Isabelle (Izzy) is McKenna's Rae of Hope Memorial Scholarship winner for 2022. She was nominated by Char White and the nomination was endorsed by Ty Swarm. Additional information coming soon!
Here is what Char White said about Isabelle:
Isabelle (Izzy) Rich is an outstanding applicant for this scholarship. Some of Izzy's personal accomplishments are Junior & Senior Class President, Honor Roll Student, All Academic/All State, National Honor Society Member, a member of Educators Rising, volunteer for Volleyball camps, Basketball camps, and volunteered successfully in both elementary and middle schools. She will graduate from Kearney High School in May 2022, is in the top 15% of her class. She has worked in retail the past few years, building her customer services skills. Although Izzy has had many accomplishments, this is only a small part of who she is. Izzy has a natural knack for making people feel at ease and has used this ability as a KHS Ambassador. She welcomes and greets new students, shows them around, and is their familiar "go-to" person in a new school environment.
As a member of Hope Squad, a suicide awareness support group within Kearney High, Izzy has been trained to spot high risk students, high risk behaviors, and offers support to those who may need it, networking with the appropriate Kearney High School staff members. Izzy personally knew McKenna Rae - even though she was younger than McKenna - and McKenna's tragedy touched and affected Izzy. She does not want anyone else to go through this traumatic loss. Watching her grow up, Izzy remains very kind, has no judgement, and gives the benefit of the doubt - to ALL she meets. Recently, the underclassmen track girls were given jumping hints by Izzy, and they commented how much it meant to them that Izzy treated them "nice" - she also offered much encouragement to them to boost their confidence. Everyone needs someone like Izzy in their corner - she is a delightful, responsible, honorable and an accepting person. She is not afraid to reach out to someone and help them by offering a kind word, a smile to brighten their day, or assistance in a time of need. I highly recommend Isabelle Rich for this scholarship.
Ty Swarm said this about Isabelle:
I know Isabelle (Izzy) as a hard-working, disciplined, and kind young woman. She is quiet in nature but a kind and inviting person. I have witnessed Izzy working with other students to help them be more comfortable and welcomed. In addition, she helps bring others up by including them in whatever is being asked by the teacher. In addition, Izzy is very driven and determined. She consistently was on task and worked hard at whatever was asked of her. Izzy is a student that has proven to be consistent in her understanding of who she is as a person. More importantly, she has always treated others with high regard ever since I have known her. I admire these characteristics, and it great to witness this in our school building over the past four years. I would fully recommend Izzy to be considered for any scholarship opportunities that are available to her.