NORFOLK, Neb. – Every student who seeks higher education travels on his or her own path, no matter which institution they attend.
Some students work and go to school, some take a variety of classes to discover their interests, while others have a goal in mind and commit their time and effort to it.
Northeast Community College has many students who fit those categories and more, including Scott Scholars. This is the first year Northeast has the Walter Scott Jr., Career Pathway Scholarship. These students are identified as leaders who are serious about their studies. They were honored last month at the Scott Scholars Honors Convocation at the Lifelong Learning Center.
“You have a passion for learning that sets you apart,” said Kara Woehler, director of the Scott Pathway Scholarship Program at Northeast.
“Let this moment serve not only as a moment of a reflection of what you have achieved, but also an inspiration for the great heights you are yet to achieve. Every paper you write, every experiment you conduct and every challenge that you overcome lays the foundation for future discovery and impact. The habits of curiosity, discipline and resilience that you have cultivated will lead you well as you navigate the complexities of the future.”
Excellence is not merely about personal success, but about using one’s knowledge and talent to make meaningful contributions to society, she said.
“Continue with the ambitious goals, remain curious and strive for the best versions of yourselves,” Woehler said. “Remember excellence is not just about reaching the summit, but about the continuous ascent, always reaching higher, no matter how high you already have climbed.”
Lisa Goodwin of Omaha, who is the assistant director of Education for the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation, came to Norfolk for the convocation. She said it was apparent that the right students were chosen.
The first semester is always a difficult one because it is the transition from home to a new school, sometimes moving far away and adjusting to a new roommate. She encouraged the students to set goals for the second semester.
Goodwin said Walter Scott, Jr., was a strong believer in goal setting. He always wanted goals to be something that a person had to reach for but yet were realistic.
“You’ll have times when you are not sure you’re going to be able to reach them. And you’re going to have times when you are not sure you want to reach them. The point is, you establish goals, and you stick to it.”
Scott, who was the CEO of Peter Kiewit for nearly 20 years, helped the firm grow into the international construction and engineering firm it has become.
Leah Barrett, Northeast president, spoke to the students about leadership. She emphasized authenticity, integrity, courage and sustainability. She called on the students during the talk, asking them what the terms meant to them.
Among other things, Barrett asked the students if their values were evident when they were with their friends, whether it was sitting around a table or being in a classroom. Leadership includes doing what is right, even if you think people might not be watching.
“You have to realize that people are going to be looking at you and what you do,” she said. “Your integrity is always with you.”
McKayla Thege, Scott Scholars coordinator, along with Woehler and Goodwin, distributed certificates to the students, noting their achievement.
The Walter Scott Jr. Career Pathway Scholarship students, listed alphabetically and with majors and hometowns, are:
Jillian Adams, Agribusiness; Scribner; Grant Barr, Diversified Agriculture; Clarinda, Iowa; Makenna Beberniss, Veterinary Technology; Saint Paul; Brooke Brengelman, Horticulture; Albion;
Dalya Dearmont, Veterinary Technology; Bassett; James Doyle, Information Technology; Osmond; Cohen Gallagher, Information Technology; Norfolk; Adyson Groteluschen, Agriculture-College Transfer; Columbus;
Kayton Hall, Agronomy; Laurel; Colton Kallhoff, Information Technology; Yankton, S.D.; Colson Krebs, Agribusiness; Neligh; Dalton Lewandowski, Agronomy; Loup City; Spencer Nickolite; Diversified Agriculture; Bellwood;
Yazmin Sanchez, Pre-Professional Engineering; Norfolk; Owen Schieffer, Pre-Professional Engineering; Lincoln; Parker Slobaszeski, Agribusiness; Loup City; Kelsy Steffen, Agribusiness; West Point;
Trey Stewart, Agribusiness; Wisner; David Switzer, Animal Science; Burwell; Hadley Vannness, Agribusiness; Wausa; Hayle Wachter, Agribusiness; Blair; Mason Wendt, Agribusiness; Ravenna; Miles Wright; Agriculture-College Transfer; Burwell.
Scott Scholars photo
The Walter Scott Jr. Pathway Scholarship students at Northeast Community College were honored during a convocation last month at the Lifelong Learning Center. (Northeast Community College)
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