Five Students Receive Inaugural Teree Caldwell-Johnson Servant Leader Scholarships

Jun 25, 2026 Teree Caldwell-Johnson scholarship recipients and committee members

The inaugural Teree Caldwell-Johnson Servant Leader Scholarship awarded $13,500 to five Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) graduates pursuing higher education. Established to honor the life and legacy of longtime community leader Teree Caldwell-Johnson, the scholarship supports underserved student populations and provides special consideration for students who have lived at or participated in programming through the Oakridge Neighborhood. 
 
The inaugural awards reception was held on Wednesday, June 24 at Sammons Financial Group, 8300 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. Scholarship recipients included: 

  • Zamiratu Dainkeh, Drake University, journalism 
  • Amaria Daye, Grand View University, criminal justice
  • Vick Lumanya, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), nursing
  • Kali Quach, Iowa State University, biology
  • Reem Samir, University of Iowa, biology 


Pictured: Reem Samir, Amaria Daye, Zamiratu Dainkeh

"One of Teree's greatest gifts was her ability to see potential in others, sometimes before they saw it in themselves," said Vernon Johnson, Teree’s husband. "She believed in encouraging people, opening doors and helping them pursue opportunities they might not have thought possible. Our family is honored to celebrate these students and the bright futures ahead of them." 
 
The scholarships honor the life and legacy of Teree and are made possible through the generosity of Sammons Financial Group and those who made memorial gifts in her honor. A committee of family members and friends selects scholarship recipients annually. This scholarship is designed to provide annual support to future generations of DMPS students while preserving Teree's legacy of service, leadership and educational opportunity. 
 
“At Sammons Financial Group, we believe education creates opportunity and service strengthens communities,” said Rob TeKolste, president of Sammons Financial Group. “Through this scholarship, we are proud to honor Teree Caldwell-Johnson’s legacy of service by helping students who have demonstrated that same commitment to pursue their educational goals and realize their potential.” 
 
Teree served as the president and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood for 20 years, was the longest-serving member of the DMPS school board and spent decades advancing educational opportunities, affordable housing and community development. She was a champion of volunteer service and throughout her lifetime, made a career of improving the communities of which she was a part through active participation to better systems for persons of all races, ages and orientation. Teree was tireless in her efforts to raise others to achieve their full potential and create systems to ensure their success. She was truly a dedicated advocate and champion for everyone that calls Des Moines home.  
 
To learn more about Teree, her scholarship and to make a contribution, click here. The Teree Caldwell-Johnson Servant Leader Scholarship is held at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, 1915 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309. 
 
“We are honored to celebrate Teree through this scholarship program, intended to elevate those nearest to her passions – the youth in our community,” said Kristi Knous, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. “Her impact is not just felt by these award recipients, but also by the community who embraces this next generation of leaders, learners and changemakers."