Le’Aija Wright, a 2025 Waterloo East High School graduate, is the recipient of Wartburg College’s R.J. McElroy Minority Scholarship.

“Le’Aija’s dedication and drive to succeed is outstanding for a high school student. She has set goals for herself, is passionate about them and is working to do everything she can to make sure she achieves all her goals,” wrote Nykole Miller, Wright’s counselor. “I believe that she has a very bright future ahead.”

Wright, who plans to major in biology, has served as a volunteer for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and Focus on Diabetes, a patient education and awareness organization, where she helped organize workshops and facilitated support groups. At East, she participated behind the scenes for school theater productions and played tennis her senior year.

“I strive to lead with integrity, using my skills to make a difference and motivate those around me,” she said. “I am confident that Wartburg will equip me with the skills, knowledge and connections necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. My experience at Wartburg will not only shape my career but also mold me into a responsible and engaged citizen ready to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.”

McElroy, a pioneer Iowa broadcaster who died in 1965, made a provision in his will for the establishment of a trust fund, the proceeds of which were to be used for the educational benefit of deserving young people. Wartburg College annually partners with the R.J. McElroy Trust to award a full-tuition scholarship to a student from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area. Awards are renewable up to four years.