Kent District Library and the KDL Board of Trustees are proud to announce the two recipients of the 2026 KDL Community Impact Scholarship. Tamara Wanyoike and Megan Middlestadt will each receive $5,000 to further their education. The award recognizes high school seniors and adults returning to school who have worked hard to improve their communities and show potential to make long term impact. Both trade-bound and college-bound students were eligible to apply.
Wanyoike, a Rhode Island School of Design industrial design student with deep roots in both Michigan and Kenya, possesses a strong commitment to community-centered innovation, creativity and service. Inspired by personal experiences and shaped by years of engagement with Kent District Library, she has transformed a passion for storytelling, design and problem-solving into projects that create meaningful impact. From developing a protective cooking tool for children, to establishing a sustainable arts mentorship program in Kenya, to designing inclusive artwork for a multifaith prayer space, Wanyoike consistently uses design as a bridge between cultures, communities and opportunities. Her long-term goal is to create affordable manufacturing tools and community-focused solutions that empower small businesses and expand economic opportunity in underserved areas.
"Books taught me that stories create belonging when geography doesn't, and design taught me that solutions can create belonging too," Wanyoike said. "This scholarship allows me to focus on building community-centered solutions that create lasting opportunities for others."
A lifelong Kent County resident and graduating senior at West Michigan Aviation Academy, Middlestadt has been awarded this scholarship in recognition of her leadership, academic excellence and dedication to agriculture, environmental stewardship and community service. Through the Kent Career Tech Center’s Agriscience program and her role as secretary of the KCTC FFA chapter, she has gained hands-on experience in animal science, greenhouse management and agricultural leadership while mentoring peers and organizing chapter activities. A five-time state medalist in Science Olympiad and an active volunteer with hospice care and community organizations, Middlestadt plans to study Agribusiness Management with a minor in Agronomy at Michigan State University. She hopes to build a career supporting Michigan’s farmers, consumers and natural resources through agricultural finance and environmental management.
"My experiences in agriculture, science and service have shown me how important it is to care for both people and the environment," said Middlestadt. "This scholarship helps me pursue a future where I can support Michigan’s communities and natural resources through meaningful work and public service."
These winners are students who are passionate about making a difference, champions for inclusivity, innovators at heart and lifelong learners with a love for the library. These guidelines were shaped by those of the Library Journal Jerry Kline Award, an award KDL received in 2023 that afforded KDL the opportunity to begin this scholarship fund.
The scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be disbursed directly to the recipient's chosen college, university or trade school to be used for tuition, fees, books or other educational expenses.
For more information, visit kdl.org/scholarship.