VEISHEA Scholars

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VEISHEA Scholars

Doug Harms Memorial Scholarship:
Jacob Venner - Jacob Venner grew up and attended school in Boone, Iowa. He plans to attend Iowa State University and major in Ag and Biosystems Engineering. Jacob is ranked first in his class at Boone with a 4.0 grade point average. His leadership skills are evident through his involvement in many organizations and activities. His high school highlights include serving as chapter president and district officer in FFA and team captain in track and cross country where he earned academic all-state honors. Jacob is the service coordinator in his school’s National Honor Society and serves as an Advisee Student Leader. He has also been president of his local 4-H club and a leader of a 100-student group of Boone super fans. In his free time Jake enjoys running, biking, and working with livestock.  

Leadership Scholarships:
Alicia Snyder - Alicia Snyder is the daughter of Dave and Becky Snyder of Carroll, Iowa. She is currently very active at Kuemper High School, student directing the drama department’s production of “Aladdin”, and starting as a varsity member of their tennis team. She is also President of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and Vice President of the Senior Class. Previously, she co-directed the musical, “South Pacific”, and was a varsity football cheerleader for three years. Alicia plans to major in Interior Design at Iowa State University and is excited to experience all of the leadership opportunities at ISU!
Kyle Burney - Dennes Kyle Burney has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, attended Iowa Hawkeye Boys State 2008, and voted most likely to succeed by his senior class. He has earned a grade point average of 4.0 all four years of high school, is the president of West High’s National Honor Society, and is currently captain of the drum line. He has also been a captain of both the varsity boy’s soccer team and cross country team. Combined with his dedication and love for the community, Kyle has shown what it means to be a VEISHEA Scholar. He plans on pursuing a major in Chemical Engineering.
Kaitlin Miner - Kaitlin Miner is a senior at Perry High School. She is a four year varsity runner for cross country and track, serving as captain for each, and was named to the Academic All-State for cross country. She is also the captain of her mock trial team, as well as Student Body President and a National Honor Society member. She has also been recognized as a Governor's Scholar. Kaitlin volunteers as a big buddy for an elementary student and teaches middle school students ways to say no to drugs and alcohol. She plans to major in English at Iowa State this fall.
Sawyer Baker - Sawyer Baker was involved in many clubs during high school and especially her senior year. Two of her favorite activities include being drum major of the marching band, which won a total of 20 awards under her direction, and also being president of the high school's chapter of the Humane Society. She likes to spend her time in the summer doing mission work and volunteering time at the local library. She loves being a part of something that succeeds and knowing that she has positively influenced someone's life for the better. Sawyer plans to major in Political Science while attending Iowa State University.
Jordan Hutchens - Jordan Hutchens attends Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa and will graduate in May as a Valedictorian. Jordan prides himself on his work ethic and leadership abilities. This has been shown through numerous achievements. Jordan works as an editor with the student newspaper at his school and is a member of the Youth Advisory Board of Des Moines. Jordan was recognized with the Young American Award in 2008 sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. He plans on going into Engineering while at Iowa State.
Elyssa McFarland - Elyssa McFarland, a future Agronomy major, from Columbus Junction, Iowa has been a very active member of FFA, 4-H, NHS, Band, Speech, and Science and Math Club. She has taken on many leadership roles including FFA chapter president, FFA district office, and 4-H Club president. Elyssa was the top scorer on her state soils judging team and was a leader on the agricultural issues and perceptions team that placed first in the state and advanced to nationals. Elyssa earned honors in all state speech, was voted volleyball team captain, and was chosen to play in the senior all-star game. Elyssa has also put in a great deal of time serving her community as a leader and attributes her success to her amazing mentors – her parents, Tom and Chris McFarland, and her FFA Advisor, Miss Katie Lewis.

Community Involvement Scholarships:
Brittany Petrick - Brittany Petrick has been very active in and around her community. Her involvement with the Justice for Our Neighbors Immigration Clinic in Cedar Rapids has been vital due to her two years of service as a Spanish translator. In addition to her service at the Justice for Our Neighbors Immigration Clinic, Brittany has volunteered in the student advocacy group Students for Positive Choices/Above the Influence as well as serving as a Spanish tutor. She has been very active in high school, participating in Academic Decathlon, Physics Olympics, volleyball, babysitting, weightlifting, bible study, and Electric Vehicle Club, where she served as secretary. She is also the editor-in-chief of her school’s yearbook. This fall Brittany plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.
Kellen Vance - Kellen Vance, son of Michael and Kathy Vance of Morning Sun is an accomplished musician and thespian in and out of school. He sings in the Morning Sun Sunshine Chorus and brings joy through music to local care center residents. He is an Eagle Scout and completed a renovation of the basketball court in his hometown park as his project. Kellen will be graduating from Mediapolis High School in May and will major in Music with a minor in Music Technology at Iowa State University in the fall.