March 28, 2024

Two Clarke County students recognized by Governor Reynolds for academic excellence

Kylie Shields, a senior at Murray Community Schools and Parker Smith, a senior at Clarke Community Schools were recognized by Governor Reynolds and Lt. Governor Gregg for outstanding academic achievement at the 16th Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony April 29 at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines.

The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, honored 340 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 16 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.” In fact, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of IFBF; the farm organization contributes nearly a half million dollars to scholarships each year to help support the organization’s vision of ensuring a growing and prosperous Iowa.

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 Reynolds and Lt. Governor Gregg.

“The principles learned through academic success, like those learned from participation in education-based activities, help develop outstanding leaders and citizens,” said IHSAA Executive Director Alan Beste. “The partnership between the IHSAA 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 85 percent participating in at least one interscholastic sport. More than 60 percent of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.