Ryan Chalupa (left) receives the Christina Hixson Opportunity Award from Amy Green, Washington County 4-H and Youth Coordinator. Photo courtesy of Washington County 4-H.

A local student has won a half-tuition grant worth more than $15,000 to attend Iowa State University. Washington County Extension represented Iowa State University and the Christina Hixson Opportunity Award at the Keota High School Scholarships and Award Night on May 4. Ryan Chalupa, Keota High School senior, is the 2016 Washington County recipient.  He is the son of Nate and Anne Chalupa of Keota.  

According to the nomination, Ryan has excelled academically and contributed a tremendous amount of community service during his high school career. He is a nine year member of 4-H and a three year member of 4-H County Council. The students selected to receive the Hixson Opportunity Award have been recommended because of their potential and their personal desire to move forward and succeed in higher education and beyond. Only a select group of 100 high school seniors from across Iowa receive the prestigious award.