Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds with Kade Brown, Meskwaki Settlement High School and Belle Tyynismaa, South Tama High School, who were recently recognized for academic excellence. -Photos provided

WEST DES MOINES– Kade Brown a student at Meskwaki Settlement School, Tama, and Isabelle Tyynismaa, a student at South Tama County, Tama, were recognized by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds for outstanding academic achievement at the Fourteenth Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony May I at Hy-Vee Hall 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 senlors from across Iowa.

“Iowa Farm Bureau members believe that by investing in our youth and communities, we’re investing in the future of Iowa,” said IFBF President Craig Hill “We are so proud to honor such exceptional students and proud to he a leading contributor to educational programs and aniiuil scholarships for our youth.*

Each high school was lnvIted to select their senior student or students with the highest academic ranking, based on grade point avverage for their first seven semesters. Students selected for the award also had the opportunity to recognize their favorite/most influential teacher and will receive a photo plaque of their meeting with Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds.

“The principles learned through academic success, like those learned from participation in education-based activities, help develop outstanding leaders and citizens,” said IHSAA Executive Director Alan Beste. “The partnership between the IHSAA and the Iowa Farm Bureau, along with the great cooperation of the Governor’s Office has made this prestigious event possible for many years.”

Ninety-nine percent of those recognized also participate in extra-curricular school activities, with more than 80 percent participating in at least one interscholastic sport. More than 60 percent of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.