Washburn Law Students Receive KBF Scholarships
Washburn Law students Travis Ternes, Kayla Roehler, Valerie Desroches, and Lisa Martin were honored as recipients of scholarships from the Kansas Bar Association (KBF) at a Court Appreciation Dinner on February 12. The KBF is committed to the assistance of improving the legal system for all Kansans. One key method in accomplishing that objective is providing grants and scholarships to civil legal service programs, law-related educational programs, and law students. The KBA credits generous endowments from its members and firms for making these scholarships possible.
Kathy Kirk, KBF Scholarship Committee Chair and Ed Nazar, KBF President, presented certificates to the scholarship recipients.
Lisa L. Martin, J.D. Candidate, '17, was presented the John E. Shamberg Memorial Law Student Scholarship, which goes to a Washburn University School of Law student who has an interest in plaintiff's work and intends to practice law in Kansas. Martin is a resident of Prairie Village, Kansas.
“I am pleased to receive the John E. Shamberg Memorial Law Student Scholarship," said Martin. "Mr. Shamberg’s list of honors and achievements is quite impressive. He exhibited the types of qualities I hope to exhibit throughout my career. He was a progressive, open minded individual who cared about his community. I would like to extend a hearty ‘thank you’ to the Kansas Bar Foundation for their continued support of law students such as myself. I am privileged to be a Kansan, eager to become a practicing member of the Kansas Bar Association, and look forward to contributing to my community.”
Valerie Desroches, J.D. Candidate, '17, received the Hinkle Elkouri Scholarship Award, intended for a law student at the University of Kansas School of Law or Washburn University School of Law who demonstrates an intention to practice law in Kansas. Because community service is extremely important to Hinkle Elkouri, applicants must also demonstrate a history of community involvement. Desroches moved to Kansas from Ohio
and is a self-proclaimed Kansan.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the Kansas Bar Foundation for selecting me to receive the Hinkle Scholarship," said Desroches. "As a first generation Haitian-American, I have always had a passion to assist the underrepresented members of our community. Giving back to others is important to me because, I would not be where I am today without the assistance of others. I have always believed that the less fortunate do not need a handout but a helping hand to assist them. Aside from the financial support, this award allows me the chance to continue pursuing my passion in the profession of law and impact the lives of children for the better – one rising star at a time. I would like to thank the Kansas Bar Foundation for this honor.”
Kayla Roehler, J.D. Candidate, '15, was given the Lathrop & Gage Scholarship Award, which is given to a law student at the University of Kansas School of Law or Washburn University School of Law who intends to practice law in Kansas and demonstrates a history of community involvement. Roehler is a Topeka native.
“I am honored to receive the Lathrop & Gage Scholarship Award," said Roehler." Working to help the community has always been important to me and my family; my earliest memories are community service projects with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. I look forward to continuing my practice of community involvement after law school. The only way a community can grow is by having its citizens get involved. I look forward to becoming involved in the Kansas Bar Foundation next year.”
Travis J. Ternes, J.D. Candidate, '16, was the recipient of the Frank C. and Jeanne M. Norton Scholarship, which is presented to a Washburn University School of Law student in his or her second or third year of study who is not receiving any other scholarship support. Ternes is from Oxford, Kansas.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Kansas Bar Foundation for choosing me for the Frank C. and Jeanne M. Norton Scholarship," said Ternes. The value of scholarship goes further than the mere dollar amount. The scholarship symbolizes a reward for my hard work and the bar foundation’s interest in promoting the Kansas legal community. It is particularly exciting to see support for my interest in practicing law in Kansas.”
