CONGRATULATIONS, SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Aaron Stadelmann always loved building things and figuring out how different mechanisms work. When he received his first 3D printer for Christmas, he began a series of personal projects, including a mini bowling game, a light-up model display for a friend, and a puzzle box. He eventually began designing and printing custom parts for his school’s FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team.
While in high school, he pursued a summer internship in the radiology department at his local hospital, but upon reviewing his resume, the interviewer suggested he intern at the Generate Lab. There, he was able to assist in creating objects to assist nurses and patients through 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, and silicone molding.
Now graduated from high school, he plans on studying mechanical engineering. “I am driven by both the adrenaline of creativity and the joy I find in using engineering to benefit others,” he says. We are proud to support his academic endeavors.
Bennett Teitle is passionate about aerospace. His interest in aviation has taken him across the country, from receiving the EAA Ray Scholarship and pursuing his dream of becoming a private pilot, to working as a Emergency Aircraft Repair volunteer at Airventure Oshkosh 2023. He also became involved with the our NDIA Chapter his sophomore year he was give the opportunity to join as a student member after a guided tour of the BAE Systems manufacturing plant in Cedar Rapids.
In his junior year of high school, he applied for the Wright Scholar program, and he was selected for an internship with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Turbine Engine Division at Wright Patterson Air Force Base last summer. During the internship, he was able to build skills in a variety of 3D engineering softwares and rotordynamics principles.
After college, he plans to work in aeronautics. Aviation is an inspiration for him, and and he is hopeful for his future as an engineer and potential to serve his country. “I am fascinated by people’s capacity to adapt and solve problems based on the environment around us, and my goal is to be part of that change – to have a meaningful piece in the history of human innovation,” he says. We look forward to seeing him succeed.
Johanna Caspers is a three-sport athlete who is also very engaged with her community, volunteering 100+ hours with the Key Club. During those hours, she volunteered to support Mercy Medical Center’s Especially for You Race, engaged in service to homeless shelters, special needs student activities, etc.
On top of her busy schedule, she made time for softball, golf, and volleyball, both playing and volunteering as a referee. As well, her dedication to academic success was displayed as she exceeded a 4.0 GPA. She also kept busy with entrepreneurship job shadows through Prairie High School, Kirkwood Community College, and West Branch Chamber of Commerce. Wherever she lands in life, she knows she will be prepared.
“Johanna is driven in a way that will make her a force at any institution she chooses,” her volleyball coach added. “She will be a catalyst for progress and a guiding light for those interested in growth and change.” Congratulation, Johanna! We know you’ll go far.
Mackenzie Oberbroeckling is a well-studied student with a drive in academics. During her time in high school, she took several advanced courses in math and science to prepare her for a future in engineering.
From a young age, she was taught to use her skill set to help others and build a community leading to impactful change. During high school, she was actively engaged in activities that inspire growth, foster innovation, and serve her community. She was a Production Crew Chief for her school’s theatre program, on the 2024 Executive Board of 1440 Interact (volunteering club), and even founded the West High Pickleball Club, among other achievements.
She plans on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, followed by an MBA. “I hope to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a better world. With her compassion, teamwork, and accountability, I can improve the lives of others through my work,” she says. We can’t wait to see what she goes on to accomplish.
Mehal Raghwani aspires to be an astronaut and to study the human body in space. She is very passionate about research and is confident in her ability to achieve her dreams. To work toward her goal, she took various advanced-level classes in high school, from AP Physics to Anatomy and Physiology, along with many different community college courses.
In addition to these classes, she has volunteered in the St. Luke’s Hospital Emergency Department for over a year. As well, she has participated in hospital internships, where she observed surgeries, learned how to do an EKG, and assisted the cardiologist in performing a
cardioversion procedure.
She plans to be a research physician by pursuing an MD-PhD dual degree. “Through hard work and continuous learning, I know I can make meaningful contributions to the fields of medicine and space research and literally reach for the stars,” she says. Her achievements inspire our ongoing mission to support the next generation of leaders.
Nicholas Helle is always ready for a challenge with his desire to excel academically. He has challenged himself by taking rigorous coursework, including nine Advanced Placement classes and thirteen Dual Enrollment classes at his local community college. He is a member of Prairie’s chapter of National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling, Science National Honor Society, and the National Council for Youth Leadership.
Throughout his high school career, in addition to his academics and activities, he was an active volunteer, leading in his youth group with his church, and assisting with the Vets for Vets program. Nic was able to balance school, activities, and volunteering while maintaining a 4.3 grade point average.
“I can envision him being successful in whatever he sets his mind to do as he is an incredibly hard worker,” says a specialist in his school’s Gifted and Talented Program. Wherever he goes and whatever he plans to achieve, we know he’ll go far. Congrats, Nicholas!
Robert Day is a proud member of the National Honors Society and French Honors Society for Bettendorf. Throughout high school, he participated in both honors and AP classes with additional dual credit courses. As a senior, he served on the BHS SELL Crew, which works to help new students and new freshmen as they enter high school.
He is passionate about music and sports, dedicating many hours to a variety of sports, from football to tennis, as well as participating in his school’s music department. However, he dedicated most of his time to First Robotics. Within the program, he actively participating for 8 years starting in 5th grade with First Lego League and ending in high school with First Tech Challenge. He was also elected team captain of #8672 UBett Robotics at Bettendorf High School as well as being appointed to Iowa’s First Robotics Student Leadership Board.
Wanting to turn his passion into a career, he plans to pursue a degree in Robotics Engineering. “I hope to use my engineering degree to help solve the world’s problems and create safer environments for everyone,” he says. Congrats, Robert! We can’t wait to see you succeed.