Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University has awarded Kassebaum Scholarships to five Kansas high school seniors.

The scholarship competition was Jan. 27. The university received 189 applications, and a selection committee chose 12 student finalists to interview for the scholarship. Of those interviewed, five students were chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship. Each Kassebaum finalist received a four-year renewable scholarship.

Named in honor of former Kansas Sen. Nancy Kassebaum-Baker, the Kassebaum Scholarship recognizes students whose academic and extracurricular achievements reflect the potential for and desire to make a difference through energetic leadership in the public service arena.

The Kassebaum Scholarship has been awarded to 87 students since its inception in 2001. Kansas State University leads all public universities in Truman, Rhodes, Goldwater and Udall scholars in the last 25 years, and often recipients of these prestigious scholarships come from the Kassebaum Scholarship program.

"K-State is honored to recognize students who have a passion for public service and want to pursue a career in this area. I am confident these students will have a lasting impact here at K-State and do great things for our university," said Kirk Schulz, university president. "Attracting top-notch students such as our Kassebaum finalists is important for K-State's goal of becoming a Top 50 public research university by 2025."

"The selection of these incredible students was extremely difficult and rewarding. It is through President Schulz's vision and the generous support of our alumni that make this scholarship possible. Given what these winners and finalists have already accomplished, the future of K-State and our nation is in very good shape," said Pat Bosco, university vice president for student life and dean of students.

Recipients of Kansas State University's $5,000 Kassebaum Scholarship are:

Darja Meskin, Bucklin, Bucklin High School; Garrett Wilkinson, Hutchinson, Buhler Higher School; Anne Lind, Lenexa, St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Julia Satzler, Manhattan, Riley County High School; and Anna Sunderland, Sabetha, Sabetha High School.

Finalists for the Kassebaum Scholarship, all receiving a four-year renewable scholarship, include:

Tracy Schmitz, Axtell, Axtell High School; Trenton Kennedy, Frankfort, Frankfort High School; Hannah Gillespie, Grainfield, Wheatland High School; Halston Field, Linwood, Tonganoxie High School; and Lindsay May, Shawnee, St. James Academy.

From out of state: Tiffany Scheid, Westland, Mich., John Glenn High School; and Cheryl Circo, Elkhorn, Neb., Elkhorn South High School.