2008 Scholarship Winners

Kathryn Ann Kimpston-Burkgen, daughter of Thomas Burkgen and Susan Kimpston of Perry.  Kathryn has been a student at the Perry Community High School all four years where she has been active in the student council, the big buddy program, resistance skill leader, national honor society, fellowship of Christian athletes, band, basketball, track, cross country, and the French club. She is also active in the Panther Creek Youth Group, 4-H, and as a youth representative of the Church of the Brethren District Board. Kathryn enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her animals. Her career goal is to become a food animal veterinarian and possibly research emerging animal diseases.  She has chosen to continue her education at Iowa State University in the fall. Dallas County Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners were proud to announce Kathryn as their top choice for their $750 scholarship. Kathryn's application will also be sent on to compete for regional and state awards. 

Lauren Ashley Chesmore, daughter of Kent and Stephanie Chesmore of West Des Moines. Lauren has been a student of the Waukee High School all four years where she has been active on the swim team, the golf team, jazz band, marching band, the national honor society and mock trial. She is also active in the youth group at Jordan Creek Methodist Church where she has volunteered for vacation bible school every summer. She has also volunteered at the Waukee public library and helped the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited. In her free time, Lauren enjoys horseback riding, hunting, fishing, dog training, reading and scrap booking. Her career goals include living and working in a rural environment, preferably with horses and other large animals as a practicing veterinarian. Lauren has also chosen Iowa State University to continue with her education. The District Commissioners have chosen Lauren as their second place scholarship winner of $750.

These local scholarships are in conjunction with the state Conservation Districts of Iowa scholarship program. Only students who plan to continue their education in the fields of agriculture or natural resources need apply.