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Washington Evening Journal
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Vic Rail Scholarship Foundation announces award recipients
Courtesy of Pete Nelson
May. 9, 2025 3:21 pm
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The Board of Directors announced the winners of the Vic Rail Scholarship Awards for 2025 today. They were presented at the awards assembly on May 7 at Fairfield High School by Michelle Higgins.
Rail was a mathematics teacher at Fairfield High School and Parsons College. Rails influence on his students was the prime reason for starting the scholarship foundation in his name in 1985. The presenter, Michelle Higgins, is a mathematics teacher at FHS and a director of the foundation. She explained Rail’s effect on her decision to teach. The foundation’s goal is to encourage recipients to continue their education and to influence others by their success.
The award is given annually to Graduating Seniors who will or are studying in a Mathematics related field at the college of their choice.
Dreson Smithburg is an award winner. Dreson is the son of Sara and Andrew Smithburg of Fairfield. Dreson plans to attend Central College in Pella, pursuing a career in Engineering.
Lucas Konczal received an award. He is the son of Amanda and Paul Konczal of Fairfield. Lucas plans to attend Grinnell College to become a certified Actuary.
Dylan Michael Adam received an award. He is the son of Somantha and John Adam of Fairfield. Dylan plans to attend Cornell College and study in the field of Physical Therapy.
Emma Wendland is an award winner. She is the daughter of Robin and Phil Wendland of Agency. Emma plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University and study in the field of UX Design.
The total amount awarded to these students is $6,000 this year.
This is the 39th year that these awards have been given at Fairfield High School, starting the year after Mr. Rail retired from teaching in 1985. A total of $116,750 has been awarded. The funds awarded come from the interest on investments. There are 35 active donors to the Foundation.
A committee has been formed to locate and get past winners of the scholarship foundation involved, and anyone interested should contact The Vic Rail Foundation.
