Nevada Treasury Announces Recipients of the 2024 Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship

The Nevada Treasury is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship. The Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship awards up to $5,000 each to two students in Northern Nevada and in Southern Nevada respectively, who are majoring in elementary or secondary education with the intent of teaching in Nevada.

The selected scholarship recipients include:

Amelie May — University of Nevada, Reno
Lesly Diaz — University of Nevada, Reno
Mackenzie Baack — University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Riley Wargo — University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Amelie May is a senior student at the University of Nevada, Reno, pursuing a degree in the Integrated Elementary Teaching Program. Actively engaged in community service through her role in Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority and her work with organizations like the Desert Research Institute and United Way, she is dedicated to education and community outreach. Currently completing her student teaching at Lemelson STEM Academy, Amelie aims to teach in Title I schools across Nevada to support under-resourced communities.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this scholarship as it supports my passion for teaching and motivates me to continue to work in supporting under-resourced communities," said May. "This opportunity brings me one step closer to making a positive impact in the lives of my future students."

Lesly Diaz, a Reno native and attended Title I schools, is currently attending the University of Nevada, Reno. Inspired by her experience in the Dean’s Future Scholars program, she is pursuing a career in education with a commitment to teaching excellence in Nevada.

“This scholarship is an incredible opportunity for me as it supports my journey to become an educator and give back to the community that shaped me,” said Diaz. “With this scholarship, I plan to continue striving for excellence in education here in Nevada."

Mackenzie Baack is a senior at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. She is actively engaged in campus life through organizations like Alpha Gamma Delta, the First-Generation Club, the UNLV Farmer’s Market, and the UNLV Community Garden. Mackenzie aims to become a Computer Science teacher in Nevada and is working toward obtaining the Advanced Computer Science endorsement.

"The Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship not only helps me financially with pursuing my dreams, but it will allow me to focus on my studies in computer science,” said Baack. “Computer science is my passion, and this scholarship brings me closer to achieving my goal of making a positive impact in the classroom and community post-graduation."

Riley Wargo is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with plans to become a high school English teacher in CCSD. She is passionate about teaching diverse literature and connecting classic works like Shakespeare to the modern world.

"I am deeply grateful for this scholarship and the financial support it provides," said Wargo. "It allows me to focus on my education and passion for teaching without the stress of financial burdens. This support is invaluable as I work toward becoming a high school English teacher in CCSD."

A virtual celebration will be held later this year to further honor the four Memorial Scholarship recipients.

"Congratulations to the outstanding recipients of the Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship," said Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine. “As you strive to become educators, you are not only shaping your own futures but also making a profound impact on the lives of countless students across Nevada. Your dedication to your studies will fortify our state’s educational foundation, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”

For more information on the Memorial Scholarship, please visit nvigate.gov/programs/kenny-c-guinn-memorial-scholarship/ or contact the Millennium Scholarship office at millenniumscholars@nevadatreasurer.gov or call 1-888-477-2667.

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About the Nevada Treasury
The Nevada Treasury is responsible for several critical State functions, including State banking, and transaction management; investment and debt portfolio management; collecting and returning unclaimed property; and administering a number of college savings and scholarship programs. The State Treasurer is elected by the people to a four-year term. Zach Conine is the current State Treasurer. For questions or more information, please call 702-486-6980 or email collegesavings@nevadatreasurer.gov.