LWV of Lower Cape Fear Announces 2026 Scholarship Awards

The League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF) is proud to announce that they have awarded a $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding senior student graduating from a public high school in each of these three counties: Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender. The 2026 LWVLCF scholarship recipients chosen are Kelsey Lykins from West Brunswick High School; Valeria Colon from John T. Hoggard High School and Dayleen Maldonado Murillo from Pender Early College High School. Every graduating applicant displayed a strong record of leadership and effort both at school and in the general community across a variety of interests. Of the 15 who applied, all with substantial credentials, these three stood out.


Julia Hill-Nichols, LWVLCF President, said, “The League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear deeply values the strength, wisdom and courage of young people and believes in taking action that reflects these convictions. The three students selected by our Scholarship Committee exemplify a level of character that is truly humbling. We are honored to support them in this way. The members of LWVLCF wish Kelsey, Valeria and Dayleen every happiness and success as they continue to achieve and make future contributions to our community.”


Kelsey Lykins is a graduate of West Brunswick High School who plans to attend Coastal Carolina University in Fall 2026. Kelsey’s involvement in community spans local town events, the Museum of Coastal Carolina, hospital volunteering and school athletics. She is a strong advocate for equity and inclusion and stepped in to lead a Special Olympics volleyball team when it was at risk of being canceled.


Valeria Colon is a graduate of John T. Hoggard High School and is planning to attend UNC–Chapel Hill. Valeria has a strong record of leadership and empowerment. She was involved in her school’s Dance Team and in Student Council, serving as Junior Class President. She helped to raise significant funds for her school community by growing club participation and using Instagram promotion to increase engagement and fundraising.


Dayleen Maldonado Murillo is a graduate of Pender Early College High School, and plans to attend the University of Southern California in Fall 2026. Dayleen has demonstrated her dedication to community service in Teen Court, where she advocates for
youth in minor-offense cases and helps create a process centered on accountability, fairness and empathy. She also serves as a translator/interpreter for her family and community.


The 2026 LWVLCF Scholarships were presented to each recipient at their own school service awards ceremonies conducted near the end of the school year.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/8/26
June 8, 2026
League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear
Contact: [email protected] Claudia Tidwell 240-381-7668

League of Women Voters of Lower Cape Fear (LWVLCF), a non-partisan, non-profit organization Serving the counties of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender, NC PO Box 4503, Wilmington, NC 28406 - [email protected]