Et cetera : Lillie Lamont chosen as one of the 2020 Governor's Scholar Program Recipients

The Iowa High School Athletic Association, in cooperation with Governor Kim Reynolds' office and title sponsor, the Iowa Farm Bureau have named the recipients of the Governor's Scholarship Program. Among those is Vinton-Shellsburg Senior Lillie Lamont.

Iowa's top academic students have been chosen for the 2020 Governor's Scholar Program. The Governor's Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and its title sponsor, the Iowa Farm Bureau, are presenting this recognition which began in 2003.

The 425 seniors being honored were selected by their high schools as the highest academic achievers. All students will receive a recognition plaque and certificate to commemorate their achievement. The in-person ceremony for this year was canceled due to COVID-19 and the ongoing guidelines concerning public gatherings. With that in mind, the student honorees are being announced via news release, social media and the IHSAA website. The recognition plaques and certificates are being sent to their home address this week.

"Iowa has a proud history of educational excellence, and this year's honorees are a product of that tradition," said Governor Kim Reynolds in a letter to the students. "You are a role model for your community and all students across the state. In these unprecedented times, it is your generation who will lead us into new opportunities in science, technology, agriculture, education and business in the coming years."

Students have been encouraged to share their award utilizing #iahsseniors and the #IAGovScholar with social media posts. To date, the online footprint celebrating the students includes more than 140,000 people across Iowa.

"With schools closed, friends and family being kept at a distance and our lives abruptly put on hold, I can imagine how disheartened this year's senior class feels," said Craig Hill, Iowa Farm Bureau president, in remarks to the student honorees. "Please know it does not take away from your accomplishments or the incredible things you will achieve in the future."

In addition to being recognized as the state's brightest students, more than 99 percent of the group participates in school activities. More than 60 percent plan to pursue their post-secondary education in Iowa.

"The principles learned through academic success, like those learned from participation in school activities, help develop outstanding young leaders," said IHSAA executive director Tom Keating. "The partnership between the IHSAA and the Iowa Farm Bureau, along with the great cooperation of the Governor's Office has made this prestigious program possible for many years."

As well as being recognized as the state's brightest students, more than 99 percent of the group participates in school activities. More than 60 percent plan to pursue their post-secondary education in Iowa.

To view the complete list, click here.

Note: The largest 64 schools in Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Education BEDS document, were invited to select two seniors who are the highest academic achievers for their first seven semesters. All other schools were invited to select one senior who was the highest academic achiever for their first seven semesters.