.

Hofer said after the $1,000 regional winners are announced, 10 national winners are then announced and receive $5,000 scholarships, and $1,000 is donated to the non-profit organization of their choice. Altogether, $350,000 in scholarships and prizes are awarded.

"There is an application process. The application must be submitted by an adult. The work they do has to make an impact on others, not just themselves or a family member and it has to be work from the 12 months prior to the application being submitted," said Hofer.

Hofer said the scholarship is for people between ages 6-18. The winners are divided into two age groups, ages 6-12 and 13-18. Another rule is the person can't graduate before March 15 of the year they submit an application.

Hofer said one of the best times for each year's program is the reviewing of the applicants.

"It's amazing when we have the chance to go through them; it's really inspiring," said Hofer.

For more information or a complete list of winners from each state, visit www.kohlskids.com.