Foundation honors Leah Koehler for leadership and community service

The Jones County Community Foundation awarded Monticello High School senior Leah Koehler a $2,000 scholarship toward her education at Iowa State University next fall. 

Koehler was selected for the Jones County Young Leader Scholarship out of 12 competitive applicants, based on her commitment to community service and leadership. The Community Foundation was impressed by the volume and diversity of her volunteer experiences, which include the Jones County Dairy Promoters, Class Council, Animal Welfare Friends, her local church and area food banks. 

Foundation leaders also commended Koehler for inspiring her peers to engage in the community. Her leadership includes organizing a clothing drive with 10 student participants; coordinating the completion of 20 fleece blankets tied by seven youth volunteers and donated to families in need at Christmas; and spearheading the creation of 20 shelf-stable birthday cake kits for the Monticello Food Pantry, collecting donations from 22 members of her 4-H club to make the kits.

Koehler will study Agricultural Biochemistry & Agronomy with a plan to pursue a career in agronomy and crop research. She looks forward to returning to Jones County following her education at Iowa State to share her passion for the dairy industry with youth in 4-H.

“One of Leah’s most distinguishable traits is her unwavering compassion,” shared Rev. Holly Knouse in a letter of recommendation for the scholarship. “Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life and offer support without judgment is truly inspiring.” 

The Community Foundation works with nonprofits and community partners to improve economic wellbeing and quality of life for residents of Jones County and is proud to provide this scholarship to a student who shares those values. This scholarship is available annually in the fall. Learn more at dbqfoundation.org/grants#jones-county-young-leader-scholarship.

The Jones County Community Foundation offers many opportunities to improve quality of life by addressing an array of local issues. To learn more about how you can establish a fund or make a gift that impacts your community, contact Sheila Tjaden, executive director, at 319-480-4335 or email jccf@dbqfoundation.org.