On April 30, 422 seniors throughout the state were honored by Governor Kim Reynolds with the Governor’s Scholar Award. Schools were invited to select one student who demonstrated the highest academic achievement for their first seven semesters.

In southeast Iowa, this year’s winners are John Stultz of Mid-Prairie, Grant Bender of Hillcrest Academy, Nathan Wehr of Sigourney, Taylor Garman of Keota, Joshua Lauer of Highland, Averi Sipes of Columbus, Melina Oepping of Winfield-Mt. Union, Tyce Alt of Lone Tree, and Lillian Keller of WACO.

Each student was recognized at a ceremony held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, where they received a photo plaque and a certificate to commemorate their achievement. Iowa seniors have been recognized with the Governor’s Scholar Award every year since 2003.