Every year, the Apex Lions Club has the privilege of meeting remarkable young people who are already making a lasting difference in our community. At our July 16, 2026 meeting, we celebrated two of those exceptional students by presenting the 2026 T.B. Holland Memorial Scholarships.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service organization, bringing together volunteers dedicated to serving their communities and meeting humanitarian needs. Here in Apex, our club proudly carries out that mission by providing vision services to families in need, screening young children for vision problems, supporting Camp Dogwood for the Blind, the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, disaster relief efforts, diabetes awareness, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Boy Scout Troop 209, the Apex Police Department, Neighbor Up, formerly Western Wake Crisis Ministry, and many other local initiatives.
One of the most meaningful ways we invest in the future of our community is through the T.B. Holland Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, service to their schools and communities, and a clear vision for their future. In addition to thoughtful essays, our scholarship committee considers recommendations from teachers and community leaders, academic achievement, financial need or special circumstances, and volunteer service, especially with the Apex Lions Club, Leo Club, Boy Scout Troop 209, or within the Apex community.
This year we received applications from many outstanding students. Choosing the recipients was both challenging and inspiring because of the impressive accomplishments and dedication shown by so many applicants. After careful consideration, we were honored to present scholarships to two students whose commitment to serving others truly reflects the Lions motto, “We Serve.”
Austin Krueger
Our first recipient is Austin Krueger, a graduate of Apex Friendship High School. Austin will attend Duke University this fall, where he plans to study Civil Engineering.
Throughout high school, Austin demonstrated outstanding leadership while serving in multiple student organizations and dedicating hundreds of hours to community service. Through Apex United Methodist Church and other local organizations, he participated in projects that supported families in need, assisted individuals with disabilities, and strengthened the Apex community. His consistent commitment to leadership and service exemplifies the qualities the Apex Lions Club seeks to recognize through this scholarship.
Congratulations, Austin! We wish you every success as you begin this exciting new chapter.
Anthony Pease
Our second recipient is Anthony Pease, a graduate of Apex High School. Anthony will attend North Carolina State University this fall to study Nuclear Engineering.
For more than twelve years, Anthony has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving others through Small Hands Big Hearts United, where he currently serves as Ambassador Teen President. In that role, he has led community service projects, mentored younger volunteers, partnered with numerous nonprofit organizations, and inspired others through his compassion and leadership. His dedication to helping others, combined with his academic ambitions, perfectly reflects the values of the Apex Lions Club and the purpose of the T.B. Holland Memorial Scholarship.
Congratulations, Anthony! We are excited to see all that you will accomplish in the years ahead.
Investing in the Future
Scholarships like these are possible because of the generous support of our community and the dedication of our members. Every fundraiser, every volunteer hour, and every act of service helps us invest in the next generation of leaders.
Congratulations again to Austin Krueger and Anthony Pease. Your achievements, leadership, and commitment to serving others inspire all of us. We are proud to support your educational journeys and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make in your communities for years to come.
If you are passionate about making a difference in Apex and would like to help support programs like the T.B. Holland Memorial Scholarship, vision services, and many other community initiatives, we invite you to learn more about the Apex Lions Club and join us in serving our community. Together, we can continue changing lives, one act of service at a time.
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