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Carrot-Top is now Freedom and Glory — different name, same people, same commitment to you.
Freedom and Glory is excited to announce the Spring 2025 Beacon® Scholarship Award Winner: Coleson Kovacs. Coleson was selected from a strong group of applicants for his commitment to his community and his ability to reflect Freedom and Glory's values of hard work, resilience, and personal impact.
The Beacon® Scholarship was created to highlight students who showcase their patriotism through community involvement. We're proud to recognize Coleson and share a little more about the impact he's already having.
Spring Beacon® Scholarship Winner: Coleson Kovacs
Coleson Kovacs is a recent graduate of Palmer Ridge High School in Monument, Colorado. Although his school was located in a relatively large city, Coleson commuted from a more rural town.
Having one foot in both worlds created a deep sense of responsibility to constantly pursue a path of greatness. For Coleson, he knew only hard work and resiliency would determine his success.
He recalls, "Commuting to Monument, Colorado, for High School, I brought a unique perspective. Coming from a rural town, the dynamic was different at my high school."
Finding His Voice Through Activism
When Coleson noticed that many of his classmates held strong political opinions and beliefs, he decided to start an activism club called Voices of Change. Founding this club gave him the tools and experience necessary to take on his biggest challenge yet, petitioning the school board of a rival school to restart its award-winning Jazz Band.
Although many in the community were devastated when the program shut down, Coleson was the one who stepped up, talking to band members, parents, and faculty, and creating a petition outlining all of their viewpoints. The petition was a great success, garnering over 2,000 signatures and raising thousands of dollars.
Eventually, the school reinstated the program, proving that all it takes is one person who isn't afraid to stand up for what's right to make a difference. To Coleson, his initiative gave a voice to those who needed it most. "Patriotism means to have a voice for change, and we believed that everyone in this situation, especially the hopeless band members relying on the program to pay for college, would be heard."
Using Tech Skills to Uplift a Local Non-Profit
His story doesn't stop there. Every year, Coleson volunteers with a local non-profit, Christmas Unlimited, which provides toys for underprivileged children. Although it's a staple in the community, the outdated inventory system kept the non-profit from reaching its full potential.
Coleson saw the need and stepped up, coding a new interface that made inventorying the toys easier and more efficient so they could reallocate their labor and ensure shoppers received the best service possible. When talking about this impressive accomplishment, he points out, "Patriotism is representing your country by helping those directly around you and those who have not been as fortunate as you."
Living Out Patriotism Every Day
For Coleson, patriotism is much more than just being proud to be an American; it's a way of life. He uses it as his driving force to help others in his community and make a positive impact on the world around him.
He beautifully points out, "My patriotism represents who I am. I have always been so proud of my initiative and have taken any and all opportunities to serve those around me. The responsibility that we all have to uphold the American identity isn't just individual. We must devote ourselves to each other, helping those who are less fortunate and helping others seek the best opportunities that they possibly can."
About the Beacon® Scholarship for Rural America
The Beacon® Scholarship, which began in 2018, awards $1,000 to students in rural areas who meet low-income criteria. Freedom and Glory awards three scholarships every year to deserving students, two in the fall and one in the spring. To qualify, college-bound graduating high school seniors, current college students, or adult learners must earn a 3.0 or higher GPA and submit an essay showcasing how their community involvement exemplifies patriotism.
Additionally, all submissions must outline the applicant's future educational aspirations and their continued dedication to supporting their community. To apply, students should submit their materials to the Beacon® Scholarship for Rural America application page.
Past Winners of Our Spring Scholarship
Coleson Kovacs joins a long list of Beacon® Scholarship winners who continue to better their community and exemplify the power of patriotism. Past spring scholarship winners include:
Kenyonna Deese
Kenyonna Deese was our Spring 2024 Beacon® Scholarship award winner. From Maxton, North Carolina, she is a student at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Kenyonna was chosen for her dedication to her community, volunteering at multiple organizations like her local church, the Pembroke Fire Department, the JROTC, and the Red Cross. She’s also an Academic Peer Leader, helping her fellow students stay on track with their studies. Kenyonna’s passion and patriotism are an inspiration to others and perfectly encapsulate the American spirit.
Maria Pyltik
Maria Pyltik comes from a small town in Brainard, Nebraska, and attended Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. She was one of our 2022 Spring Beacon® Scholarship award winners thanks to her dedication to helping veterans and other members of her community. Using her gift of music, Maria played at over 50 military ceremonies, including funerals, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day services, and more. Maria’s commitment to honoring the brave service members who protect our country is a core part of the American identity, showcasing our appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice.
Payton Diechler
Payton Diechler was the second recipient of the Spring 2022 Beacon® Scholarship. From his hometown in Utopia, Texas, Payton made his way to the big city, attending Southern Methodist University in Dallas. His dedication and loyalty to helping those around him are why Payton was chosen as a scholarship recipient.
During his time in high school, he started Payton’s Snack Shack, which gave nutritious food to students in need, and helped with the Utopia Holiday Food Drive, Keep Utopia Beautiful projects, the Wounded Warrior Project, Wreaths Across America, tutoring, and more. Payton’s commitment to his community and helping those in need are perfect examples of the innovation and resiliency of the American spirit.
Spread the Word About our Scholarship Program
If you know a student who exemplifies the American spirit of self-reliance, resiliency, innovation, and personal impact, encourage them to apply for Freedom and Glory's Beacon® Scholarship for Rural America. Our dedication to patriotism is why we are the largest supplier of American-made flags and accessories. Contact our Flag Pros for more information today.
