The Colleen McNeely Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship fund has been established to honor the legacy of Colleen McNeely.

We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Colleen's life than a scholarship in her name. Her love and dedication for her students was one of her most defining qualities. As our community mourns this loss, we hope to be able to make a difference in the lives of the students she cared so much about. Proceeds raised will be divided equally over the next four years. Each year, this scholarship will be awarded to one graduating Memphis Rise senior to be used towards furthering their postsecondary goals.

Those who know Colleen know that she has had a heart for education from very early on. After graduating from the University of Puget Sound, she came to Memphis through Teach For America. She landed at Memphis Rise in 2017 and stayed until it was time to move back to the West Coast. Colleen was a fixture at Memphis Rise and left a lasting impact on our school, as well as every school that was lucky enough to have her. In her time here, she directly and personally impacted the lives of more than 560 students. Each of these students could share stories of her love and compassion.

All of the funds from this Memorial Scholarship will go towards leaving a lasting impact on these students in her name. Your donation to the scholarship fund will not only honor her memory but also help ensure that her legacy lives on through the students she taught and the lives she touched.