Each year the Veishea scholars co-chairs pick six outstanding high school seniors to receive the Veishea Leadership Scholarship award.

After being selected, scholars are recognized during Veishea weekend with activities such as the opening ceremonies, south of the Campanile at noon on Friday. The scholars will participate in the Veishea parade as dignitaries, and are also invited to a special ceremony with President Gregory Geoffroy.

“The Veishea Leadership Scholarship is a prestigious award, and winners are honored all throughout the Veishea Celebration,” said Lois Oldham, Veishea scholars co-chairwoman and junior in sociology. “Not only is it a monetary award, but the experiences they have while here are what makes this scholarship special.”

This year about 100 students applied. After scoring the applications, about 25 phone interviews were conducted. The six scholars were then chosen from the interviews.

“The application form includes a list of their high school and community involvement, honors and awards, leadership positions and a letter of recommendation,” said Jill Millhollin, Veishea scholars co-chairwoman and junior in elementary education.

“In my opinion, it is important to acknowledge these students because they have demonstrated their ability to be leaders and their potential to contribute their leadership skills to Iowa State,” said Tyson Stichka, Veishea special events co-chair and senior in electrical engineering .

The Veishea scholars display a wide variety of study including English, industrial engineering, business and education. The scholars are: Amber Herman, Davenport; Emily Brightwell, Council Bluffs; Trenton Norman, Leon; Lynn Klisch, Plymouth, Minn; Steven Hopper, Waukee; and Hanna Hansen, Rosemount, Minn.

Veishea Scholars are selected through a rigorous application process, including meeting GPA and ACT/SAT score requirements, a written application, essay and telephone interviews for the semi-finalists. Scholarship winners are selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership and community involvement.

“I think in general it is valuable to recognize individuals for their achievements and the contributions they make to the communities they are involved in,” Oldham said.

Along with being presented their awards, scholars are also introduced to the many leadership opportunities awaiting them when they arrive at Iowa State next fall. Each scholar receives a $500 scholarship.

“The Veishea Scholar award is a highly selective award, given to the most outstanding high school seniors in the areas of scholarship, leadership, and service,” Stichka said. “We believe that this year’s scholars show great potential to be outstanding Iowa State students.”