Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship winner, Kiki Brooks!

Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship winner, Kiki Brooks!

Kiki traveled to Spain this summer with the Modern Languages department of Washburn University.

Here is her writeup about the adventure:

This trip was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I loved getting to see Spain in person instead of just learning about it in class, but the part that meant the most to me was visiting Valencia, where my family is from.

While I was there, I called my abuela to tell her where I was. She smiled and reminded me that I had actually been there before as a baby and a toddler. She told me that she used to take me on walks along the beach and the boardwalk, and hearing that made the whole experience feel so much more meaningful. Even though I don’t remember those moments myself, it felt like I was reconnecting with a little piece of my family’s history. The trip also gave me more confidence with my Spanish. I realized that it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how you learn. I met amazing people, tried new foods, explored beautiful cities, and made memories I’ll never forget.

I’m so thankful to the Atlas Travel Foundation for helping make this experience possible. This trip reminded me why I wanted to study Spanish in the first place and helped me feel more connected to my family’s roots. It’s an experience I’ll always be grateful for.

-Kiki Brooks

Kiki Brooks (left, waving) poses with other students in the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid, Spain.

We are so proud to have been a small part in Ms. Brooks’ travels and we wish her many more adventures in the future.

To support students like her, please consider becoming a monthly donor for as little as $5 a month. Your support will help build our endowment so that we can support Shawnee County students for years to come.

To our current donors and supporters, thank you so much for making this happen!