Governor’s Scholar awards announced

Multiple area students were  recently recognized by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for academic excellence
Mareli Ramos-Lopez, a student at the Red Oak Jr./Sr. High School, Vanessa Fletchall, a student at the Stanton High School, Mackenzie Maeder, a student at Southwest Valley High School, Mariska Kirchert, a student from the Essex High School, Tanner Scholl, a senior at Griswold High School, and Sophia Morricall, a student with the East Mills High School were all recognized by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement at the 24th Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
The Iowa Governor’s Scholar Program, established in 2003, is a collaborative effort sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 429 high school seniors from across Iowa. The largest 64 schools in Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Education BEDS document, were invited to select two seniors who are the highest academic achievers. All other schools were invited to select one senior who is the highest academic achiever.
“Supporting Iowa youth and their education is a pillar of Iowa Farm Bureau, and we’re proud of our long history of supporting students in their educational journey knowing they represent the leaders of tomorrow,” said IFBF President Brent Johnson.  “From providing more than a half-million dollars in college scholarships annually to our long-time title sponsorship of the Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony, we’re honored to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Iowa’s outstanding students.”
Each high school was invited to select a senior student with the highest academic ranking.  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 Cournoyer. This is the last ceremony that will be presided over by Reynolds, who announced she would not be seeking re-election as Iowa’s governor.
“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 Tom Keating.  “The partnership between the IHSAA and the Iowa Farm Bureau, along with the great cooperation of the Governor’s Office has made this event possible for many years.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds also offered a comment recognizing those students that were honored.
“I want to offer my congratulations to the 2026 Iowa High School Athletic Association Governor’s Scholars. Nothing makes me more confident in the future of this state than these inspiring young Iowans,” Reynolds commented.
Around 98% of those recognized participate in extra-curricular school activities, with more than 80% participating in at least one interscholastic sport.  More than 68% of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.
The Iowa Governor’s Scholar Program serves as a prestigious recognition for high school seniors, highlighting their academic excellence and encouraging future success.