WEST DES MOINES - Local students were recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony April 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, honored 424 high school seniors from across Iowa.
“Iowa Farm Bureau has a long history of supporting students in their educational journey knowing they represent the leaders of tomorrow,” IFBF President Brent Johnson said. “From providing more than a half-million dollars in college scholarships annually to our long-time title sponsorship of the Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony, we’re honored to support and celebrate Iowa’s outstanding students.
Each high school was invited to select a senior student with the highest academic ranking for their first seven semesters. Students selected for the award also had the opportunity to recognize their favorite/most influential teacher and will receive a photo plaque of their meeting with Reynolds.
Local students selected were:
Adair County
Nodaway Valley - Olivia Laughery of Orient
Orient-Macksburg - Carter Osborne of Orient
Adams County
Southwest Valley - Kathryn Lillie of Corning
Clarke County
Murray - Kenzi Mongar of Murray
Clarke - Devante Caldwell of Osceola
Ringgold County
Mount Ayr High School - Tyler Martin of Mount Ayr
Diagonal - Amanda Malone of Redding
Taylor County
Bedford - Jayven Welch of Bedford
Lenox - Gabe Funk of Lenox
Union County
Creston High School - Ava Adamson of Creston
East Union - Molly Gennaro of Afton
“The principals learned through academic success, like those learned from participation in education-based activities, help develop outstanding leaders and citizens,”IHSSA Executive Director Tom Keating said. “The partnership between the IHSAA and the Iowa Farm Bureau, along with the great cooperation of the governor’s office has made this possible for many years.”
Ninety-eight percent of those recognized participate in extra-curricular school activities with more than 82% participating in at least one interscholastic sport. More than 63% of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.