Dole Institute scholars part of more than $1.4 million in Kansas scholarships
LAWRENCE — The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas awarded 30 Sen. Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholarships of $1,000 each to recent Kansas high school graduates for the 2014-2015 academic year.
The scholarship program recognizes graduating seniors statewide who have volunteered in their communities and maintained a 3.0 or higher grade-point average.
Aligned with the primary mission of the Dole Institute of Politics, the scholarship program encourages young Kansans to get involved in politics, government and community service.
“The Dole Institute of Politics provides many opportunities for Dole Scholars to become involved in civic engagement and continue their interest in public service,” said Barbara Ballard, director of the scholarship program and associate director of the Institute. “We hope the scholarships will inspire students to take their public service interest to the next level as they develop academically to become future leaders.”
Funded by two federal grants from NASA, the scholarship program began with 40 scholarships each year in 2005 and 2006. From 2007-2009, a total of 128 new scholarships were awarded annually. All scholarships could be renewed up to three times. Scholarship recipients were required to complete 100 community service hours per year. Students have provided more than 100,000 service hours in Kansas.
The scholarships, now totaling more than $1.4 million to date, have been distributed among the state’s four congressional districts to ensure the broadest statewide opportunity and participation.
Scholars must enroll at one of the six Kansas Board of Regents universities or Washburn University in Topeka. Regents universities are the University of Kansas, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University and Wichita State University.
“It’s great to see so many young Kansans interested in public service each year,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute. “Helping them understand the challenges and rewards of public life is invaluable.”
The Dole Public Service Scholarship program was administered by Scholarship Management Services, a department of Scholarship America, a national nonprofit educational support and student aid service organization that seeks to expand educational opportunities and encourage educational achievement. Awards were granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, disability or national origin.
Ballard formally announced the new scholars during a luncheon program at the Dole Institute this past summer. The scholars and their guests received remarks from the luncheon’s keynote speaker, Paul Buskirk, associate athletics director for Student Athlete Support Services at KU, Lacy and Ballard.
2014 Dole Scholars and their Kansas hometowns
Savannah Sherwood, Assaria
Tracy Schmitz, Axtell
Tricia Schmitz, Axtell
Caitlyn Kohake, Baileyville
Clayton Jackson, Cedar Point
Ashley Peterson, Clifton
Kristen Martin, Colwich
Kyle Fleming, Formoso
Sarah Bellar, Howard
Anna Setter, Humboldt
Jena Klaas, Kansas City
Rebecca Reilly, Leavenworth
Muriel Eaton, Leawood
Samantha Hurst, Lenexa
Ty Nienke, Lorraine
Crysta Moon, Mission
Carson Jennings, Moline
Bailey Poe, Norwich
Hannah Leiker, Olathe
Amy McClain, Overland Park
Alyssa Bianchino, Overland Park
Hannah Kineman, Paola
Gentry Gideon, Paxico
Tristan Davis, Princeton
Leea Juenemann, Selden
Brianna McNickle, Stafford
Chad Hildebrand, Stafford
Ashley Ebeck, Wellsville
Brendan Mousley, Wichita
Jenny Nguyen, Wichita.
The Dole Institute of Politics is dedicated to promoting public service, civic engagement and politics. It is located on KU’s west campus and, in addition to the Robert J. Dole Archive & Special Collections, offers free public programming with world-renowned guest speakers on a variety of topics that intersect politics, as well as opportunities for students of all ages.