Three 2024 high school graduates from West Plains, and one each from Houston, Liberty and Willow Springs have been presented with one-time, $2,000 scholarships by the West Plains Bank and Trust Company Employee Scholarship Committee.
The recipients were selected based on their interest in banking or a business field, desire to help others, academic performance, and extracurricular activities.
The Houston graduate is Anna Gale, daughter of Sherri Gale, who will attend Missouri State University – West Plains to study nursing. Gale participated in extra-curriculars including National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, H-Club, volleyball and softball, and she served as manager for the boys basketball team. In addition, she racked up 40 volunteer hours during the 2022-23 school year.
Other recipients included Madi Hughston, Olivia Lawson and Basema Tekle of West Plains, Kaylee Foster of Birch Tree and Melaina Wilson of Willow Springs.
West Plains Bank and Trust Company opened its doors to customers in 1883 and is the oldest continually operating business in the area. It has branch locations in West Plains, Mountain View, Willow Springs and Houston, and a loan production office in Mountain Home, Ark.
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Madi Hughston, daughter of Derek Hughston, of West Plains, Mo., plans to attend William Woods University, Fulton, Mo., to study biology and eventually pursue a medical degree.
Hughston said one of the biggest life lessons that she learned in high school is that changing is not only okay, but also a necessary part of growth and self-improvement.
“Staying in our comfort zone can stifle our potential,” she said.
During high school, Hughston participated in BETA Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, volleyball and basketball. She also assisted in several local fundraisers including Mindy’s Run, Heart of the Ozarks Marathon, and the Jason Orr Memorial Volleyball tournament. In addition, Hughston is a volunteer club volleyball coach for 12-year-olds through Club Serve.
Oliva Lawson, daughter of Jill Lawson, of West Plains, Mo., plans to attend John Wood Community College, Quincey, Ill. Her goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree.
During high school, Lawson was a member of the Lady Zizzer Basketball team, through which she assisted with raising funds for Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment services. She volunteered at numerous youth basketball camps to share her passion for the sport and mentor young athletes. Lawson also gathered donations of food to address the issue of food insecurity in her community.
Lawson shared that an important lesson for her has been focusing on the good and giving her all, on and off the basketball court.
“I’ve realized life is too short to dwell on negativity and mistakes,” she said. “I’ve learned to concentrate on the positive aspects of every situation and strive to be the best version of myself.”
Basema Tekle, daughter of Weini Yilma, of West Plains, Mo., will attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., to study business. Tekle participated in many extra-curricular activities during high school, including Zizzer Marching Band, Varsity Concert Band and Jazz Band, Student Council, National Honor Society, Zizzerette Editor-in-Chief, and Zizzer Soccer Team.
In addition to many awards and honors, Tekle committed to community service by helping with the annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Day Without Hate events at her school, providing food and water to people in need and free snacks and drinks at the community Easter egg hunt.
Tekle’s family immigrated to the United States from Saudi Arabia and she shared that her parents’ not having the opportunity to complete high school or attend college is what drives her choices.
“Attending school and pursuing higher education is a way of paying tribute to my family’s legacy,” she said. “I am determined to pick up where they left off. The most meaningful way I can express my gratitude is by realizing their unrealized dreams.”
Kaylie Foster, daughter of David and Jennifer Foster, Birch Tree, Mo., plans to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., to study political science (pre-law). In high school, Foster served as president of National Honor Society and her senior class, was a member of Pep Club, Future Teachers of America, and played volleyball, basketball, and softball.
Foster said the biggest lesson she learned during her high school career was not to wish away time.
“Too often, I hear underclassmen saying they wish they were seniors,” she said. “If I have learned anything in high school, it is to not wish your time away and to have a good support system. Always surround yourself with those who push you and who want you to succeed in life.”
Melaina Wilson, daughter of Shelly Gingerich, Willow Springs, Mo., will attend College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Mo., to study pre-veterinary medicine/animal science. Wilson’s extra-curricular involvement included Fellowship of Christian Athletes (treasurer, senior representative), Future Farmers of America (multiple honors and offices), math and science relays, tennis, track and field, Interact Club, FBLA, National Honor Society (president), Quiz Bowl, Spanish Club, basketball, Bear Ambassador, cross country, Interscholastic Contest, youth group, and more than 50 hours of community service with Freeway Ministries, MUNCH, and Bears for a Better Christmas.
The most important lesson Foster says she learned in high school was to take time to build positive relationships, which will reward you in the long run.
“I have seen the effects of being a kind and responsible person,” she said.
Foster was chosen by administration and teachers to be an ambassador for the school, which she views as an honor.
