Iola High School Class of 2016 standouts rake in awards

By

News

May 5, 2016 - 12:00 AM

Diligence in the classroom is paying off handsomely for a number of Iola High School seniors this year.

The annual Senior Awards Night included tens of thousands of dollars worth of scholarships to the IHS Class of 2016.

And even as the best of Iola’s best were recognized, several noteworthy awards were announced.

Iola’s Clara Wicoff, for example, earned 13 different forms of recognition, including a $4,000 Elks Legacy Scholarship and Kansas State University’s Presidential and Kassebaum Scholarships. She is the first high-schooler ever to earn both the KSU scholarships simultaneously, announced Melissa Stiffler, guidance counselor.

Meanwhile, Taylor Heslop, was recognized for nine awards, including Hagan Scholarship Foundation, which will pay her $5,000 per semester for four years, essentially allowing her to graduate from college debt-free.

Principal Stacey Fager lauded the students’ achievements, but admonished them to reach out to those who provided the scholarships.

“These people, these organizations, these trusts are investing in your future,” he said. “That takes a lot of commitment.”

The scholarship winners follow, with dollar amounts listed when available.

McFadden Scholarships: Olivia Bannister, Emily McKarnin, Bobbie Sinclair and Yohon Sinclair.

Edward Zahn FFA Scholarships: Caitlin Dreher ($800), Emily McKarnin ($1,350), Alexis Poffenbarger ($800), Clara Wicoff ($1,350)

Heartland Tractor Scholarship: Clara Wicoff ($1,000)

Ford Motor Company National FFA Scholarship: Clara Wicoff

LaHarpe High School Alumni Scholarship: Mikaela Platt ($500)

Iola Elks Lodge No. 569 Most Valuable Student Scholarships: Abigail Taylor ($1,000 combined), Clara Wicoff ($4,600 combined)

Moran American Legion Auxiliary Unit 385 Scholarship: McKayli Cleaver ($400)

Related