Congratulations Scholarship Winners!
Meet Emily Downing, who is a standout local senior who embodies our mission to support and inspire the innovators of tomorrow. She is this year’s Iowa/Illinois NDIA first scholarship recipient for QCESC!
We were honored to recognize Emily’s impressive achievements in STEM as a great start to our year.
Investing in these innovators is a key part of our mission, and we are excited to see all that this year’s seniors accomplish in the years ahead.
Meet Chloe Bishop, who’s compassionate nature has her pursuing a career as a Pediatric Oncologist or Oncology Nurse. She has already completed rigorous coursework in Anatomy & Physiology, earned top marks in her CNA training, and logged hands-on clinical shifts at a local nursing home. She balances this strong academic foundation with a genuine passion for supporting children and underrepresented communities, constantly looking for ways to translate her empathy into meaningful action.
What makes Chloe especially remarkable is her proactive hands-on exploration of the healthcare field. She has already taken the initiative to shadow professionals across six distinct medical disciplines, ranging from physical therapy and family practice to surgery and speech therapy. She is not simply dreaming about a future in pediatric oncology; she is actively building a well-rounded understanding of patient care every single day as she prepares for college and medical school.
Meet Will Cardo, a future engineer with his sights set on the stars! Driven by a vision to build next-generation rovers for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Cardo has spent his high school years turning complex concepts into working technology. He has earned a spot at the prestigious NASA SEES Internship, where he collaborated with a team to design a propellant management device for zero-gravity environments. Outside of competitive internships, he pushes his skills further through custom summer engineering projects.
Beyond his technical talents, Cardo stands out for his leadership and dedication to project-based learning. As captain of his robotics team, 13415 Electric Storm, he has cultivated a culture of collaboration that led his team to back-to-back state finalist alliances and three consecutive Inspire Awards, the highest honor in FIRST Robotics. Whether he is mastering CAD design or guiding a team of peers through the engineering design process, Cardo brings a rare combination of technical expertise and inspirational leadership that puts him well on his way toward planetary exploration.
Meet Henry Mass, an incoming pharmacy student who isn’t afraid of a challenge. He has already built a formidable academic foundation by tackling a heavy load of five AP classes, learning to refine his study habits and push through challenging subjects through pure grit. His dedication has earned him acceptances into esteemed pharmacy programs at both Drake University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, setting the stage for his next chapter in higher education.
What makes Mass truly stand out is his practical approach to mastering his future field. Not content with just book learning, he has actively stepped into the real world through job shadowing to experience the fast-paced environment of retail pharmacy firsthand. He is driven by a deep desire to help people live healthier, more productive lives, whether that leads him into hospital, nuclear, or regulatory pharmacy. Mass combines a deep curiosity about the science of medicine with the raw determination to keep improving until he can make a genuine difference for his patients.
Meet Kalli Barber, who defines what it means to lead by example. Kalli is set to graduate with her Associate degree already in hand. This remarkable academic momentum is laying the groundwork for her clear future at Iowa State University, where she plans to major in Dairy Science. Her goal is to become a specialized embryologist, using reproductive technology and genetic advancement to boost efficiency and support producers across the dairy industry.
Her technical ambitions are matched by an incredible blend of physical grit and real-world experience. Kalli has built mental toughness on the wrestling mat and cross country trails, while sharpening her teamwork and communication in the fast-paced environment of livestock sale crews. Combined with leadership in FFA, 4-H, and FBLA, she brings a powerful mix of athletic discipline, hands-on agricultural roots, and scientific focus to the next generation of animal science.
Meet Evan Waring, whose journey is defined by resilience, leadership, and a deep love for engineering. After leading his team to make school history by qualifying for the Iowa State Championships, Evan developed a deep appreciation for collaboration that extends far beyond athletic or academic success. His leadership style was largely shaped by his passion for jazz, where he learned that every single voice in an ensemble plays a crucial role in creating the bigger picture. Heading to Iowa State University, Evan plans to audition for the Iowa State Jazz Big Band during his very first week on campus to keep that creative drive alive.
What makes Evan compelling is his balanced blend of artistic insight and technical ambition. As he steps into the rigorous world of college engineering, he aims to join project-based engineering and design groups where he can apply those same ensemble-style teamwork skills to solve complex problems. Evan approaches big life transitions with a clear eye for the challenges ahead, grounded by an unshakeable faith in his ability to adapt, connect with great people, and set new standards of excellence wherever he goes.
Meet Sandra Ong, an incoming psychology student dedicated to making a difference in mental health. Her dual enrollment journey highlights an extraordinary work ethic and mental discipline. Balancing college-level courses alongside her high school responsibilities, Sandra has mastered time management and perseverance to earn her Associate degree at the exact same time she graduates high school. This academic focus supports her clear vision for the future: pursuing a pre-med track in psychology to eventually become a psychiatrist. She is dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being and health of her patients.
Beyond her academic achievements, Sandra pairs her ambition with a strong commitment to empathy, inclusion, and community leadership. As secretary of Student Council and a member of the National Honor Society, she works continuously to give back and amplify student voices. Through the Cultural Diversity Club and her role as a peer mentor in Mentors in Violence Prevention, Sandra actively guides younger students to foster emotional growth and build a more supportive community.