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Bright Foundation Announces 2013 Scholar Recipients

Bright Foundation Announces 2013 Scholar Recipients

The Bright Foundation is pleased to recognize the 2013 Bright Scholars.

Adrian Aswegen – Iowa State University
Brian Becker – Iowa State University
Dillon Freitag – University of Iowa
Amanda Hargis – University of Iowa
Amy Nordyke – University of Northern Iowa
Ferida Nuhanovic – University of Iowa
Zachary Rye – University of Northern Iowa
Adela Saric – Iowa State University
Sarah Sheldon – University of Iowa
Jesse Sorenson – University of Northern Iowa
Bailey St. Clair – University of Northern Iowa
Ann Strom – University of Northern Iowa
Marc Wharton – Iowa State University
Nicholas Wiges – Iowa State University
Cheyene Williams – Iowa State University

The Bright Scholars of Iowa award includes a four-year, full-ride academic scholarship to a state university. It is awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and community service. Each student must submit an essay describing his or her success in the face of adversity. Preference is given to students whose parents have not graduated from an accredited four-year college or university.

“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.”

“I want to personally thank the Bright Foundation for this year. I would not be nearly as successful without their financial support. I come from an incredibly humble background and the financial stability they have given me in the form of this scholarship has allowed me to commit my highest potential to my classwork. They are the reason I am the student I am today. I have tried to carry the Bright Foundation’s values close to my heart this academic year. I worked extremely hard and devoted much of my outside time to volunteer work. I cannot put into works how grateful I am for the opportunities this foundation has given me. They have laid the groundwork for all of my current and future success. I plan to celebrate these values, and this foundation for the rest of my life.”

“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!”

“The most valuable part of being a Bright Scholar was experiencing college from a different perspective. I am so grateful for every opportunity and position I was able to hold because I had nothing to worry about and could truly enjoy every moment. Having the freedom to get involved allowed me to further my professional development and give back to the college and community, things I would not have been able to do if I didn’t have the scholarship.”

“I’m a student at DMACC and this award is extremely helpful and appreciated. All this past semester, I’ve been working and going to school while barely making it by. This award will give me the chance to focus on school more. I am so honored to receive it and I am so thankful there are people like you to help college students, like myself, out. I plan on finishing up school and becoming an elementary teacher. The scholarship will help me get one step closer to that goal!”

“Being a Bright Scholar means being part of a family that is selfless and giving, and which strives to provide a better future for today’s youth who, in turn, will contribute to society.”