By Edward Lynn
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — Ashley Deleon-Andrade, a senior at Eagle Grove High School (EGHS) was among three Wright County students honored by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony, held April 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
Deleon-Andrade was recognized alongside Tate Jackson of Clarion and Quinn Gabrielson of Belmond for outstanding academic achievement. The statewide event honored 424 of Iowa’s top high school seniors, each selected by their school as having the highest academic ranking through seven semesters.
The program is a partnership between the Iowa Governor’s Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), and its title sponsor, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).
“Iowa Farm Bureau has a 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 support and celebrate Iowa’s outstanding students.”
“The principles learned through academic success, like those learned from participation in education-based activities, help develop outstanding leaders and citizens,” IHSAA Executive Director Tom Keating said. “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,” Keating added.
Students also had the opportunity to honor a favorite or most influential teacher and received a commemorative photo plaque of their meeting with Governor Reynolds.
Ninety-eight percent of those recognized participate in extracurricular school activities, with over 82 percent involved in at least one interscholastic sport. More than 63 percent plan to continue their education at Iowa colleges and universities.
The ceremony can be viewed in its entirety on the Eagle Grove Eagle website, and on Youtube.
