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Bright Scholars Awards Recipients 2023

The Bright Foundation is delighted to introduce the 2023 recipients for the Bright Scholars of Iowa Scholarship, the Lois Dale Bright Scholarship, and the Bright Scholars Persistence Scholarship.

The Bright Scholars of Iowa Scholarship is a need- and merit-based grant awarded to graduates of Iowa High Schools with outstanding academic achievement and commitment to community service.

Iowa State University

Jolyn Ask
Saige Hengeveld
Dayton Cox
Djemima Mulonda
Elizabeth Noe

University of Iowa

Devan Garman
Ireland Sitzmann
Idella Edwards
Kyle Tran
Emma Luschen

University of Northern Iowa

Karissa Heishman
Kassidy Krapfl
Katelyn Braga
Melissa Jordan
Andrew Morrison

The Lois Dale Bright Scholarship is a need- and merit-based grant designed for graduates of Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) who are involved community members with strong potential for success in the college environment.

Iowa State University

Josue Aleman
Selena Gonzalez
Brandon Ramos-Barahona
Angeles Ceballos-Salas
Clowey Tyler
Maverick Baccam
Jawad Ali
Keila Almendarez

University of Iowa

Arthurine Wilson
Tu Truong
Natalia Saldana-Valdez
Alyssa Fisher
Letticia Hinojosa
Zena Lovan
Linda Masengarb
Douglas Flores-Alonzo

University of Northern Iowa

Saige Anderson

Finally, the Bright Scholars Persistence Scholarship is awarded to current undergraduate sophomores/rising sophomores at the three Iowa public universities who have demonstrated high levels of academic achievement and have significant financial needs.

Iowa State University

Shayla Luke
Keaton Kelly
Benjamin Soukup

University of Iowa

Josephine Duccini
Sydney Benscoter
Gabriela Ceballos

University of Northern Iowa

Zachary Henderson
Aaliyah Tournier
Victoria Olson

All scholarships cover the full cost of attendance, less other gift aid, and are renewable for a total of four years of scholarship, or three years total for the persistence award. It is the intent of the Bright Foundation that our awards and support would help these Bright Scholars to graduate on-time with a bachelor’s degree, debt-free, prepared to launch their careers, and give back in some way!

Congratulations to the newest Bright Scholars!

“My first year in college has been amazing. I was able to get involved with intramural sports, Iowa Wishmakers and Dance Marathon because you took the financial burden off my back and allowed for me to get the most out of my college experience. I’ve been able to focus on school and not worry about working which has allowed me to get the most out of my education. I was also able to fulfill one of my dreams before going to college; I was able to pay for a child’s Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World with my graduation money because of your generosity and covering the expenses of my education. This first year has been great and I cannot wait for the next three years. Thank you Bright Scholars of Iowa!”

“With each passing semester I become even more thankful for this scholarship. My college experience has been phenomenal and this scholarship deserves all the credit. You have allowed to me the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy receiving my education at the University of Iowa. I am thankful to be a Bright Scholar of Iowa. Thank you so much for the college experience you have let me have through this scholarship.”

“As I finish my sophomore year, I am grateful that I have received the Bright Scholarship to help me achieve my goals. My grades have been good and I am proud that I’ve been making Dean’s List. I attended the Engineering job fair to target companies for a summer internship. After being offered two, I chose Nutra Flo, a liquid fertilizer manufacturer in South Dakota. I’m excited to see what I will learn and how much I know out in the real world of Mechanical Engineering. Thank you again for awarding me the Bright Scholarship. Thanks to the Bright Foundation, I have been able to attend ISU without the burden of deep financial indebtedness. It has allowed me to experience ISU but most importantly, I have been able to study in order to do well in my classes. It is because of the Brights — they had a vision to help young people in Iowa achieve higher education. I am excited to be a part of that vision.”

“During college, the Bright Scholarship allowed me to focus on school instead of working multiple jobs to stay afloat. In my three years since college, the same has been true – instead of being forced to worry about accepting any job just to pay my student loans, I’ve been able to chase (and land) my dream job!”

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has opened up for me. Many doors closed right in front of me, and the Bright Foundation opened up a door of hope for my future. I sometimes think I am dreaming and soon realize this is really happening. I am the first one in my family to attend a University. I can not put into words how much of a blessing this has been not only for me but for my family! I will forever be thankful.”

“I would like to thank you for your contribution. Without your help, it would be difficult to attend college and pursue my dream career of being a veterinarian. I am extremely honored and hope to give back to foundations like this one day.”