March 19, 2024

Clarke and Murray students recognized by governor

WEST DES MOINES — Reed Morris, a student at Clarke, and Brandi Gilbert, a student at Murray, were recognized by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds for outstanding academic achievement at the Fifteenth Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony April30 at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines.

The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (lliSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 429 high school seniors from across Iowa.

“Iowa Farm Bureau members know that by investing in our youth and communities, we’re investing in the future of Iowa,” said IFBF President Craig Hill. “We have been honored to be a title sponsor of the Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony for the past 15 years to celebrate Iowa’s exceptional high school students. Iowa Farm Bureau is proud to be a leading contributor to educational programs and annual scholarships for our youth.”

Each high school was invited to select a senior student with the highest academic ranking, based on grade point average for their first seven semesters. Students selected for the award also had the opportunity to recognize their favorite/most influential teacher and will receive a photo plaque of their meeting with Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds.

“The principles learned through academic success, like those learned from participation in education-based activities, help develop outstanding leaders and citizens,” said lliSAA Executive Director Alan Beste. “The partnership between the lliSAA and the Iowa Farm Bureau, along with the great cooperation of the Governor’s Office has made this prestigious event possible for many years.”

Ninety-nine percent of those recognized also participate in extra-curricular school activities, with more than 75 percent participating in at least one interscholastic sport. More than 65 percent of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.