Lynndi Lockenour
Five local high school seniors were each awarded $1000 scholarships at a luncheon held by the St. Charles Optimist Club on Tuesday. The scholarship committee received 24 applications, choosing only five as what they called the best of the best.
“These students demonstrated excellence and are role models for other young people today,” said Chairman of the scholarship committee, Roger Deppe.
Students were evaluated on extra curricular activities, an essay, recommendations from teachers, community service and required to have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher.
The first recipient was Laura Droste of Lutheran High School, St. Charles. Laura will be attending the University of Missouri Columbia in the fall and though she is undecided about her major, she eventually plans on going to law school.
She says she isn’t scared of leaving home. “I’m ready to go,” she said. “I want to meet new people and further my education.”
Laura is the daughter of Jim and Debbie Droste who say they are excited for her. “She is our third child to leave for college,” Debbie said. “We’ll get through it, but it will be challenging to say goodbye again.”
Emily Friedel, of Duchesne High School was the second recipient. She has also received a scholarship from the American Legion Auxiliary. Emily will be attending the University of Missouri, Columbia and plans on majoring in nursing.
“I love children,” she said, “so I’d like to be a pediatric nurse.”
Emily said she is most excited about the freedom college will bring her. “I cannot wait to get to college,” she said. “I’m most excited about the chance to start are over and meet new people.”
Emily is the daughter of Jim and Judy Friedel. Judy is sad about her daughter leaving. “She is the oldest of four children,” she said. “So this is a first of us, but it’s only an hour and a half away so we can visit.”
St. Charles High School student, Adam Henningsen also received a $1000 scholarship. Adam said his favorite part of high school was having the opportunity to play sports. He has also received scholarships from the St. Charles High School Alumni Association and the University of Missouri Excellence Award Committee.
Adam will be attending the University of Missouri where he will major in political science and someday hopes to attend law school. He graduates May 31 and is counting the days.
“I’m excited about graduation, but my only plans for the summer are getting a job and saving up some money for school,” he said. Adam is the son of Blaine and Cheryl Henningsen.
Orchard Farm High School was also represented at Tuesday’s luncheon as Laura Liston took home a scholarship. She will be majoring in marketing, with a possible minor in Spanish as a freshman at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.
Laura is the daughter of Keith and Jeanne Liston who say they are apprehensive about about their daughter moving so far away. “We love having her around the house,” Keith said, “But this just means we’ll be taking more trips to Kansas City.”
He said the ceremony was a nice way to celebrate his daughter’s achievements. “It feels good to have my daughter recognized, but I would have been proud of her no matter what,” he said.
Logan Phillips, representing St. Charles West High School was the final recipient. He says he is most proud of his time management skills. “My greatest accomplishment has been being able to manage everything during my senior year,” he said. “I’m involved in lots of things, so it was difficult at times.”
Logan will attend West Point Military Academy and hopes in ten years to be leading a group of men and women through a jungle somewhere.
Logan’s father isn’t worried about sending him to the academy. “I retired from the air force,” he said, “so I know Logan will do fine.”
Logan is the son of Jim and Debbie Phillips who have a daughter who will be attending law school at the University of Missouri this fall. “It’s nice to see your children succeed,” Jim said.
