Starion Bank has awarded Levi Reis, Alea Steinwand, Tyler Thompson and Laikyn Roney with $500 scholarships. Jaci Praska was awarded the Starion Bank 2022 FFA Scholarship.
To be eligible for these scholarships, the applicant must live in the general Starion banking area or be the dependent of someone who lives in the general banking area of a local Starion branch.
The applicants were evaluated in a variety of areas including leadership, community involvement, and future career goals and plans. Of our many applicants, Reis, Steinwand, Thompson, Roney and Praska displayed a great level of excellence and promise in all these areas.
Levi Reis was the track & field 2022 State Champion in Javelin and won the Jim Puhr MVP Award. Reis also participated in basketball and cross country, served at St. Helena’s Catholic Church, and volunteered at the Ellendale Food Pantry. He worked as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor at Ellendale Pool, and as a farmhand and lawn care worker. Reis graduated from Ellendale High School and plans to attend Northern State University to pursue a degree in biology.
Alea Steinwand served as Secretary and President of the Student Council, was a member of the regional 1st place Acalympics team, and participated in Triple R Coteau Horse Club, SEARCH retreats, band, and choir. She also worked as a horse trainer and farm hand. Steinwand plans to attend North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in architecture.
Tyler Thompson has been active in track & field, basketball, and Honor Society, and served as President of HOSA. She has worked at VJT Farm and Ranch and Harris Concrete and tutored students at Oakes High School. Thompson graduated from Oakes High School and plans to attend Bismarck State College to pursue a degree in physical therapy.
Laikyn Roney was Senior Athlete of the Year in basketball and volleyball, and was active in DECA, HOSA and FCCLA. She also worked as a farm hand and babysitter, as well as volunteering for many local organizations and events. Roney graduated from Oakes High School and plans to attend North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in pharmaceutical science.
Jaci Praska was active in many school activities, including choir, DECA, Student Council, National Honor Society, FFA, basketball, and volleyball, where she served as Varsity Team Captain. She also worked as a Sales Representative at Praska’s Hardware Hank. Praska graduated from Oakes High School and plans to attend University of North Dakota to pursue degrees in marketing and political science.
For more than 20 years, Starion Bank has awarded scholarships to support local students in their pursuit of higher education.