Three area students chosen as Hoover scholarship recipients

On Saturday, October 27th, there was excitement in the air at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library/Museum as three Herbert Hoover Uncommon Students were named $5000 Scholarship winners.

Sarah Fischer, daughter of Cheryl and Scott Fischer of West Branch, attending West Branch High School was awarded one of the $5,000 scholarships. Her project was entitled “Hoover Home Energy Audits.” Sarah says, “Reducing energy usage is a great way for homeowners to save money and the environment. I have a vision for West Branch to lead in energy efficiency.”

Another $5000 winner, Julianne DeLessio, Daughter of Linda and Stephen DeLessio of Bettendorf, attends Pleasant Valley High School. Her project was entitled, “Dance For Me” which involved expanding her non-profit organization where she developed inclusive dance camps and classes for children and teens with disabilities who are not able to easily access traditional dance classes. Julianne says, “Children and teens with disabilities often do not get a chance to join in regular dance classes with their typically developing peers and often miss out on experiencing the joy of dance.”

The third scholarship recipient is Dylan Johnson, son of Cheryl and Monty Johnson of Johnston, attending Johnston High School. His project was entitled, “Tools for a Stronger Tomorrow." It involved collecting tools and building utensils to donate to the Appalachian Service Project (ASP). Dylan says, “The impact such a donation would have on this volunteer-dependent organization and the poverty-stricken people who benefit from these volunteers would be enormous.”

Students receiving $1000 awards are: Maya Amjadi, Daughter of Hamid Amjadi & Michelle Buchan, Bradley Baudler, Son of Clifton & Sondra Baudler, Alisa Behrens, Daughter of John & Kelly Behrens, Katie Boyle, Daughter of Marty & Martha Boyle, Cassandra Davis, Daughter of Scott & Susan Davis, Dylan DeClerck, Son of Jaime & Michelle DeClerck, Julianne DeLessio, Daughter of Stephen & Linda DeLessio, Sarah Fischer, Daughter of Scott & Cheryl Fischer, Mark Gee, Son of Mark & Jeannie Gee, Sahan Jayawardena, Son of Harsha & Darshini Jayawardena, Dylan Johnson, Son of Monty & Cheryl Johnson, Ian McDowell, Son of Jack & Glenda Seward, Shelly Palmer, Daughter of James & Donna Palmer, Geoffrey Root, Son of John & Monique Root, Laura Tibbs, Daughter of Allen & Jackie Tibbs.

The Mariah Becker Volunteer Leadership Award went to Mark Gee, whose project was entitled, “Dream Big With Plants.” The Mariah Becker Award goes to the student whose project embodies or promotes the spirit of volunteerism and leadership and lends itself to continuation after the student graduates from high school. The award carries with it a $250 stipend to be given directly to the organization carrying on the project.

The Hoover Presidential Association is a nonprofit support group for the Hoover Presidential Library-Museum and the Hoover National Historic Site in West Branch. The scholarship program is funded entirely by private donations. For more information, contact Delene McConnaha at 800-828-0475, or at delene.mcconnaha@hooverassociation.org.

####