Inna Shames
The Women of Quail Creek (TWOQC)’s Scholarships recently awarded to 25 recipients included four named scholarships of $3,500 each, honoring loved ones who had passed away.
The three Steven J Perry Memorial Scholarships honored Steven Jay Perry, beloved only son of Quail Creek residents Steve and Sylvia Perry, who passed away unexpectedly in May of 2025 at the age of 45.
Steven Jay Perry was born March 27, 1980. In high school, he was involved in music and sports, worked from age 16 on, and earned a two-year associate’s degree from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Highly mechanical, Steven loved fixing things, loved the open road, and spent many years as a semi-truck driver. Steven was the proud father of daughters Lily and Ivy, encouraging their passion for music and attending all their events and recitals. Steven is survived by his parents, his two daughters and many other relatives, as well as numerous dear friends. Steve and Sylvia Perry established a memorial scholarship to honor the memory of their beloved son.
The Manuel (Mike) Soltero Memorial Scholarship honored the late husband of Quail Creek resident Kathy Huss.
Mike was a first-generation Mexican American who realized early on that education was the way to improve one’s lot in life. He taught himself unaccented English, graduated from University of Arizona with a degree in business, and went on to have a successful career in banking. After he passed away, his wife Kathy Huss established a memorial scholarship In his name because, in her words, “He valued education all his life. To honor his commitment, I felt providing a scholarship to support those of Hispanic heritage would be a fitting memorial.”
TWOQC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so donations to the scholarship fund are fully tax deductible. Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school senior girls in the community (HS), to women over 21 returning to school to resume or complete their education or professional certification—the Advancing Women through Education (AWE) Program. Second year scholarships are available to prior AWE recipients and also as PATH (Progress, Access, Tenacity and Hope) to prior HS recipients. Funds for scholarships are raised in several ways, including donations from local businesses, Quail Creek residents, and through memorial or named scholarships such as these.
If you would like to learn more about establishing a Memorial Scholarship to honor a loved one, you may contact Deb Melton, Director of Scholarships, at scholarships@womenqc.com.