Over $260,000 given in DFS Scholarships

CRESCO - Each year, Crestwood High School has scheduled two nights where seniors are given scholarships and awards. The Crestwood Dollars for Scholars (DFS) assembly was held on Wednesday, May 4 and the awards ceremony was held on May 11.

Al Voyna, President of the Board of Directors for DFS, told those gathered on May 4, “Crestwood Dollars for Scholars was started in October 1993, with the first scholarship given in 1994. It has awarded over $3.9 million in scholarships to 2,328 students.”

Every senior who has applied for a DFS scholarship has received it. “In fact, Dollars for Scholars alone will be awarding over $260,000 this evening,” he added.

Board members include Doug Berg, Tasha Hart, Trish Hartman, Tammy Henderson, Tara Henry, Aaron Hvitved (vice-president), Missy Hvitved, Wayne Kreitzer (He was instrumental in getting Dollars for Scholars started.), Brian McConnell, Julie Montgomery, Barb Moore, Lisa Nelson, Harold Noe, Deb Novak, Sally Peter, Kay Reis, Kathy Rice, Laura Schmauss (secretary), Brian Sheehy, Leslie Sivesind, Stephen Sopha, Shirley Sovereign, Stephanie Thomson, Michele Tuchek (treasurer) and Voyna. 

Senior representatives were Kyleigh Foster and Kendel Slavin, with juniors Ethan Rice and Nora Ryan. They raised over $21,000 during the Phone-A-Thon fund-raiser.

Voyna told the Class of 2022, “Seniors you’ve made it here through hard work and dedication. Your scholarships are proof your efforts paid off. We urge you to carry that drive for success forward to the next chapter of your education.”

During the awards ceremony on May 11, Secondary Principal Chris Rogne told students they put a lot of hard work into their activities and academics. “You achieved a lot in unprecedented times. But, awards are seldom achieved alone. Students show appreciation to your parents, grandparents and others who helped you along the way.”

Awards and citations were then given to seniors. Fourteen students accomplished at least 120 hours of volunteerism each year in their high school career (except 2020 during COVID), allowing them to achieve the silver cord award. Trish Hartman noted the students tallied nearly 2,400 in volunteer hours in the local communities. 

Those students included Nicholas Dietzenbach, Abby Fencl, Audrey Ferrie, Kyleigh Foster, Ethan Govern, Caleb Kammerer, Lyli Kunert, Berlin Nibbelink, Madison Ollendieck, Nicole Pecinovsky, Ashley Reicks, Jaydan Teslow and Emily Voyna.

Three students had 80 hours of volunteerism this year alone — Dietzenbach, Kammerer and Slavin

CUSB Bank gave $1,400, or $100 per silver cord recipient, to the Howard -Winneshiek Community School Fund to help with PK-12 education needs. They also each received coupons for five free malts at the Mighty Howard County Fair.

Two students were recognized for getting their Eagle Scout rank, Joshua Jensen and Nick Dietzenbach.

Below are scholarships and awards given to 2022 graduates. Sixty-two students, all who applied, received DFS Scholarships.

Jeremy Andera: Earl J. Widman, Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, New Horizons (Cresco Chamber of Commerce), Hub Edmonson Award, Academic Letter, Founders Scholarship, Luther Distinction Scholarship

Caleb Balk: Academic Letter, NICC CPC Award

Hope Balk: Thomas H. Tlusty Memorial, Bigalk Education, Edwin & Bette Squires Endowment, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Muriel Riehle Memorial Endowment, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Varsity Letter Award- Golf, Academic Letter, Choir Letter, 4-H Senior Recognition

Alaina Bina: Evans Memorial Home, Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Darrell Sowers Science Memorial, Muriel Riehle Memorial Endowment, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, Perfect Attendance-Grades 9-12, Academic Letter, Brian Krambeer Award, Mount Mercy University Presidential Scholarship, Freshmen Academic Scholarship, 4-H Scholarship

Travis Brace: Bigalk Education, Edwin & Bette Squires Endowment, Esther Linderbaum Memorial, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Vince Hornberger & all retired Cresco Fire Fighters, Presidents Education Award-Silver, United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Music Award, ACT Special Recognition

Marissa Bronner: Nathan Moellers Memorial, Bigalk Education, Folsom, Don Shields Memorial, FFA, Timothy J. Schmitt Memorial, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold, Military Enlistment-Iowa Army National Guard, Buena Vista University Beaver Visit Grant, Choir Letter, 4-H Senior Recognition

Abby Buls: Cresco Fine Arts Council, Bigalk Education, Folsom, John Z. Smith Memorial, Sarah (Bessie) Saywell Memorial Endowment, HWEA, Academic Letter, Mountain Climbers Award, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir, Director’s Award

Kendal Butikofer: Bigalk Education, Muriel Riehle Memorial Endowment, Choir Letter 

Chance Carter: Howard County Special Needs Association, Bigalk Education, Folsom, Bigalk Family Endowment, MiEnergy Cooperative, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir, Director’s Award, Luther Distinction Scholarship, Martin Luther Award, Weston Noble Music Scholarship, Edward H. Dahly Scholarship

Emily Church: Derrill & Delores Davis Memorial, Alan W. Burnikel D.V.M. Memorial, Nathan Moellers Memorial, Bigalk Education, Folsom, Don Shields Memorial, FFA, Christina Hixson Opportunity Award for Howard County (worth over $18,000 at Iowa State University), Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold, Iowa State Bar Association Citizenship Award, Choir Letter, Director’s Award, Outstanding Choral Music Award, John Phillip Sousa Award, 4-H Scholarship

Hunter Crouch: Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust

Kyler Curtis: NICC CPC Award

Nicholas Dietzenbach: New Horizons (Cresco Chamber of Commerce), Eagle Scout, Silver Cord-80-Hour Certificate, Silver Cord, United States Naval Academy Certificate of Appointment, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold, Iowa State Bar Association Citizenship Award, Governor’s Scholar Recognition, ACT Special Recognition

Dae’Auna Dixon: Earl J. Widman, Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Bigalk Family Endowment, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Ralph Lybbert Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, Presidents Education Award-Silver, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir, Wartburg College Grant, Opportunity Scholarship, Diversity Scholarship, Alumni Referral

Jenna Dotzler: UAW-Local 120, Bigalk Education, Folsom, Don Shields Memorial, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold

Tori Eckard: Earl J. Widman, Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Edwin & Bette Squires Endowment, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Wilma Weinkauf Memorial Endowment, FFA, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold, University of Northern Iowa Panther Impact Award

Abbey Fencl: Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, George Clynch Memorial, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Mary Lou Salisbury, Turkey River Pheasants Forever, Joseph & Martha Pecinovsky Scholarship, Silver Cord, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold, Des Moines Register Academic All-State, NICC Foundation (CUSB Bank Scholarship)

Audrey Ferrie: Cresco Kiwanis Club, James W. Dietzenbach: Peace, Humanitarian & Volunteerism, Bigalk Education, Melbern Buresh and Dorothy Buresh Education, Edwin & Bette Squires Endowment, Muriel Riehle Memorial Endowment, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Cresco American Legion Post 135, Knights of Columbus, New Horizons (Cresco Chamber of Commerce), Silver Cord, Academic Letter, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir, Director’s Award, 4-H Scholarship

Kyleigh Foster: Elder G. & Marlys Hoines Foundation, L & L Memorial, Bigalk Education, Edwin & Bette Squires Endowment, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, American Legion Auxiliary Citizenship Award, Alliant Energy Children of Employees, James C. Davis Award, 9-Letter Award, Silver Cord, Academic Letter, KIMT-TV Scholastic Award, St. Ambrose University Academic Scholarship, Women’s XC and Track Athletic Scholarship

Carter Fousek: Alan W. Burnikel D.V.M. Memorial, Bigalk Education, Hazel Ratz Memorial, United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award, Iowa State University Wrestling Scholarship

Matthew Frohn: Bigalk Education, George Clynch Memorial, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, NICC Foundation (Bodine Electric Company), NICC CPC Award

Parker Gallagher: Dr. Boeding, Speltz and Wernimont Family Dentistry, Bigalk Education, Folsom, Farmer’s Shipping Association of Harmony, Minn., Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, Cresco Wildlife Club, Turkey River Pheasants Forever, Academic Letter, Hawkeye Community College Redtail Achievement Scholarship

Ethan Govern: Leonard & Nora Kreitzer Memorial, Ross Wilson Memorial (sponsored by Bob’s Electric), Cresco Kiwanis Club, CUSB Bank, Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, SPC Christopher Wesley Opat Memorial, Edwin & Bette Squires Endowment, George “Chris” Flanagan Memorial, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, WA TAN YE, Knights of Columbus, Todd E. Schmauss Memorial, Kari Lyn Anderson Spirit Award, Silver Cord, Academic Letter, 4-H Scholarship, NICC Foundation (Deco Products Endowed Scholarship), NICC CPC Award

Taryn Grube: Bigalk Education, Bigalk Family Endowment, A. Lunderbaum Memorial, Hazel Ratz Memorial, FFA, Shay Peckham Memorial, Timothy J. Schmitt Memorial, Academic Letter, Choir Letter

Noah Hageman: Bigalk Education, Folsom, Cresco Wildlife Club, NICC CPC Award

Paul Hanni: Cresco Wildlife Club, UAW-Local 120, Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Bigalk Family Endowment, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, NICC CPC Award

Addisson Hershberger: Bigalk Education, Don Shields Memorial, Million Pennies Project, Academic Letter, Iowa Central Community College Merit Scholarship

Ashton Howe: NICC CPC Award

Braydon Hubka: Thomas H. Tlusty Memorial, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust

Jaden Huebbe: Bigalk Education, Don Shields Memorial, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold, Military Enlistment-Marine Corps

Jason Hurd: Military Enlistment-Air Force, Choir Letter, Director’s Award, NICC CPC Award

Peyton Ihns: Cresco Kiwanis Club, George Clynch Memorial, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence, Perfect Attendance-Senior Year, Knights of Columbus Citizenship Award, Concordia University Presidential Scholarship, Legacy Scholarship, Football Scholarship

Brayden Ishman: Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial 

Joshua Jensen: Elwood Family, Bigalk Education, Featherlite Trailers Inc., Bethany Housewares, Eagle Scout, Perfect Attendance-Grades 9-12

Carter Johnson: Howard County Experimental Farm, Bigalk Education, Folsom, Cresco American Legion Post 135, Knights of Columbus, Howard County Soil & Water Conservation

Adrien Jones: Choir Letter

Kendrik Juelsgaard: Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Muriel Riehle Memorial Endowment, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, Turkey River Pheasants Forever, Choir Letter, NICC Foundation (Norplex Micarta Scholarship)

Caleb Kammerer: Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Muriel Riehle Memorial Endowment, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, American Legion Citizenship Award, Bernie Saggau Award, 9-Letter Award, Silver Cord-80-Hour Certificate, Silver Cord, Academic Letter, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir, Director’s Award, Wartburg College Regents Scholarship, Music Scholarship

Dalin Kitchen: L & L Memorial, Bigalk Education, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir

Lyli Kunert: David Elwood Memorial, Evans Memorial Home, Bigalk Education, Muriel Riehle Memorial Endowment, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, Lime Springs Junior Club, MiEnergy Cooperative, Perfect Attendance-Senior Year, Silver Cord, Academic Letter, Choir Letter, 4-H Senior Recognition

Haley Loden: Presidents Education Award-Silver, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir

Ethan Mast: Howard County Experimental Farm, Bigalk Education, Don Shields Memorial, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Iowa State University Jesse v. Coles Scholarship

Colten Miller: Thomas H. Tlusty Memorial, H&S Motors, Kenneth and Ruth Burr Family, Kenneth Bartell Memorial, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Lime Springs Junior Club, Military Enlistment-Iowa Army National Guard, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir, Director’s Award, NICC CPC Award

Randy Mittelstadt: Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Silver

Logan Moore: Bigalk Education, Folsom, Muriel Riehle Memorial Endowment, Sarah (Bessie) Saywell Memorial Endowment, Fourth District American Legion Auxiliary, Cresco American Legion Auxiliary Post 135, Academic Letter, Choir Letter

Berlin Nibbelink: Geneva Prinz Memorial, Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, Silver Cord, Academic Letter

Jackie Niewoehner: Academic Letter

Albert-Kenneth Okine: L & L Memorial, Marion E. Jerome Foundation, Earl J. Widman, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Hazel Ratz Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, American Legion Auxiliary Citizenship Award, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold, College Board National Recognition Award, ACT Special Recognition, Grinnell College Founder’s Scholarship

Madison Ollendieck: Evans Memorial Home, Regional Health Services of Howard County, Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Marsha A Koudelka Memorial, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, WA TAN YE, Knights of Columbus, Kari Lyn Anderson Spirit Award, Silver Cord, Knights of Columbus Citizenship Award, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold

Sadie Omar: Brenda Steffens Johnson Scholarship, Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, Academic Letter, NICC Foundation (CUSB Bank Scholarship)

Nicole Pecinovsky: Elder G. & Marlys Hoines Foundation, Evans Memorial Home, L & L Memorial, Bigalk Education, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, Silver Cord, Academic Letter, KWWL-TV Scholastic Award

Trent Pisney: NICC CPC Award

Dylan Rahlf: Howard County Peace Officers, Elwood Family, Bigalk Education, Wartburg College Presidential Scholarship

Ashley Reicks: Dawn Davis Meyer Memorial, Eugenia Tolle Memorial, Howard County Special Needs Association, PEI (Professional Educators of Iowa), Bigalk Education, Folsom, Sarah (Bessie) Saywell Memorial Endowment, Sue Rance McEachran Memorial, FFA, Silver Cord, Academic Letter, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir, Director’s Award, Outstanding Musical Theatre Award, 4-H Scholarship

Hailey Reicks: Bigalk Education, Shields Family Endowment, NICC Foundation (Jim & Pat Anderson Scholarship)

Brylee Ruppert: Geneva Prinz Memorial, Bigalk Education, Edwin & Bette Squires Endowment, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold

Noah Ruroden: Bigalk Education, NICC CPC Award

Cameron Scheidel: Howard County Experimental Farm, Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Turkey River Pheasants Forever, Academic Letter

Landen Schemmel: Evans Memorial Home, Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust

Brady Schlangen: Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Academic Letter

Cole Schmauss: Bigalk Education, Don Shields Memorial, Todd E. Schmauss Memorial, Mountain Climbers Award

Bryce Shea: NICC CPC Award

Dylan Shultz: Howard County Experimental Farm, Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Bigalk Family Endowment, Melbern Buresh and Dorothy Buresh Education, Don Shields Memorial, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Christina Hixson Opportunity Award for Howard County (worth over $18,000 at Iowa State University), Academic Letter, Mountain Climbers Award, Choir Letter, NEIC Honor Choir, Director’s Award

Timothy Slade: Earl J. Widman, Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Hazel Ratz Memorial

Kendel Slavin: Oneota Study Club, Bigalk Education, Wanda (Williams) Beeler Memorial, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Kessel/Williams Families Endowment, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, American Legion Citizenship Award, United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award, Silver Cord-80-Hour Certificate, Silver Cord, Academic Letter

Adam Snow: Academic Letter, Presidents Education Award-Gold

Alyssa Sobolik: Bigalk Education, Folsom, Bigalk Family Endowment, Academic Letter, Luther College Achievement Award, Edward H. Dahly Scholarship, 4-H Senior Recognition

Chloe St. Clair: Bigalk Education, Oak Creek Dental

Gabriel Steven: Military Enlistment-Marine Corps

Jaydan Teslow: Bigalk Education, Mary Lou Salisbury Foundation, Featherlite Trailers Inc., George Clynch Memorial, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Vincent & Stephen Squires Memorial, Silver Cord, Academic Letter

Kirsten Turvold: Thomas H. Tlusty Memorial, Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust

Emily Voyna: Marion E. Jerome Foundation, James W. Dietzenbach: Peace, Humanitarian & Volunteerism, Bigalk Education, Lowell Sovereign Memorial (sponsored by Gladys Sovereign), Edwin & Bette Squires Endowment, Mary J. Kepros Memorial, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Howard County Farm Bureau, MiEnergy Cooperative, Reicks View Farms, 9-Letter Award, Silver Cord, Academic Letter, KIMT-TV Scholastic Award, University of Northern Iowa Panther Success Award

Fletcher Weigert: Military Enlistment-Marine Corps

Keagan Wemark: Derrill & Delores Davis Memorial, Bigalk Education, Don Shields Memorial, Arthur & Mary K. Nielsen Memorial, Academic Letter, Choir Letter

Carly Worple: Thomas H. Tlusty Memorial, Bigalk Education, Donald C. Larsen Memorial Trust, Harold and Mildred Reutlinger Memorial, James W. and Irene E. Maxwell Memorial Scholarship, Academic Letter, University of Northern Iowa Panther Impact Award