Scholarship Winners 2009

2009 Scholarship Recipients
Note: Because of the difficult task of selecting the winners, 3 scholarships were awarded this
year instead of 2! Thank you for all your nominations and Congratulations to the winners!!

Recipient Laura Ackerwold - Nominated by Jason Sebern

It is with great respect and humility that I nominate Laura Ackerwold for the Ashley and Amanda Loban Scholarship. I taught US History to Ashley and I consider her one of my all-time favorite students. She was blessed with smarts and had a great sense of humor and I will always remember her infectious smile. To me, Laura represents many of these same great qualities.

In addition to possessing a friendly personality, Laura Ackerwold is an outstanding student-athlete at Brookings High School. Laura earned an 'A' in my Advanced Placement US History class during the 2007-2008 school year. She improved her grade throughout the school year while demonstrating a strong work ethic.

Laura is a tremendous leader in athletics as well. She is a three-year varsity letter winner in track and field at BHS and has led her 4 X 100 meter relay team to a 2nd place finish at the State Track and Field Meet during the last two seasons. Her determination and work ethic have really made her teammates better.

In addition to her contributions on the track and in the classroom, Laura has also volunteered her time to a variety of causes. She has helped with the Bobcat Track and Field camp (ages 3-8) during the past two summers and in that capacity she has demonstrated an ability to work well with children. She has served as a leader of the BHS Monogram club and was recently selected for induction into the National Honor Society. Both of these organizations require members to serve many hours volunteering for good causes.

I highly recommend Laura Ackerwold for the Ashley and Amanda Loban Scholarship. Laura is the kind of person that will be honored to received such a prestigious award.

(Laura will be attending Winona State University.)

Recipient Kendra Dietrich - Nominated by: Julie Thompson

It is my pleasure to nominate Kendra Dietrich for the Loban Scholarship. I have worked closely with Kendra throughout this school year and marvel at how she has grown as a person and is turning into a very wonderful young woman with a bright future ahead of her.

The reason I am nominating Kendra is because of her spirit and the way she treats others. Kendra goes out of her way to make people feel special. She befriends those students who are labeled "outcasts" or those who are teased and bullied. I have never heard her speak an unkind word about anyone. She always has a smile on her face and speaks such nice words to everyone around. Her presence brightens the hallways. Kendra always lends a listening ear and offers great advice to students all the time. She goes out of her way to help staff, especially if she notices they are having a bad day. Kendra is a very popular your lady and I personally believe the reason she is so well liked is because she puts others first before herself.

Kendra goes out of her way to help special needs students with note taking and helps her fellow classmates with tutoring. She has opened her heart and volunteers to read books to elementary students. The elementary students get so excited on the days they know she is coming. She is also actively involved in volunteering with the American Heart Association and has organized many fund raising events.

Another act of kindness that has made me respect Kendra is the care and concern she shows towards our elderly community. New Underwood has a senior citizen home that has numerous residents. Monthly, Kendra goes there and brings treats and just sits and talks with the residents. This is the highlight of their week and Kendra has expressed to me how "cool" it is when she goes there.

Kendra is strong in her convictions and does not let peer pressure influence her in negative ways. She lives by a strong moral code and stands up for what she believes in. She is an active member of the Youth 2 Youth organization and lives by the drug and alcohol free philosophy. She does not judge others; while at the same time she does not let others influence her negatively.

I can go on and on about Kendra's personality and qualifications for this scholarship but the only word needed to sum Kendra up is Genuine! Kendra is genuine in all her dealings and makes people feel really important from a simple smile to a shoulder to cry on. I do not believe there is a better or more deserving candidate for the Loban Scholarship then Kendra Dietrich.

(Kendra will be attending South Dakota State University)

**Special thanks to "Mom" Colleen for representing Loban Memorial Inc at awards night in New Underwood to present Kendra with her scholarship certificate.

Recipient Breann Julius - Nominated by: Noelle Needham

Throughout Breann's tenor at Brookings High School, she has set a standard for herself that has left her standing as a respectful role model. Her ability to achieve a high academic status while serving her community and playing varsity sports displays what a well rounded and focused individual she is.

Not only has she participated in her varsity sports, but she has excelled. As she continues her hockey success at Quinnipiac University, she will continue to represent Brookings, the state of South Dakota, and all of those who admire her. She has brought recognition to girl's hockey in South Dakota, an impact that will continue to help our programs in the entire state improve.

If Breann were to be awarded this, she would not only benefit from it, but she would epitomize the standards of this scholarship, as well as represent it in the way it should be.

(Breann will be attending Quinnipiac University.)