Nicole Trenkamp is a senior at Preston High School. She was nominated by Elaine Watters:

"I nominate Nicole Trenkamp as the INS Superior Student of the Month. Nicole maintains a grade point average of 3.9 and helps with milking and chores on her family's dairy farm. Nicole is a member of the National Honor Society. She loves sports and is on basketball and softball teams. She runs track and cross-country for the Preston High School. She is currently the southeast district vice-president of the Iowa FFA. Nicole has been a member of the Preston 4H Club for eight years, and has shown in local and state fairs. She is a girl scout and mentor, and is an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Nicole is caring, thoughtful and loyal to her family, her friends and her country. I recommend Nicole Trenkamp, the INS Superior Student of the Month."

Rachel Hansen is a sophomore at Des Moines Christian School. She was nominated by her father Clint Hansen:

"Rachel is an outstanding student with an over 4.3GPA. She is a gifted artist winning many awards including the National Scholastic Gold Key, first places in district art competitions, Iowa State Fair People's Choice, even the Pheasant's Forever limited edition print. She volunteers her gift to create school T-shirts, programs, invitations and year book covers. She has her art published in Australia by a tract publishing company. She has been on the Student Council for 3 years, plays first chair flute and piccolo in marching, concert, jazz and pep band, honor bands (including Iowa State and Drake Honor bands). She has a winning smile and kind heart to those around her. Rachel strives to be her best in everything she does and deserves to be nominated for this honor."

Emily Prelipp is a junior at Algona. She was nominated by teacher/youth leader Christine Shultz:

"My name is Christine Shultz and I chose to nominate Emily Prelipp for the INS Superior Student of the month award because Emily is an outstanding individual, who is very involved with her school, church and community. I am an elementary teacher and the youth leader for our church, Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona. I have had the honor to get to know Emily Prilipp for the past few years. As a young girl, Emily had to face the challenges brought before her when she lost her father to cancer. I am very impressed with her ability to look at life and all of its challenges with a positive outlook. She is certainly one amazing girl. At school, Emily takes part in the band, choir, color guard, volleyball, cheerleading, and golf. She is in the top 5% of her class. She was also invited to an honors banquet where she received an award for her academic ability. Emily also volunteers her time with the Wise Health program through the Algona YMCA. She is a very positive role model to all of her peers and everyone else she encounters. Emily also attended the National Youth Gathering this past summer, with other youth from Trinity Lutheran Church. She was able to attend a service event that helped clear out an overgrown field for a new home to be built for the flood victims of New Orleans. When I think of Emily I think of a strong individual who is not afraid to share her love of life with others. Her smile brings a little piece of sunshine to all that see it."

Michael Anderson is a senior with the Davis County Homeschool Assistance Program. He was nominated by his mother and teacher, Zelda Anderson:

"Scholastic: Michael is a senior who has been homeschool since Kindergarten with the Davis County Homeschool Assistance program. He has done well with his Academics and will be graduating with a 3.86 GPA and is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. He was on the honor roll for 2 years with extra classes he took at the Ottumwa Christian School.

Music: He has played the piano for over 10 years and was able to go to the Southeast Iowa State Competition in 2009 and 2010 receiving a Division I rating both years. For 2 years he enjoyed singing and was a member of GOVAP - the Greater Ottumwa Vocal Arts Project. This group traveled and sang and put on concerts in South East Iowa.

Sports: He has been actively involved with sports playing Basketball for the Ottumwa Christian School and Davis Co. High School; playing on Varsity and Junior Varsity respectively. He also played soccer through all his grade school years and in the 9th grade for the Ottumwa Community Soccer Club. For years he has attended the Gardner Tae Kwon Do class and was able to attain a First Degree Black Belt. In the spring of 2010 he just completed the American Red Cross Course to qualify him as a Life Guard for the local YMCA.

Community & Church: For the community he has been an active volunteer at the local hospital; Ottumwa Regional Health Center for the last 3 years. He is also a teen volunteer for the Heartland Pregnancy Center which is a crisis pregnancy center. He helps with fund raising, practical helps and services. He has been very involved in his church since childhood. As a teen he has worked as a leader for the youth group, assisted with the Awana kids Club, helped with youth and mission fund raising, working as an assistant in the Sunday School and nursery, helping with church maintenance, and other needs as they have arrived. He is an active member in the youth group. He has also assisted with the greeting visitor programs. During his grade school years he worked hard on receiving the Timothy Awana Trophy at Northgate Alliance Church. The work to achieve this award is similar to working for an Eagle Scout Award. For his community he has helped with the "Make Ottumwa Shine" program cleaning up streets and parks of litter. One spring in particular he and his family worked on a major highway and park area that helped prepare for the Ragbrai Biking Event that brings bikers from all over Iowa as well as from around the world through different cities in Iowa 2009 coming through Ottumwa. He also served as a volunteer helper for the NICHE (Network of Christian Home Educators) convention held each summer in Des Moines. This is the state convention for families that are homeschooling in Iowa.

Politics: For the last 2 years he has been an active member of an organization called TeenPact. This is a National Civic Leadership training program. He attended week long classes at the Des Moines State Capital learning how to be actively involved as a citizen with the political process. After the state convention he went to the National Convention where he participated in mock presidential elections. He also served in the fall of 2008 at the Republican local office in helping with campaign calling and work for the election. At his homeschool group in the fall of 2008 via mock elections he attempted to become President of the Herald Homeschool group. Him and his running mate placed second during these school elections."

Tonni Engle is a senior at Ottumwa High School. She was nominated by her mother Julie Engle:

"Tonni is an all around superior young lady! I am, of course, a little biased, being her mother. However, Tonni is a very dedicated student and her hard work over the years has earned her very good results. Tonni is very mature and highly committed to her education and extracurricular activities. Here are a few examples...President of the Ottumwa High Scool Future Educations Association (FEA), President of Tes Trams Sorority, member of Friends of Rachel, Teen Pregnancy Task Force, Students Against Destructive Desicions (SADD), Just Eliminate Lies (JEL), Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Girls Scouts (13 years), cheerleader (4 years), jazz-tap-ballet (15 years). I could go on and on. While being involved all these activities and working a part-time job she maintained and excellant GPA. Also her community service with Festival of Trees, Race For The Cure, Relay For Life, these are just a few to mention. She also started and organized a fundraiser in Ottumwa, Flock for the Cure to raise money for local Breast Cancer Awareness by flocking yards with Flamingos (because of my breast cancer). I believe her outstanding leadership, community service, dedication and leadership by example shows why she is a worthy candidate for INS Student of the Month."

Carsen Anderson is a junior at Storm Lake High School. He was nominated by teacher Jay Grimes:

"Carsen Anderson is an outstanding student. He is a member of the National Honor Society boasting a cumulative GPA of 4.0. Carsen demonstrates his school spirit through his extraordinary participation of extra-curricular activities. He’s active in baseball (3 yrs), basketball (3 yrs), football (2 yrs), tennis (2 yrs), cross-country (1 yr), concert and jazz band (2 yrs), choir (1 yr), and speech. He has received numerous varsity letter awards, is captain of the basketball team, and a 1st team all Lakes Conference basketball selection. While on the playing field, Carsen is a fierce competitor, but tempers that competitiveness with an easy going sense of humor, and a healthy attitude of fair play.

Carsen has also been involved in his community by volunteering to work with youth through the community education athletic programs and the Dollars for Scholars fund raising activities. He is also active in his church youth group community service projects and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes leadership and planning committee. I heartily nominate Carsen for this award. His vigor for learning and serving the community reflect credit upon himself and Storm Lake High School."

Rachel Proffitt is a junior at Solon. She was nominated by teacher Joel Foreman:

"Rachel is one of the most outstanding students with which I have had the pleasure of working. She is involved in our concert band, jazz band, auditioned choir, jazz choir, and chamber choir. Rachel also performs at State Solo/Ensemble Contest each year and State Large Group Contest in the Spring. Groups in which she has been enrolled have received multiple superior ratings and consistently score at the top of their respective class. Rachel has also played principal roles in our musical every fall, been a member of our Varsity Volleyball team and is the drum major of our marching band.

Moreover, Rachel continually goes above and beyond the responsibilities of an ensemble member to ensure both her success and the success of others. She if frequently offering extra time to help with organizational needs, is the first person to arrive at rehearsal to help directors with setup, and always the last to leave. Rachel brings a positive spirit to every group and every rehearsal and maintains a ready and willing attitude no matter what the circumstance. She is a privilege to have in class and I give her my strongest recommendation. If a student like Rachel comes along once every 15 years, I'd consider myself and our program lucky!"

Mariana Ramirez is a senior at Schaller-Crestland. She was nominated by teacher Kelly Wiener:

"Mariana is a true Scahller-Crestland success story. She is an inspiration to all of our students as she shows daily what hard work and determination can accomplish. Mariana arrived in the United States as a 5th grader. She started her education at Schaller-Crestland as a 6th grader with limited English and a burning desire to learn. As a senior, Mariana is planning to attend Buena Vista University and major in pre-dentistry and minor is psychology. Mariana has had many obstacles to overcome and yet she accepts all honors and awards with grace. She is the most appreciative person I have ever met. As a teacher, it is a joy to have a student who sets such a high bar for all of us through her actions and her work ethic. Mariana is not just a superior student, she is a superior person and I nominate her for your fine award and honor."

Luke Symonds is a senior at Cumberland-Anita-Massena (CAM). He was nominated by Debra Brown who says:

"Each and every Friday night Luke Symonds takes the field. He's one of the smallest players on the gridiron. As a 5'8", 155 pound starter on the fifth-ranked CAM football team, Luke has never let his small stature be a deterrent to success. Instead, he's used this challenge to not only motivate himself but encourage others as well.

Luke's leadership spans far beyond athletics. For the past four years, Luke has helped organize and sponsor benefit basketball tournaments, involving youth from more than eight different communities. Designed to encourage fun and fellowship among teenagers, this annual event has also raised dollars to assist the needy with medical expenses and restock depleted food pantries.

From athletics to school and community events, Luke Symonds has devoted many hours to improving the quality of life for others. His positive attitude, great work ethic, and ability to lead others by his example make him a worthy candidate for the INS Superior Student of the Month Award."

Jason Meyer is a junior at Olin Consolidated School. He was nominated by Brenda Farrington who says:

"I believe Jason Meyer deserves to be recognized as an INS Superior Student for several reasons. Jason is a junior at Olin High School. Jason is a superior student in academics as well as community involvement, drama, church, sports and music. Jason demonstrates excellence in all he does. Jason is from a single parent home and you could not ask for a more dependable, polite and giving young man to be a part of our future."

Connor Lange is a senior at Lenox Community Schools. He was nominated by Principal Ken Myers, who says:

"Connor carries a 3.62 GPA and is a major player in football, basketball, and baseball. The 2008 football team won the State Championship and he played a key role. Also the 2009 Baseball team finished runners-up and he again played a key role. He is the starting center on the basketball team. His GPA has him leading his class and he is a member of the National Honor Society."

Caine Westergard is a senior at Akron-Westfield high school. She was nominated by Julie Beitelspacher Assistant Vice-President of Primebank, who says:

"Caine has a great personality and 'shines' in everything she takes part in. She is an All-American girl who lives on a farm in northwest Iowa. She works hard and sets goals and achieves them with success. I got to know Caine through my volunteer work with 4-H in our county. I have watched her grow over these last 8 years and am proud to say she is from Plymouth County!"

Callie Clow is a high school student at Lineville-Clio. She was nominated by teacher Pat Marolf.

"Callie, a student of mine in middle school, was looking for a work study position for her senior year. It was suggested she work in the elementary library which is across from my classroom. As we have only a part-time librarian, it fell to me to supervise her on a daily basis. She spends one period every day in the library doing all the basic library chores; she cards books, keeps the shelves in order, and reads to the younger students on occasion. Callie does all of this with a smile on her face and a willingness to do whatever is asked of her.

Callie is a very good student but will probably not be one recognized for her superior scholastic ability, as her class has many with excellent academic records. Callie is polite and courteous, dependable and reliable, and is just a very nice young lady. I would love to see her receive recognition for her work in keeping our elementary library functioning as it should."

Tate Dusanek is a student at Midland High School. He was nominated by his mother Tara Hay-Dusanek.

"Tate is an all-around superior young man! I am, of course, a little biased, being his mother and all! However, along with his school work as a Junior at Midland High School, Tate is a four-sport athlete, keeps above a 3.0 GPA (while taking college-level courses as a Junior), holds a part-time job at Casey's, is a member and usher at our church, a volunteer counselor at Camp Wyoming in the summer, has been elected to attend American Legion Boy's State this year, and has been a member of school groups such as S.T.A.N.D. (Students Against Negative Decisions) and LRP (Leadership Resiliency Program). He just finished participating in the State Speech contest in the Improv category. He does all this while being a great big brother to his two little sisters, who do their best to annoy him incessantly. He also plays a mean guitar on the video game Guitar Hero. He IS one of my heroes, and his Dad and I are both proud that he is our son."

Chelsey Anderson is a senior at Laurens-Marathon School. She was nominated by teacher Nancy Kunickis:

"Chelsey is a very dedicated student and her hard work over the years has earned her very good results. The successes that she has received at Laurens-Marathon are a reflection of her abilities and hard work. Chelsey is very dedicated, mature and highly committed to her education and extracurricular activities.

Chelsey leads by example, and that is evident in how she lives her life. She is active in her church,community, school, and extracurricular activities. Chelsey even did a mission trip to another country through her church. As an educator I have watched Chelsey grow, seen her talents and abilities not only in the classroom, but outside its walls grow as well. I urge you to consider Chelsey Anderson for this recognition. Chelsey is quite simply, a remarkable young woman."