2025 Winners
Meet Isabella Kerry, graduate of London High School! Isabella is attending Columbia University to study Theater Arts and Film. While a student at London High, her school activities included: Co-founder of the Diversity Club, National Honor Society (President), Band, Theater and Dance. Her community activities include: She founded the Red Poets Society, which focuses on reading and writing works that address current social issues.
Stick It to the M*n (2024) — Short film; Producer, Screenwriter, and Actress. This
film Won “Best Writing,” “Best Cinematography,” and “Best Editing” in the Hollywood Winners Circle Short Film Festival. A quote from her essay:..."I have learned that good citizenship comes from genuine empathy, understanding, and political tolerance, but also the courage to refuse to settle for a society that infringes on my moral values." Celeste Lipp, a party member, presented our award to Isabella. Congratulations Isabella! We wish you much success in the next chapter of your life!
Meet Samuel Messer, a graduate of West Jefferson High School! Samuel will attend Western Iowa Tech Community College to study Band Instrument Repair Tech. While a student at West Jeff Samuel was a member of the cross country team, soccer team, the National Honor Study and Choir. Samuel's community activities include the Boy Scouts and he is a Library volunteer.
A quote from his essay: “Good citizenship isn’t always about trying to help in places you haven’t been invited, but instead is about following what you love and care about and then giving back to the community you find yourself in with the same love and passion.” Mike Gorman, party member, presented our award to him. Congratulations to Samuel! We wish him all the best!
Meet Katelyn Rihl, from Jonathan Alder High School! Katelyn will be attending Mount Carmel College of Nursing to study Nursing. While a student at Jonathan Alder, Katelyn was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, the Spanish Club, and the Softball team.
Katelyn's community activities include volunteer work at DNA and ESL nights. A quote from her essay: “...these nights have changed me to become more thankful for the life I have been given, made me become a better citizen in my community, and to never take for granted something as simple as a “Hello!” or a “How are you?” and how I can effortlessly answer those greetings each time.” Megan Wood presented our award to Katelyn. Congratulations to Katelyn! We wish her much success in her journey!
Meet Ashley Hawkins, from Madison Plains High School. Ashley will attend Clark State College to study Nursing. While a student at Madison Plains, Ashley was a member of the FFA, the National Honors Society, and the Track team. Ashley supports our community as a volunteer with Sufficient Grace and she coaches Little League Volleyball. A quote from her essay:
“The feeling of helping others became this passion and allowed me to make sense of things that I wasn’t so sure about, such as becoming a nurse.” Peggy Garrison, party member, presented our award to Ashley. Congratulations to Ashley! We wish her the best of everything in the next chapter of her life!