Area students recognized for academic excellence

WEST DES MOINES — Area students were recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg for outstanding academic achievement at the 22nd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony April 28 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

Among the honored students were Jeffrey Siecka, Grinnell Community School District; Alyssa Steinback, Belle Plaine Community School District; Grace Schlak, Iowa Valley; Amelia Reed, Williamsburg; Laila Morrison, BGM; Elijah Marsh, English Valleys; McKenzie Kempf, HLV; Lydia Singleton, Montezuma; and Emma Townsley, Benton Community.

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 424 high school seniors from across Iowa.

Each high school was invited to select a senior student with the highest academic ranking for the first seven semesters.

Students selected for the award also had the opportunity to recognize their favorite or most influential teacher and will receive a photo plaque of their meeting with Gov. Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Gregg.

Ninety-seven percent of those recognized participate in extracurricular school activities, with more than 75% participating in at least one interscholastic sport.

More than 64% of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.