Iowa College Aid today announced that three college-bound Iowans are the 2018 recipients of the Gov. Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes outstanding Iowa high school seniors who have actively participated in the Iowa State Fair and plan to attend an Iowa college or university. This year’s winners are:
- Ethan Marth, Estherville, homeschool
“One thing the State Fair has made me realize is the powerful effect of visual/audio media,” Ethan says. “… In 2017, I was able to watch my Grandparent Memorial DVD play on a large screen TV in the 4-H Exhibit building on the fairgrounds, and to witness in wonder as this special movie I had created was displayed for many people to observe and enjoy.” Ethan plans to attend Iowa Lakes Community College.
- Jessica Schmitt, Fort Atkinson, Turkey Valley Junior-Senior High School
“The Iowa State Fair is a place where dreams come true,” Jessica says. “For me, my dream came true after stepping in the show ring in the Pavilion for the first time with my heifer. I didn’t win more than a purple ribbon, but that’s OK because winning wasn’t what I was there for. I was there to achieve a long-term goal that I had set for myself.” Jessica plans to attend Iowa State University.
- Chloe Van Vliet, Otley, Pella High School
“Being a part of the Iowa State Fair as an exhibitor has given me the trait of being accountable, very responsible and engaged as well as the ability to develop friendships with other exhibitors all across the state of Iowa,” Chloe says. “I know with hard work and dedication, there’s always a chance at the coveted shiny trophy or the purple ribbons. When I walk into the show ring, all the long hours of preparation are worth it.” Chloe plans to attend Coe College.
“This scholarship honors three young Iowans who have embraced the Iowa work ethic in their years of participation in the Iowa State Fair,” said Karen Misjak, executive director of Iowa College Aid, the state agency that administers the scholarship. ”We’re pleased to help their efforts to further their education, and we know the lessons they’ve learned from the fair will make them successful in college and beyond.”
Each will receive a $2,000 scholarship and a certificate of recognition signed and presented by Branstad, who is now U.S. Ambassador to China. The students will be recognized at the fair on Saturday, August 11, at 6:45 p.m. on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage.
Iowa College Aid will exhibit in the Varied Industries Building at the fair. Fairgoers are invited to take part in a college-theme photo booth, and free publications will be available. Iowa College Aid staff will be on hand to answer questions about planning, preparing and paying for college.
Find more information about the Gov. Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship.
Contact:
Elizabeth Keest Sedrel
(515) 725-3417
elizabeth.sedrel@iowa.gov
Monday, August 6, 2018
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