2009 Scholarship Recipient
Kendra Dietrich
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)