For nearly 50 years, we’ve had the privilege of celebrating something very special each spring—the next chapter for local students.

Behind each name is a story shaped by years of hard work, encouragement, and support from teachers, coaches, and families who helped them get here.

This year, we awarded $750 scholarships to outstanding students from Pella Community High School, Pella Christian High School, and Knoxville High School, along with a homeschooled student. Our annual donation to Melcher-Dallas continues as well, supporting all Melcher-Dallas students that participate in Dollars for Scholars program.

For Allison Van Wyngarden, who sits on the Dollars for Scholars Board, recognizes the hard work that precedes these awards is sometimes matched by the challenge of paying for the next step. "Paying for college can be challenging for many families, which is why we are honored to support students each year through these scholarships. A well deserved congratulations to all our 2026 scholarship recipients and best of luck as you continue your education."

Each recipient represents countless early mornings, late nights, and quiet determination in classrooms, on stages, on fields, and in their communities. That kind of growth doesn’t happen alone—it’s shaped by teachers who encourage, challenge, and help students see what’s possible.

For Josh Nelson, who also sits on the Dollar for Scholars Board, being part of the evening brings those stories to life in a meaningful way. “It’s an honor to work for a bank that truly values continuing education. Getting to meet the students really does make the impact of these awards so much more tangible. You get to see their appreciation firsthand.”

To each of these students—and to the teachers who helped guide them—we’re grateful to celebrate this moment with you. We can’t wait to see where your path leads next.

Join us as we celebrate our 2026 scholarship recipients:

Pella Community High School & Homeschooled

  • Emily Huston
  • Parker Richards
  • Daniel Rozenboom
  • Mason Gaulke
  • Riley Sterk
  • Cora Ebelsheiser

Pella Christian High School

  • Devan Runner
  • Grant Vander Wilt
  • Brecken Ritzert
  • Amaia Agre
  • Nyah Melo Rodriguez

Knoxville High School

  • Jayden De Heer
  • Grant Gerdes
  • Kyler Gifford
  • George Gilbert (Class of ’24)
  • Madison Shimek (Class of ’23)

Melcher-Dallas High School
Our annual donation will again be shared among participating students through the Dollars for Scholars program.

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