Levo CU Recognizes Area Students

​Five students are each receiving $1,000 scholarships for their further education in recognition of their commitment to their community.

Levo is awarding $1,000 each to five area students for their contributions to their community. Since 2010, Levo has awarded more than $34,000 in scholarships to area students. Selected from a field of 30 applicants, the 2023 Levo Scholarship winners are shown in the photo above (L to R): Mia Bannwarth; Kelsie Gehrels; Samantha Miller; Carter Richardson; and Allie Weber.
 
“Since we were founded in 1934, Levo has believed in giving back to our community,” says Jen McKeown with the Levo Cares Foundation, Levo’s private foundation. “What better way to do that than to give back to these students who have learned the value of community service at such a young age?”
 
Students submitted essays or videos sharing how they have served their community as well as recommendation letters. The applicants were also judged on financial need and academic excellence. The five winners who will each be presented with a $1,000 scholarship include:
 

• Mia Bannwarth, Brandon Valley High School | Mia has put in over 75 hours of volunteering in the past year alone for organizations including the Banquet, Feeding South Dakota, Active Generations and the Humane Society. Mia plans to attend Minnesota State University and become a physical therapist. 
• Kelsie Gehrels, Roosevelt High School | Kelsie serves her community by volunteering at the Center for Active Generations playing bingo – even donating the prizes! She also volunteers for the American Cancer Society, where she performs dance routines at galas. In addition, she is a member of the Cancer Awareness Club at her school which raises awareness of cancer and supports people affected by cancer. Kelsie plans to attend North Dakota State University.
• Samantha Miller, South Dakota State University | Samantha is a student at South Dakota State University but spends her spare time volunteering at Holy Innocence Diaper Ministry in Sioux Falls. She’s volunteered there since 8th grade. While volunteering she became aware of the burden of language barriers and plans to dedicate her career to helping break down those barriers.
• Carter Richardson, Roosevelt High School | Carter Richardson serves his community by volunteering for LifeScape, which he started when he was 4 years old! Carter advocates for people with disabilities, as well as serves as a LifeScape peer playtime buddy and a LifeScape Mentor. Carter plans to attend South Dakota State University.
• Allie Weber, Roosevelt High School | Allie serves her community by being a spokesperson and volunteer organizer for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) efforts in the region. She has organized multiple events to encourage kids and adults to get involved in STEM, even sharing teaching resources with teachers and parents. Allie also has volunteered for Best Buddies, Feeding Ukraine, the Clothing Closet, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire and LifeScape. Allie plans to attend South Dakota State University.

“These young adults are great examples of the impact one person can have on improving the lives of others,” says McKeown. “They deserve to be recognized and congratulated!”
 
For more information about how Levo gives back to the community or to donate to the Levo Cares Foundation, go to: https://www.levo.org/about/levo-cares-foundation.