JOHNSTON, Iowa (Nov. 24, 2025) — Seven Iowa high school seniors received a 2025 Iowa Bankers Association Student Athlete Achievement Award during the Iowa high school state football championships held Nov. 20-21 in Cedar Falls. One student from each class was presented with a $1,000 scholarship from the IBA to the college of his choice.
Scholarship recipients include:
- Eight-Player: Tate Foertsch, Bishop Garrigan High School, Algona
- Class A: Joe Clevenger, Saint Ansgar Community High School, Saint Ansgar
- Class 1A: Jared Ciesielski, West Lyon High School, Inwood
- Class 2A: Alex Wendt, PCM High School, Monroe
- Class 3A: Zackary Harpenau, Bishop Heelan Catholic High School, Sioux City
- Class 4A: Caden Klein, Newton High School, Newton
- Class 5A: Pete Hanson, Liberty High School, North Liberty
Scholarship recipients are selected each year based on their academic performance, athletic participation, leadership skills and community involvement.
“The Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) is proud to recognize these remarkable high school seniors that are leaders on their teams, in the classroom and in their community,” said Jenica Lensmeyer, the IBA’s vice president of marketing and industry relations. “As long-time supporters of financial literacy, Iowa bankers are committed to helping Iowans reach their financial goals. We know that these scholarship recipients have a bright future, and we hope that they will continue to contribute to Iowa communities following graduation.”
For three decades, the IBA has sponsored the Student Athlete Achievement Award program, which has grown to honor student-athletes in football, basketball and wrestling. The IBA has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships since the program began.
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About the Iowa Bankers Association
The Iowa Bankers Association represents Iowa banks and savings institutions. Iowa bankers are committed to the values of honesty, hard work and community service, and have been a trusted resource for Iowans for more than 135 years. Iowa banks offer FDIC insurance and lend $89 billion to help individuals, business owners and agriculture. Nearly 40,000 Iowans work at an Iowa bank, and bank employees volunteer more than 300,000 hours to support local communities each year. To learn more, visit www.iowabankers.com.