Celebrating the 2025 Heartland Bank Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Emma Ellis-Sack - Aurora High School
Emma plans to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to study Animal Science with a Pre-Veterinary focus and a minor in Spanish. She has completed multiple honors and college-level courses and is passionate about pursuing an extensive career in animal veterinary medicine. Her hands-on experience includes working in two veterinary clinics and touring feedlots and dairy farms. In addition to her academic focus, she is a committed volunteer and youth leader in FCA and active in FFA, band, soccer, and National Honor Society. She hopes to one day return to a rural community to serve as a veterinarian and ultimately own her clinic, bridging language gaps and improving care for animals and their owners.

Calah Archibeque - Burwell Jr./Sr. High School
Calah plans to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Social Media, combining creativity with her strong communication skills and passion for connecting with others. A leader in her school and community, she has served as Vice President of the National Honor Society, FFA Chapter Officer, and Class Treasurer, while earning state honors in speech and play production. She designed her school's activity calendar and contributed to the School Spirit Shop, showcasing her talent in visual storytelling. With a drive for excellence and a heart for service, she is excited to continue using her strengths to inspire, lead, and create meaningful impact.

Shaysah Burkhart - Meridian Public Schools
Shaysah plans to pursue a career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, inspired by job shadowing experiences in rural hospitals where she witnessed the vital role radiology plays in patient care. A student at Meridian Public Schools, Shaysah has held a leadership role in FCA and volunteered with the Daykin Fire Department and Vacation Bible School at St. John's Lutheran Church. With a strong commitment to helping others, Shaysah looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the medical field through compassionate and skilled care.

David McCown - Diller-Odell Jr./Sr. High School
David will attend Southeast Community College in Milford to pursue a degree in General Automotive Technology. He has been actively involved in FFA, FCA, football, One Act, band, student council, and Striv, while serving as Vice President of his church youth group and President of his 4-H club. With a strong work ethic and a lifelong interest in how things work, David is committed to mastering his craft in the automotive field and building a stable, successful future through hard work, resilience, and hands-on learning.

Jaedyn Hajek - Diller-Odell Jr./Sr. High School
Jaedyn plans to attend Southeast Community College to earn an associate's degree in Ag Production and Management before transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in Agronomy/Horticulture. She has served as FFA Vice President, Class Officer, and Student Council Officer while earning multiple academic honors. Active in sports, FFA, FCA, and 4-H, she's also volunteered extensively, supporting church events, community clean-up days, and local fundraisers. Her passion for agriculture and commitment to serving rural communities drive her future goals.

Regan Kapke - Fairbury High School
Regan plans to pursue a degree that allows her to continue serving others and leading positive change in her community. A senior at Fairbury High School, Regan has been actively involved in FBLA, Student Council, National Honor Society, and athletics. She also leads the school's service group, Jeffs Gone M.A.D., and serves as Miss Jefferson County. Her dedication to leadership, teamwork, and giving back reflects her passion for making a meaningful difference wherever she goes.

Bailey Hafer - Fillmore Central High School
Bailey plans to attend Fort Hays State University to obtain a Communication Sciences and Disorders degree. Bailey has participated in cheerleading, FFA, FCA, National Honor Society, and multiple leadership roles—including serving as FFA President, NHS President, and Class President. She's contributed to numerous causes through her church, 4-H, Rotary Club, and local outreach events. Inspired by her experiences and supported by Heartland Bank through her FFA SAE project, Bailey is passionate about helping others and making a lasting difference in her community and beyond.

Lauren Godown - Fillmore Central High School
Lauren plans to attend Southeast Community College to become a Radiologic Technologist, hoping to return to work at Fillmore County Hospital. She participated in drama, FCCLA, band, mock trial, quiz bowl, and more. Lauren also served as a district officer for FCCLA and took on a lead role in the spring musical. She volunteers at their local library, assists with church programs, and mentors through the Panther Cub program. Known for her empathy and dedication, she looks forward to a future where she can help patients feel seen, heard, and cared for in moments of vulnerability.

Alena Zahirovic - Fillmore Central High School
Alena plans to study Biology and Genetics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to become a geneticist focused on research and innovation. A National Honor Society and FCCLA member, Alena has shown dedication to academics, service, and leadership by mentoring elementary students, volunteering at church events, and assembling care packages for military personnel. Alena is ready to make a lasting impact through science and service.

Bryndal Moody - Grand Island Central Catholic High School
Bryndal is involved in FBLA, 4-H, Interact, Striv, and varsity athletics and balances academics, leadership, and service. A National Honor Society member and active volunteer in her church and community, she's also held various hands-on jobs. Though undecided on her exact path, she's excited for what lies ahead and committed to making a meaningful impact wherever she goes.

Hannah Fiala - Adams Central High School
Hannah plans to study Nursing and Radiology at Southeast Community College before transferring to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to further her education. Hannah is an Adams Central High School senior actively involved in FBLA, National Honor Society, varsity sports, and community service. She works as a nursing assistant and volunteers regularly at Mary Lanning Hospital, reflecting her deep passion for caring for others and making a difference in the health and well-being of her community.

Miles Sughroue - Kearney Catholic High School
Miles is a senior at Kearney Catholic High School. He has served as a two-time cross-country and track team captain and a National Honor Society leader, organizing service projects like the schoolwide Thanksgiving Day Meal. A disciplined student and business-minded individual, he has successfully operated multiple small businesses, including firewood and engine repair ventures. Miles is driven by a strong belief that discipline is the foundation for success in academics, work, and relationships, and he strives daily to live that out with integrity and purpose.

Natalie Vavra - Ord Jr./Sr. High School
Natalie plans to pursue a degree in Climate Science,  focusing on meteorology and a minor in math, and become a meteorologist. A dedicated student with a strong interest in STEM, she has job-shadowed at the National Weather Service and plans to return for an internship. Her involvement includes Science Olympiad, FBLA (Treasurer), Student Council, and the Youth Mentor Committee. She competes in varsity softball, is a Karp & Krow Shooting Club member, and volunteers in youth sports and her community. With a passion for weather and a desire to serve society, she looks forward to a career helping others prepare for what's ahead.

Jaelin Wolfinger - Sumner-Eddyville-Miller High School
Jaelin will major in Agricultural Communications and Agricultural Business at Kansas State University. A dedicated leader in 4-H, FFA, and the livestock industry, she has served as American Maine Anjou Queen, National 4-H Congress Delegate, and National Ag Innovators Leadership Team member. Her passion for agriculture and storytelling shines through her content creation work, including internships managing social media for significant ag events. With a strong commitment to service and a goal of graduating debt-free, she is determined to use her voice to advocate for rural communities and the future of agriculture.

Grace Tobias - Shickley Public School
Grace plans to pursue a Digital Media and Communications career, combining her photography, storytelling, and design talents. A standout leader at Shickley Public School, Grace serves as President of FBLA, FFA, and National Honor Society, and was elected Lieutenant Governor at the 2024 Cornhusker Girls State. She has also been instrumental in community service efforts, including youth reading programs, local revitalization events, and content creation for Fillmore County Hospital. Grace's passion for capturing and sharing stories—especially those rooted in rural life—drives her commitment to using media for connection and impact.

Each of these remarkable students has shown extraordinary potential and dedication. The Heartland Bank Foundation is honored to support their educational journeys and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will undoubtedly have in their communities and beyond.

Congratulations to all our 2025 Heartland Bank Foundation Scholarship recipients! Your hard work, determination, and passion are truly inspiring. We wish you the best in all your future endeavors.