Fox Pest Control Announces 2026 Scholarship Winner: Elizabeth Deffendall
The 2026 Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship recognizes students who turn personal challenges into meaningful
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New York, NY / Storyteller / Nov 09, 2026 /
Fox Pest Control is proud to announce Elizabeth Deffendall as the recipient of the 2026 Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship.
Selected from a highly competitive group of applicants, Elizabeth stood out for her resilience, compassion, and commitment to serving others. From addressing food insecurity and supporting mental health awareness to raising funds for pediatric cancer care, she has continually turned challenges in her own life into opportunities to lift those around her.
Who Elizabeth Is
Elizabeth, originally from Lexington, Kentucky, is a first-year student in the Eastern Kentucky University Honors Program, majoring in occupational science. She plans to become a pediatric occupational therapist, helping children with disabilities recognize their strengths, potential, and abilities beyond a diagnosis or limitation.
Outside of school, Elizabeth enjoys art, creative writing, reading, and volunteering. She credits her faith, family, and friends as important influences in her life.
Why Elizabeth Was Chosen
Elizabeth’s essay deeply resonated with the Fox Pest Control scholarship committee because of the way she embodies Fox Pest Control’s core value, “Lift Where You Stand.”
After facing significant challenges, including losing her family’s home to a fire and navigating a disabling seizure disorder, Elizabeth turned her experiences into motivation to serve others.
Her leadership includes addressing food insecurity through food drives and the Kroger Zero Hunger | Zero Waste National Youth Advisory Council, supporting mental health awareness through the Green Bandana Project, and raising funds for pediatric cancer care through DanceBlue. She has also volunteered with animal shelters, occupational therapy programs, and senior residents living with dementia.
With more than 200 cumulative volunteer hours and three UNA-USA National Community Service Awards, Elizabeth has demonstrated what it means to recognize where help is needed and choose to make a difference.
What the Scholarship Means to Elizabeth
The $5,000 scholarship will help Elizabeth continue her education at Eastern Kentucky University as she works toward becoming a pediatric occupational therapist.
“I am tremendously grateful to everyone who makes the Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship possible. This $5,000 award bridges a critical financial gap for my second semester at Eastern Kentucky University and brings me one step closer to my dream of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. With your help, I will continue to look for ways to ‘lift where you stand,’ and make you proud.” — Elizabeth Deffendall
Charity of Choice: Lexington Humane Society
As part of the scholarship, Elizabeth selected the Lexington Humane Society to receive a charitable donation from Fox Pest Control, an organization with deep personal meaning to her.
After experiencing a traumatic dog attack as a young child, Elizabeth spent years fearful of dogs. With the help of the “Love on a Leash” program, she gradually overcame that fear and later volunteered more than 70 hours with dogs awaiting adoption at the Lexington Humane Society.
Her connection with dogs became even more meaningful when she received her service dog, Archy, to help her regain independence after being diagnosed with a seizure disorder.
For Elizabeth, supporting the Lexington Humane Society represents a full-circle moment, from once being afraid of dogs to finding confidence, independence, and purpose through her relationships with them.
Why Fox Pest Control Offers This Scholarship
The Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship supports students who demonstrate leadership, compassion, and a commitment to strengthening their communities.
Elizabeth’s story is a powerful example of “Lift Where You Stand.” Through resilience, service, and compassion, she has turned challenges into opportunities to create a better path for others.
2027 Scholarship Information
The Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship will reopen for applications in 2027. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and other updates will be shared on the Fox Pest Control scholarship page.
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Contact
Ashley Zubeck
Fox Scholarship Coordinator
Fox Pest Control
scholarships@fox-pest.com
https://fox-pest.com/community/scholarship/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxpestcontrol/
