Et Cetera

2016 Vinton-Shellsburg High School senior Emily Howes-Vonstein is one of the students whom Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has honored for academic achievement. Emily and the ohter students were honored May 1 in Des Moines. The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor's Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 432 high school seniors from across Iowa.

Valedictorians or top graduating seniors were once again honored by KWWL Television and the University of Northern Iowa on Saturday, April 30. Olivia Ketchen daughter of John Ketchen and Sue Travis, was among the honoreesat this year's event. The students took part in KWWL's 32nd annual "Best of the Class" celebration. Best of the Class students were videotaped on the UNI campus for a series of public service announcements, which can be found on KWWL.

Jamie Rich, a Buena Vista University (BVU) senior psychology major from Belle Plaine, was selected to present research at the annual Midwestern Psychological Association conference in Chicago. This conference is competitive and only allows a certain number of undergraduate students to present. All nine BVU students who submitted projects were accepted.

This year, the Benton Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners are very happy to announce that they have selected two recipients for their Annual Scholarship. Each will receive a $200 scholarship award. Students who reside in Benton County and are pursuing a course of study in the field of Natural Resources or Agriculture are eligible to apply.

Concordia University, Nebraska held its 109th commencement on Saturday, May 7, 2016. The university awarded undergraduate or graduate degrees to 353 graduates in May 2016. Graduates receiving a degree in December 2015, May 2016 or August 2016 were invited to participate in the ceremony. Colonel Eric J. Teegerstrom of Firth, Nebraska, presented the commencement address, and Concordia presented additional honorary awards and degrees.

Buena Vista University's (BVU) twelfth annual Scholars Day was held Friday, April 22. The event provided students from all disciplines an opportunity to present their best presentations, original research, academic posters, artistic creations and performances to their peers, professors and the public. This year's Scholars Day event featured 38 presentations from 66 students, exploring topics from literature and business to science and history.

Birthday Open House for Robert Ohlen 80th Birthday,  May 14th, Saturday,  at Legion Hall in Blairstown from 3-7 PM.   Refreshments will be served.  The family requests no gifts please!  Cards may be sent to 7499 21 st Ave  Blairstown, Iowa 52209          

East-Central Iowa REC is proud to announce it has awarded $1,000 scholarships to two young men who plan to further education in the Powerline Technician program and 10 graduating seniors who plan to further their education as noted below following their names. Congratulations to these deserving students! Powerline Technician Scholarships * Independence High School Senior Drew O’Brien, son of Chad and Amy O’Brien – Northwest Iowa Community College * Braxton Clubb of Vinton, son of Todd Clubb – Northwest Iowa Community College General Ed Scholarships Benton Community High School * Jacob Thomas, son of Robert and Shelly Thomas – University of Northern Iowa Center Point-Urbana High School * Trenton Pfiefer, son of Randall and Jean Pfiefer – Iowa State University East Buchanan High School * Taniesha Goedken, daughter of Dean and Nancy Goedken – Iowa State University Independence High School * Elliott Ryan, son of Michael and Mary Ryan – University of Northern Iowa Oelwein High School * Travis McMillan, son of John and Nancy McMillan – Iowa State University Starmont High School * Ella Hamlett, daughter of Randy and Suzy Hamlett – St.

Jamie Rich, a senior psychology major from Belle Plaine, and nine other Buena Vista University (BVU) students participated in an AWOL (Alternative Week of Off-site Learning) trip during spring break, enabling them to volunteer their time and service with a focus on inner city poverty and homelessness outreach in Washington D.C. The BVU students concerned with helping fight the war on poverty partnered with the Steinbruck Center in Washington D.

Mr. & Mrs. Michael McDonald of Cedar Rapids and Mr. & Mrs. Mike Sharp of Dysart are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Christine Ranae McDonald to Christopher Byron Chamberlain. Chris is the son of Diana Chamberlain of Cedar Rapids. A fall 2017 wedding is planned.   --- Reminder: Vinton Today is in the midst of our annual fundraiser.