At WILS, we believe in recognizing and supporting the strength, resilience, and potential of young people with disabilities. That’s why each year we award the WILS Empowerment Scholarship, and we’re thrilled to introduce our 2025 recipient: WILS Empowerment Scholarship winner Malena McNeeley, a senior at Smithton High School.
Malena will attend State Fair Community College to study International Business. She is diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia, which has added unique challenges to her education journey. Malena often uses speech-to-text tools, Grammarly, and testing accommodations to complete her work. Most importantly, she’s overcome the anxiety that often accompanies her disability.
“A difficulty that I have overcome is the anxiety that comes along with this disability and feeling like I am not good enough,” she shared.
Despite these challenges, Malena has maintained high academic achievement and stayed active in her community. She’s outgoing, creative, and driven by a desire to succeed and make a difference.
“I enjoy cooking and baking because it lets me be creative and challenge myself while treating my family,” she said.
“I enjoy speaking Spanish because it lets me connect with people I might not normally connect with.”
Looking ahead, Malena hopes to work in the corporate world and use her experience to inspire others.
“I want to be able to make an impact on others and encourage those that struggle with a disability to never settle for anything less than achieving your goals.”
“I am deeply honored to be the recipient of this scholarship,” she added. “This scholarship not only helps support my goal of attending college, but it validates my efforts over the years to maintain high academic achievement and community involvement. Thank you for this opportunity.”
The WILS Empowerment Scholarship is a $500 award for high school seniors in Benton, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, or Saline counties who identify as having a disability. Students may self-identify; no documentation is required. The definition follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities.
To learn more about WILS and upcoming scholarship opportunities, visit our official website at w-ils.org/youth.
Please join us in celebrating WILS Empowerment Scholarship winner Malena McNeeley—we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!