Congratulations to the 2024 recipients!
GreenState Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Give & Grow Scholarship Program. The program emphasizes the importance “Giving Back to our Communities” through volunteer hours and contributions to non-profit organizations. GreenState Credit Union has awarded $2,500 college scholarships to six deserving recipients. In addition, we will donate $500 to a non-profit organization of the scholarship winner’s choice.
Grace Richmond
| High School: |
Xavier High School |
| College: |
Creighton University |
| Charity: |
Metro Catholic Outreach |
| "Through my volunteer experiences I have been able to develop a deeper sense of obligation to serve in my community. Serving is important to me because it allows me to create deeper connections with all kinds of people, recognize the needs in my community, and be a more compassionate individual. Had I not had all of these service opportunities, I would not be the same person I am today." |
Cooper Davenport
| High School: |
Liberty High School |
| College: |
The New School, New York |
| Charity: |
North Liberty Community Pantry |
| “Help is not discriminatory. Everyone needs help at some point in their lives, whether they care to admit it or not. Throughout my start volunteering with the North Liberty Food Pantry, I soon learned that even if I couldn't make things perfect, like getting everything on their lists, I could still make them better. I started to think about it like steps on stairs, each step forward can also be a step up.” |
Isabelle Bolton
| High School: |
Camanche High School |
| College: |
Iowa State University |
| Charity: |
King’s Harvest No Kill Pet Shelter |
| “Reflecting on my cumulative 562 hours of community service, I recognize its profound impact in shaping me into the leader I am today. These experiences have afforded me the opportunity to assume leadership roles within various school organizations, nurturing my passion for service and inspiring my future aspirations. With a steadfast resolve to pursue a career as an Environmental Scientist, I aim to contribute toward building a sustainable future for humanity, wildlife, and the environment.” |
Jacob Forney
| High School: |
Valley High School |
| College: |
University of Iowa |
| Charity: |
Unity Point Health – Blank Children’s Hospital |
| “'Jacob's Jam' is a community project I first spearheaded seven years ago to raise money and awareness for Blank Children's Hospital. When I was 11, I saw a need to contribute and give back. I had been playing ukulele and singing with my mom at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers markets. Since patrons at the market tip musicians for songs played, I had an idea. What if I could use the tips generated from entertaining others and donate them to our local hospital? From there the idea of 'Jacob's Jam' for Blank Children's Hospital was born.” |
Anika Yadav
| High School: |
Waukee High School |
| College: |
Standford University |
| Charity: |
Pursuit of Innovation PI515 |
| “In time, I have learned that ideas only become brilliant when implemented justly. I've also added one more truth to my list: while the choice to stand beside one's principles is nothing less than challenging, fulfilling one's commitments with honesty has proven to be the purest form of service to the community.” |
Meredith Beer
| High School: |
Xaiver High School |
| College: |
Loyola University Chicago |
| Charity: |
Metro Catholic Outreach |
| “Many times, people think you need hours upon hours of volunteer experience at the hospital or you need to travel to a third world country to actually have an impact in the world. What I failed to recognize, but now I see, is that help is needed all around me. Even if I may think the work is light, it means a great deal to the receiver. Volunteering does not have to be halfway across the country but can be right in my town.” |
