JOHN JAY FETZER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship Fund benefits high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil debate skills and civics knowledge. Established in memory of our late Institute colleague, Jay was passionate about equal justice and equal opportunity for all. His compassion for others was borne out by the volunteer work he did at the food bank, homeless shelter and tutoring for underserved and at risk youth. The scholarship is bestowed to exemplary members of our high school program, the O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club who personify the core values of the Institute.
2024 Scholarship Recipient
MOLLY NEALON
Natomas Charter School | Sacramento, California
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy announces Molly Nealon of Sacramento, California, as the 2024 awardee of the $5,000 John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship.
The Institute awards each year the John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship to an exceptional member of its O’Connor Institute Ambassadors program. High school seniors committed to positively impacting their communities while deepening their understanding of civics apply to be considered for this prestigious award. Molly proved to be a dedicated member of her community who excelled academically and demonstrated exemplary public service.
“Serving as an Ambassador for the O’Connor Institute, I am deeply committed to advancing its core missions of promoting civil discourse, civics education, and civic engagement,” Molly said. “I am eager to contribute to my community in ways that honor Justice O'Connor's remarkable legacy, embodying the principles of engagement and public service she championed.”
Molly will attend the University of California, Davis honors program this fall, where she plans to major in Environmental Science Engineering.
Students, parents, or educators interested in learning about the O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics and Debate Club can find information on the program and the John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship at OConnorInstitute.org/ambassadors. Currently, more than 600 students across the nation collaborate through the Institute’s Ambassadors forum.
The Institute congratulates Molly, celebrates her success, and salutes the accomplishments of all Ambassadors who are graduating this year. They are examples of Justice O’Connor’s understanding, which she once shared with a class of new graduates, “that even before you have reached your ultimate professional destination, if you always strive for excellence, you can and should have a substantial impact on the world in which you live.”
Molly has been a Girl Scout for more than 13 years. Throughout her journey, she earned many merit badges and the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Rose Award in 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Molly organized her scouting peers virtually to “Dance it out.” This project grew to how-to videos for other groups interested in bringing creativity and joy to their organizations.
Molly has utilized volunteering to explore many service-oriented jobs, including nursing, physical therapy, and firefighting. In this image she participated in the West Sacramento Summer Fire Academy Cadet Program. She continues volunteering as part of the “Fill the Boot” campaign to raise funds for burn victims.
Molly was selected as Artistic Director for the One Voice, an international cultural and artistic exchange program between her high school and a sister school. In this role, she was responsible for choreographing dances, connecting with other high school students, and managing the student ambassadors. Her group also worked with Montana University to earn college credits in environmental ecology for their field studies of wildlife in Yellowstone Park.
2023 Scholarship Recipients
ELIZA DYSART
St. Augustine High School, Florida
TREX JONES
Arcadia High School, Arizona
Founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor following her retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Institute continues her distinguished legacy and lifetime work to advance American Democracy through multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement.
