Nevada Treasury Awards 2025 Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarships

The Nevada Treasury has announced the recipients of the 2025 Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship, a program dedicated to supporting future educators in the state. Each scholarship awards up to $5,000 to two students from Northern and Southern Nevada who are majoring in elementary or secondary education, with the intention of teaching in Nevada upon graduation.

Meet the Scholars

This year’s recipients include Alma Lucia Lundstrom Lopez and Izabella Silver from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Gabriella Minoletti from the University of Nevada, Reno; and Gage Steilman from Great Basin College. These students exemplify dedication to education and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.

State Treasurer Zach Conine expressed pride in the scholarship winners, stating, “By choosing careers in education, they are committing to a noble path, one that will shape the lives of hundreds of students in our state for years to come.” Conine emphasized the significant impact these future educators will have on shaping the future of Nevada.

Individual Achievements and Aspirations

Alma Lucia Lundstrom Lopez is an aspiring elementary school teacher at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. A graduate of the College of Southern Nevada, she has received multiple accolades, including the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship. Overcoming challenges with undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD, Lundstrom Lopez is passionate about advocating for students with learning differences. “My teaching philosophy centers on differentiated instruction and fostering a growth mindset so every child feels valued,” she remarked.

Gabriella Minoletti, a sixth-generation Nevadan, is pursuing degrees in agricultural sciences and secondary education at the University of Nevada, Reno. She has previously served as a state vice president for the Nevada Future Farmers of America (FFA) and is currently a substitute teacher. Minoletti aims to inspire students about the value of agriculture and community leadership. “I hope to become the kind of teacher who inspires students the way my role model, my dad, has inspired his,” she said.

Gage Steilman, from Elko, is studying secondary education with a focus on English at Great Basin College. He has consistently made the dean’s list and is currently student-teaching at Adobe Middle School. His plans include pursuing a master’s degree and possibly a doctorate in English literature. “This opportunity reinforces my commitment to education and reminds me why I chose this path,” Steilman stated.

Izabella Silver is a fifth-year undergraduate at UNLV, majoring in secondary education with a concentration in English and a minor in human services. Recognized as UNLV’s 2023 Sophomore of the Year, she has shown resilience by continuing her academic journey while facing homelessness. “I aspire to grow continuously not only as an educator but as a person and a professional,” Silver commented.

For more information on the Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship, visit the official website at nvigate.gov/programs/kenny-c-guinn-memorial-scholarship/ or contact the Millennium Scholarship office at [email protected] or call 1-888-477-2667.

The Role of the Nevada Treasury

The Nevada Treasury plays a crucial role in managing several state functions, including banking, investment portfolio management, and administering various financial programs. The elected State Treasurer, currently Zach Conine, serves a four-year term and oversees initiatives like the Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship, aimed at fostering educational opportunities for Nevada’s youth.

In conclusion, the 2025 scholarship recipients embody the spirit of commitment to education and community service, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation in Nevada.