Brooklyn Reese Aikins Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded by the family and friends of MHS student Brooklyn Aikins, who passed away on February 14, 2025. The scholarship is open to graduating MHS Seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in elementary education. Additional consideration may be given to students who participated in the Jaywalkers program. This $1,000 award is administered by the Marshfield Public Schools Foundation, and is payable upon completion of the first semester of college. Payments are made directly to the institution of choice, upon verification of student’s full-time enrollment and GPA of 2.5 or above. The scholarship is non-renewable.
Brooklyn Reese Aikins, Marshfield, Missouri was born January 9, 2007 to Ryan Keith and Heidi Kathleen (Van Schyndel) Aikins in Columbia, Missouri. Brooklyn Reese Aikins went to join her Lord & Savior February 14, 2025 at the age of 18.
She was born in Columbia, Missouri on January 9, 2007. She was a fighter from early on in her life. At 3 months old, when her family were missionaries in China, she developed “Pollution Induced Asthma” and needed medical attention from the US. She was very sick but overcame every obstacle, even as the illness caused developmental delays physically and in her speech development, she continued to grow healthy and strong.
Brooklyn never shied away from trying something new. It didn’t matter if she didn’t have the experience or had numerous rejections, she was willing to try and try again. She was eager to find her place in life and make her name known and she was just beginning to come into her own. Children were drawn to her naturally. Brooklyn was in her element when surrounded by children. It was her gift. She could calm the most upset baby and help a nonverbal child learn to communicate. Brooklyn made them feel loved and included. She was willing to go to their sporting events to cheer them on without being asked.
Brooklyn was in the high school’s student mentor program and worked in 2 elementary classes and loved the students dearly. This coming summer she was going to Glorietta Family camp in Sante Fe, New Mexico, a place the family had gone together, to work as one of their children’s camp workers.
Brooklyn was full of joy and optimism about her future. There was never a doubt in her mind that she was going to Ozark Christian College in Joplin. When she went on her college visit last September, she was smiling ear to ear throughout the tour. Brooklyn was eager to obtain her Children’s Ministry degree and then her Early Elementary degree through Missouri Southern State University so she could become a kindergarten teacher.
Brooklyn will be known for her big, beautiful smile, selflessness, compassion for others and love for her Lord. She was pure, simple and kind. She forgave easily and was the first to console someone who needed a hug. She was fearless to try something new and held her head high despite defeat. While the thoughts of her missing upcoming events that she was excited for, like prom and graduation, are heartbreaking, her story isn’t over. She will continue to make a positive impact on this world that will grow the Kingdom of Heaven. Brooklyn will live in our hearts forever.
Brooklyn Reese Aikins, Marshfield, Missouri was born January 9, 2007 to Ryan Keith and Heidi Kathleen (Van Schyndel) Aikins in Columbia, Missouri. Brooklyn Reese Aikins went to join her Lord & Savior February 14, 2025 at the age of 18.
She was born in Columbia, Missouri on January 9, 2007. She was a fighter from early on in her life. At 3 months old, when her family were missionaries in China, she developed “Pollution Induced Asthma” and needed medical attention from the US. She was very sick but overcame every obstacle, even as the illness caused developmental delays physically and in her speech development, she continued to grow healthy and strong.
Brooklyn never shied away from trying something new. It didn’t matter if she didn’t have the experience or had numerous rejections, she was willing to try and try again. She was eager to find her place in life and make her name known and she was just beginning to come into her own. Children were drawn to her naturally. Brooklyn was in her element when surrounded by children. It was her gift. She could calm the most upset baby and help a nonverbal child learn to communicate. Brooklyn made them feel loved and included. She was willing to go to their sporting events to cheer them on without being asked.
Brooklyn was in the high school’s student mentor program and worked in 2 elementary classes and loved the students dearly. This coming summer she was going to Glorietta Family camp in Sante Fe, New Mexico, a place the family had gone together, to work as one of their children’s camp workers.
Brooklyn was full of joy and optimism about her future. There was never a doubt in her mind that she was going to Ozark Christian College in Joplin. When she went on her college visit last September, she was smiling ear to ear throughout the tour. Brooklyn was eager to obtain her Children’s Ministry degree and then her Early Elementary degree through Missouri Southern State University so she could become a kindergarten teacher.
Brooklyn will be known for her big, beautiful smile, selflessness, compassion for others and love for her Lord. She was pure, simple and kind. She forgave easily and was the first to console someone who needed a hug. She was fearless to try something new and held her head high despite defeat. While the thoughts of her missing upcoming events that she was excited for, like prom and graduation, are heartbreaking, her story isn’t over. She will continue to make a positive impact on this world that will grow the Kingdom of Heaven. Brooklyn will live in our hearts forever.