2026-27 Green Cord Service Scholarship recipients recognized

Twenty Liberty University students were recognized as this year’s LU Serve Green Cord Service Scholarship winners during the April 29 Convocation, where they were awarded for their incredible community service work.

The scholarships are awarded to deserving students who, through their Christian/Community Service (CSER), exemplify upstanding character, work ethic, leadership, and selfless service as a Champion for Christ. CSER is a community service graduation requirement for all full-time undergraduate residential students at Liberty.

The scholarships are funded through the LU Serve Green Cord Campaign, in which Liberty graduates can purchase a green cord to complement their Commencement regalia. Recipients split the total scholarship allotment of $30,000, with half receiving $2,000 each and the others receiving $1,000 each. (See full list of winners below.)

Interdisciplinary studies junior Ellabay Perry performed her service with the Civil Air Patrol in Pennsylvania. As a cadet commander, her primary responsibilities have included selecting and leading a team in facilitating cadet training schools.

“Throughout serving with Civil Air Patrol I have found way more of a passion for serving the youth,” she said. “It grew me as an individual in self-esteem, confidence, and so many areas of just making me a more well-rounded individual in the real world with professionalism, communication, and networking. It’s really a program where you get out of it what you put into it.”

Perry said receiving the award is a validation of her hard work in serving the next generation.

“(This award) means Liberty wants people who understand that serving makes the world go around,” she said. “If everyone was doing something transactionally, we would be even more selfish as a society. This means the school prioritizes selflessness in terms of time and just being able to see the world without getting something back. Volunteers try to help and don’t expect anything back. Having a school that appreciates that is beautiful.”

Hospitality management senior Abrielle Janaros earned the Green Cord Scholarship for her work with Liberty’s Habitat for Humanity Club, which recently helped build a new home in Altavista, Va.

“Serving through CSER and receiving the LU Serve Green Cord Scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me because service has been a central part of my life shaped by my military family background and my faith in Christ,” she said. “It has given me the opportunity to live out my passion for helping others through hands-on experiences in my community and at Liberty University. I am grateful to continue growing as a servant leader through both my education and service opportunities.”

The scholarship winners are chosen by a selection committee from the Office of Spiritual Development.

2026-27 Green Cord Service Scholarship Winners

Matea McMahon, International Christian Centers for the Deaf

Alexander Shaw, Air Force ROTC Program

Rebekah Parrish, JAARS

Ellabay Perry, Civil Air Patrol

Carly Moyer, CraveABLES

Emily Sechler, Civil Air Patrol

Abrielle Janaros, Habitat for Humanity

Gabe Weber, Liberty SGA Evangelism Club

Caleb Behrens, Colton True Life Church

Ava Paoletti, CraveABLES

Olivia Dyjewski, LU Shepherd

Payton Garrett, Cary Alliance Church

Amy Tompkins, Jill’s House

Julia Carswell, LU Shepherd

Abigail Salmon, SGA Operation Christmas Child

Kailee Jenkins, Word of Life

Drew Lundeen, Thomas Road Baptist Church

Marie Patterson, LU Women in Business

Taylor Moneymaker, Thomas Road Baptist Church

Elaina Bakker, Thomas Road Baptist Church