The Hawk Eye
Much like chemical elements, it is how one reacts to pressure that largely will determine who they become.
Exposed to just the right amount of pressure, oxygen becomes a scarlet solid and sulfur becomes an electrical conductor. Under extreme pressures, carbon atoms bond together and form crystals to create diamonds.
The same may be said about The Hawk Eye s All-Area Citizen Scholar class of 2021. These students have taken in stride a year of pandemic-induced anxieties and uncertainties, along with everything else that comes with high school and human fragility, while managing to excel academically and extracurricularly as well as give back to their community regardless of the obstacles faced.
Introducing The Hawk Eye s Citizen Scholar Class of 2021
The Hawk Eye
Each year, The Hawk Eye asks schools in southeast Iowa and west central Illinois to nominate three students for the Bill Mertens Citizen Scholar Award.
While eachnominee is worthy of the Citizen Scholar title, only one from each school can be selected for a chance at a $1,000 scholarship, named for The Hawk Eye s late publisher who established it in 2001, the third year of the Citizen Scholars program.
The winner will be announced May 30.
The minimum requirement for consideration was a 3.5 grade-point average. Nominees also were expected to demonstrate a four-year career of active engagement in the life of their school and community through participation and leadership in extra-curricular activities, as well as participation in events and organizations beyond their classroom walls in the places where they live.
Citizen Scholars Graduates Another Student from the Program
Spanish and Religious Studies double major Andrew Keller is this semester’s only graduate of the College of Arts & Letters’ Citizen Scholars program. And while he was unable to study abroad as he originally planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was able to help an organization that has helped him by donating his Citizen Scholars funding to them.
“I feel strongly that the Citizen Scholars program was the best part of my college experience,” Keller said. “It introduced me to lifelong friends, supportive mentors, and valuable experiences that have helped shape me into the person I am today. The program is one of a kind.”