Midland Power recently awarded four 1,250 scholarships to students in recognition of their outstanding academic and community achievements. Congratulations to this year's scholarship recipients and all our wonderful area graduates!
Kaylee Koppes of Story City
$1,250 scholarship, courtesy of Midland Power Cooperative
Kaylee Koppes is a senior at Roland‑Story High School and plans to attend Loyola University Chicago this fall, where she will major in chemistry.
She is considering pairing her chemistry studies with coursework in the arts, with long‑term interests that include research and art restoration.
Koppes earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) throughout high school. She is active in a wide range of school and community activities, including color guard, band, choir, and high school and community theater. She has also participated in individual and group speech, peer tutoring, the National Honor Society, Mind Matters, and the Gay‑Straight Alliance.
Zachary Loecke of Ames
$1,250 scholarship, courtesy of Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Zachary Loecke is a senior at Ames High School and plans to attend a four‑year university this fall.
He intends to major in economics with minors in environmental science and finance, with the goal of pursuing a business‑focused career that allows him to make a positive impact in Iowa.
Loecke has earned a 4.3 GPA at Ames High School. His academic honors include being named an AP Scholar with Honor, received multiple academic letters, and was recognized through the Lamp of Knowledge Award.
Loecke has been deeply involved in student leadership, serving as president of the Ames High Student Council and president of DECA, where he is a four‑time state champion. He also serves as treasurer of the Ames High School National Honor Society.
In addition to school leadership, Loecke is active in Boone County 4‑H, where he serves as club president and county leadership council treasurer. His community service includes extensive volunteer work recognized by the Ames High School Silver Cord Program.
He has also earned academic all‑conference honors in golf, track, and baseball.
Madisen Powers of Ames
$1,250 scholarship, courtesy of Midland Power Cooperative
Madisen Powers is a senior at Gilbert High School and plans to attend the Colorado School of Mines this fall, where she will major in electrical engineering with a minor in aerospace.
She is interested in pursuing a career focused on renewable energy, grid modernization, and sustainable infrastructure.
Powers has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and has earned numerous academic honors, including first place in the Iowa Purple Comet math competition, academic all‑state recognition, and multiple academic all‑conference honors.
She was also selected to represent Gilbert High School in a conference‑level art competition, specializing in portraiture and colored pencil work.
She is actively involved in leadership and service, serving as president of the SWENext Club, which promotes STEM opportunities for women, and participates in community volunteer efforts such as meal packaging events, holiday gift drives, and volunteering with Miracle League.
Hannah Chesnut of Boone
$1,250 scholarship, courtesy of Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Hannah Chesnut is a senior at Iowa State University, majoring in kinesiology and health with a minor in psychology. She plans to apply to physical therapy school and hopes to work in a rural or underserved community after becoming a licensed physical therapist.
A graduate of Boone High School, Chesnut has earned a GPA above 3.9 and has been named to the Dean’s List multiple semesters.
She is highly involved on campus, serving as chapter president of Alpha Chi Omega and as an ambassador for Iowa State’s College of Health and Human Sciences. Her leadership experience also includes roles with Homecoming, Greek Week, and several academic and service organizations.
She has an extensive record of community service, volunteering with organizations such as Meals from the Heartland, Best Buddies, and local community cleanup efforts.
Midland's scholarship program is funded through unclaimed patronage and designed to help develop future area leaders.
Applications for next year's program will be available in early December at MidlandPower.coop/Scholarships.