2024 Matteson Thank You Book

Alexander Adkins High School: Burlington High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Arts & Sciences - Associate of Science AS

Hello, my name is Alexander Adkins and I would like to sincerely thank you for the award.

This award will help me to be able to focus more on my studies and not have to stress financially.

I was born and lived in Burlington, Iowa for my entire life. What I enjoy doing during my free time is watch shows, hang out with friends or spend time with my family. Currently, I am working at the Burlington Golf Club which is nice part time job where I can work around nice people and enjoy the outdoors. The program I am currently pursuing is engineering. The reason why I chose engineering as career path to follow was because at first, I started engineering in high school and I found out I really enjoyed being able to solve and make thing, which is something I have always enjoyed doing since I was like solving puzzles or something that makes me must think outside the box. After SCC, I plan to transfer to Iowa State for either mechanical or software engineering, I have yet to decide which field of engineering I want to go into, but once I am sure which one I am more interested in, then I will be able to decide.

I would like to thank you once again for this award. This means a lot to me because it will help me get closer to achieving my goals.

Natalie Ames High School: Keokuk High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Nursing

Thank you so much for this scholarship, it means the world to me. This really helps towards my future and career goals and achievements. With your scholarship I am able to keep continuing studying for my career which means the most to me. Thank you again!

Natalie Ames

Seth Bailey High School: Danville High School College: Wartburg College Major: Engineering

I am very grateful to the Matteson family for being probably the biggest reason I have the opportunity to pursue higher education and progress towards my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. Some of the things that I experienced at college this last year were being a part of two top 5 teams in the nation (cross country and outdoor track and field), working with chemotherapy drugs to learn, examine, and research the exact mechanism that the drug uses to stop cancer development, and make lifelong friends that I am grateful for being in my life.

None of this would he possible without the Matteson family scholarship, and I am very grateful for the benefit that it has brought to me in my life.

Kaleb Barnes High School: Keokuk High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Construction

Dear Scholarship committee, I sincerely appreciate the gracious reward given to me by the committee. Thus is an amazing award that I never dreamed that I would win when I was initially filling it out. It takes a huge weight off of my shoulders as well as my parents. I will not let you down as I now can see my future and am going after it. My life has been filled with my Grandpa teaching me how to use my hands and my dad teaching me how to use my brain. My Trade will use both as I will be hands on fixing and maintaining factories. I feel this will honor both of their legacies. Without your generosity I was really contemplating an apprenticeship and years of step by step growth. With your award I am know on track to receive my ASS in two years and be in the workforce as a top professional in my field. Again thank you for your trust and belief in me. Itis something that I will use daily as motivation to achieve great things in your honor.

Kaleb Trust Barnes

Lauren Beckman High School: Burlington High School College: University of Iowa Major: Medical Doctor

Dear Matteson Family, I am very grateful for your generous scholarship and the opportunity that this scholarship allows for me. Your scholarship allows me to focus on the work of my program, which I am extremely appreciative. I will be a first year Dental student at the University of Iowa. This has been a goal of mine for the past 4 years. Having been accepted into this prestigious school and getting to begin my studies is a dream come true. Thank you for your part in helping me to reach my dreams.

Many thanks, Lauren Beckman

Angela Berndt High School: Other College: Southeastern Community College Major: Biology Transfer Major AS

My name is Angela Berndt, and I want to say how honored and sincerely grateful I am that you have chosen me to receive the 2024 L.W. Matteson Scholarship. This scholarship will allow me to continue my personal and educational goals of a bachelor’s degree in biology. It has alleviated some of the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus more on my coursework and extracurricular activities, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity.

I have been passionate about learning science since I was little, always full of wonder and curiosity about the world around me.

Before I started school, I tried to spend as much time as I could outside. Camping, hiking, storm watching, as well as rock and bug collecting were always at the top of my list of favorite things to do. When I got into grade school, my family moved around a lot. However, I still excelled in my science classes, and I signed up for electives such as “Greenhouse Management” and “Small Animal Care”, which taught me more about plants and animals. I also enjoyed JROTC in high school, which taught me about leadership, time management, and other helpful career qualities. Once I started taking classes at SCC, I started getting better grades than I had in high school, and everyone seemed to want to be there, which was such a welcoming feeling than before college. I have learned so much in my time at SCC, and I have grown from someone who was curious about nature and science, to someone who wants to use science to help heal our planet.

I am currently working an internship for Des Moines County Conservation at the Starrs Cave Preserve in Burlington, Iowa.

While working my internship, I have helped clear invasive plants, identified several species of plants, animals, and mushrooms, I have led several nature summer camps for children of all ages, and I hope to one day help cure the bats in Starrs Cave of the White Nose Fungus and the cave may one day reopen. After graduating with my transfer degree from SCC, I plan to finish my studies in Iowa City at the University of Iowa and pursue a career in the biology field with an emphasis in conservation and wildlife research. This scholarship will help me to get the books and knowledge required to pursue these goals.

Once again, I genuinely appreciate your generosity and support. I am inspired by your commitment to helping students like me achieve our educational goals, and I hope to one day give back to others in a similar way.

Nadia Boeding High School: Fort Madison High School College: The University of Iowa Major: Nursing

Dear Matteson Family, I am honored to have received your scholarship. This will help me out financially as I pursue further education. I will begin pharmacy school in the fall at The University of Iowa. This scholarship will help greatly with financial burdens, as pharmacy school is very expensive. I put in countless hours a week focusing on studies so it is often hard to work during the school year. However, I do work over my breaks and summers at a pharmacy in Fort Madison. I am hoping to come back and support the community that raised me after I am done with school. Again, I am very fortunate to have received this scholarship.

Sincerely, «Name»«Last»

Megan Borders High School: Mount Pleasant Community School District College: Southeastern Community College Major: Nursing

Thank you so much for choosing me for this scholarship, I take it with great honor. I am planning to go to nursing school in the near future and I look forward to working in a local hospital for many years. Right now I have two Certified Nursing jobs and I work lots of hours to not only gain knowledge, but take care of my elders. I look forward to expanding this knowledge in the classroom. Thank you for allowing me to focus more on my college career and not so much on the finances.

Megan Borders

Aiden Borton High School: New London Middle & High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Construction

Thank you so much for this scholarship. It relieves financial pressure, and I am so excited to get started on schooling that will support my welding career!

Samuel Brueck High School: Burlington Notre Dame High School College: Cornell College Major: Engineering

Dear Matteson Family, Thank you so much for honoring me with the Matteson Scholarship. It has helped me be able to pursue my academic goals and given me the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.

I am no longer an athlete on the men's soccer team; however, I have used my "free time" to now work as a Sports Medicine Assistant. It has given me the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in areas of athletic training, biomechanics, exercise physiology, physical therapy and sports nutrition. It also gives me the opportunity to work with Cornell's team physicians, local physical therapists, and the college's seventeen intercollegiate athletic teams. I am excited to spend more time next year learning from our amazing athletic trainers. Again, thank you so much for the opportunity to receive this scholarship. It has given me the ability to pursue many opportunities which have provided me with an amazing college experience.

Sincerely, Samuel Brueck

Evan Butler High School: Other College: Southeastern Community College Major: Arts & Sciences - Agriculture Prep AA

Thank you so much for choosing me as a recipient for the L. W. Matteson Scholarship. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. It will be very helpful in paying for my college education.

I am born and raised in west central Illinois, and I plan to continue working on the farm with my dad and uncle. I hope to learn new things at SCC that I can bring back to the farm. Again, I thank you for your generosity and your dedication and support of higher education.

Anette Cardona High School: Other College: Southeastern Community College Major: Nursing Prep

My name is Anette Cardona, and I am deeply grateful to be the recipient of this generous scholarship. This award will significantly alleviate the financial burden of my nursing program, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on my expenses.

I am pursuing a nursing program at SCC because I have always been passionate about caring for others and positively impacting the world. Becoming a nurse will enable me to provide essential care and support to those in need. After completing my program at SCC, I plan to work in healthcare settings where I can continue to make a difference in people's lives.

Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. This scholarship means the world to me and brings me one step closer to achieving my dreams of becoming a nurse and contributing positively to the community.

Lilly Clark High School: Waco High School College: Iowa State University Major: Agriculture

Thank you, to the Matteson family for allowing me to continue my education at Iowa State University and for allowing me new opportunities in the future with this tremendous scholarship.

Thank you again, Sincerely Lilly Clark

Kendall Colter High School: West Burlington College: Southeastern Community College Major: Arts and Sciences AA

Hello, my name is Kendall Colter. I am incredibly grateful for your generous gift, which will help me greatly to focus on my education with less financial stress.

I plan to stay at SCC for a year or two to work towards my end goal which is Parks and Natural Resources. After my recent graduation this May, I have decided I wanted to stay in town and attend SCC as it's the best possible option for me. I am working to get my Associate of Science degree or prerequisites done within the next two years. After SCC I plan to attend Kirkwood Community College.

At Kirkwood, I plan to attend their two-year associate of Applied Science degree. I will learn agriculture, how to maintain parks, operate heavy machinery,and understand all types of wildlife, big or small. I plan to use my degree to further educate the public on the importance of nature and its impact on our lives and why it needs to be protected.

I want to express gratitude once last time to the people behind the L.W. Matterson scholarships. Which has helped me more than many could ever realize.

Drew Conlee High School: Central Lee College: Iowa State University Major: Biology

Dear Matteson Family, It is an absolute honor to be chosen for the Matteson Scholarship. I want to personally thank you for helping support my dreams and the rest of my academic career. This Fall, I will be a Senior at Iowa State University, and on track to graduate in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Starting this month, I will begin the application process for Pharmacy school, where I will attend four years. This financial support means so much, and without a doubt will help me reach my educational goals.

Thank you once again, Drew W. Conlee

Abigail Crowner High School: Burlington Notre Dame High School College: University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Major: Pharmacy

Dear Matteson Family: I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for making the Matteson scholarship possible. I was thrilled to learn of my selection for this honor and I am deeply appreciative of your support. I have just begun my P4 year at the University of Iowa’s College of Pharmacy to continue pursuing my Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree. Upon graduating from the University of Iowa’s College of Pharmacy, I plan to complete a pharmacy residency and pursue a career as a clinical pharmacist in an ambulatory care hospital setting.

This year, I will be completing rotations at various pharmacy sites and continuing to take courses for my MPH degree. I am excited to continue to learn about different pharmacy specialties and gain more hands-on experience through my rotations. In addition to working as a clinical pharmacist, I hope that in the future I am able to teach as a pharmacy professor. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to that goal. By awarding me the Matteson scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school, learning.

Receiving this scholarship allows me to dive into my education deeper without the stress that comes with paying for a professional school education. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.

Sincerely, Abigail Crowner

Tristen Davis High School: Mt. Pleasant High School College: Des Moines Area Community College Major: Agriculture

Thank you so much for this opportunity to renew my scholarship. By renewing this scholarship, you make going to school a dream that is actually tangible. I am the first in my school to seek out a four year institute, so navigating lifes difficulties as well as the challenges it brings has been hard enough as I have no guidance from my family, but the Matteson family has helped lighten that load and for that, I am forever thankful.

Sage Eggar High School: West Burlington Independent School District College: Iowa State University Major: Engineering

I am extremely thankful to receive the Matteson Foundation Scholarship. It has taken so much stress of my college planning. The day I got the phone call informing me I received it I called my family to let them know the good news.

This scholarship has been life changing for me and I am so very grateful for the wonderful opportunity.

Kayla Frank High School: Mediapolis High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Arts & Sciences - Emergency Medical Services Prep AA

Hello! My name is Kayla Frank, and I wanted to send a big thank you for the opportunity this scholarship has given me! I am very thankful for this!

I was born and raised in Mediapolis and I went to Mediapolis Schools for my whole educational career. I am interested in the medical field because helping people is something I have wanted to do my whole life. I plan to do the EMT course at SCC and then go into their nursing program after the EMT is complete. After school I hope to work at South East Iowa Regional Medical Center as an RN, pending schooling and boards.

Thank you again for this amazing opportunity that you have opened for me. I am beyond thankful to be awarded this scholarship!

Keshia Garrett High School: Mount Pleasant College: Southeastern Community College Major: Agriculture, Modern Food Production and the Environment

My name is Keshia Garrett. Thank you for choosing me to receive this scholarship. As a full-time working mom and part time online student I would not be able to succeed in my dreams of going back to school to further my education without financial help. With this award I have the financial help I need to pay for classes and for what books I will need for classes.

I am from a small town in Henry County Iowa. Not too far from Lee County. I am a mom to a wonderful daughter and our 3 fur babies. I work full time and take classes part time. When not at work or working on my online schoolwork, I like to spend time with friends and family. I am currently working to get my AAS degree in agriculture. Last year I completed the Modern Food Sciences part of the degree. Now I am focusing on receiving my Diploma for the same program.

After my schooling is completed, I hope to peruse a career in the Ag industry. My goal is to help better our soils on the farmlands and help achieve better crops. I also am interested in studying hydroponic growing this has always been an interest of mine and I want to learn more about it.

Thank you for this great opportunity to keep working at achieving my goal, to finish school and get into a better career for myself and my daughter. With this scholarship the financial aspect of continuing my education is less of a worry for me. As the primary financial provider for my family, it can be tough to make ends meet. I look forward to all the great opportunities that are to come.

Josie Gilmore High School: Mount Pleasant Community School District College: PCI Academy Major: Cosmetology

Thank you for letting me receive this scholarship. I appreciate it very much and it means a lot to be given the opportunity to have this.

Thank you!

Gracie Gobble High School: Fort Madison High School College: University of Northern Iowa Major: Medical Therapy

Dear Matteson family, Thank you so much for the gracious opportunity to renew my scholarship. This scholarship has been a huge help over the last 2 years! You have made a very large impact on my own college experience, as well as all the other recipients.

Gabe Gourley High School: Burlington High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Engineering

Thank you for this scholarship this year. This scholarship has made it possible for me to continue to get my degree with the least amount of debt. I am so grateful for this scholarship and opportunity. I decided a couple of years ago to switch majors and schools, this was a hard move for many reasons but having this scholarship helped me decide to continue on with my course work elsewhere without the extra financial burden. Thank you for believing in me and also for your generosity.

Paisley Grafton High School: Central Lee High School College: University of Iowa Major: Nursing

Dear Matteson family, I am writing to thank you for your generous $2,000 renewable Matteson Scholarship. I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your scholarship. I will be a sophomore in the Fall of 2024 at the University of Iowa, continuing to major in Pharmacy. I graduated from Central Lee High School in May 2023. Based on academic achievement, I was invited to apply to the College of Pharmacy assured admissions program. I am excited to say I was accepted into the College of Pharmacy in March 2023 and will be graduating with the class of 2029. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to achieving my dream.

By awarding me the Matteson Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, allowing me to fulfill my goals of studying to become a pharmacist. I am a student who is dedicated to her education and determined to make a difference in the world. I am inspired by your generosity, and I hope that one day I will be able to help other students achieve their dreams, just as you did for me.

Sincerely, Paisley Grafton

Morgan Grelk High School: Winfield/Mt. Union High School College: Wartburg College Major: Nursing

Dear Matteson Family, Thank you so much for your gracious support of me through means of this scholarship. Your generous gift has greatly helped in allowing me to pursue the different opportunities that I am presented with at Wartburg. I am extremely grateful for your support, as it pushes me to work hard in my endeavors to reach my goals, both in my academics and future career, and in my personal life and the person that I strive to be. Thank you so much again.

Best regards, Morgan Grelk.

Trent Hicks High School: Mediapolis High School College: Kirkwood Community College Major: Agriculture

This scholarship has allowed me to transfer on after Kirkwood to UNI to further my education. There is no doubt that this scholarship has increased my chances of success. I want to thank all the donors for making this possible my future is only to thank to you.

Connor Holvoet High School: Holy Trinity High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Precision Machine & CNC Technology AAS

My name is Connor Holvoet and I am very thankful for this opportunity to receive the L. W. Matteson Scholarship. I am so excited to hear that I have been selected. This scholarship will benefit me greatly in my upcoming year at SCC. This will help me to cover expenses for the upcoming school year such as tuition and other necessities for class.

I am 23 years old living in Denmark, Iowa. I will be going into my second year of the Precision Machining and CNC technology program at SCC this year. After growing up on a farm and working with my hands my whole life, this program helps me with the creative ability to imagine something and the skill to make your image into a physical thing. In this program you learn to take an ordinary chuck of metal and turn it into a useful tool or object. My future plans are to graduate from SCC, start in this trade, and continue to learn and grow as a machinist hopefully making great contributions to this field.

I would again like to express my greatest thanks to the committee members for recognizing me to receive this scholarship. This scholarship means a lot to especially because of who it is coming from. As someone who also grew up on a farm close to Wever the story of L.W. Matteson hits close to home. It is great to see someone originally from the community do so much good with his legacy and impact people's lives. Thank you so much.

Abraham Johnson High School: Danville College: Southeastern Community College Major: Welding

Hello, my name is Abraham Johnson. I wanted to take the time to thank you for being kind enough to help my generation pursue a future. I plan on attending SCC to earn my associate's degree in welding technology and I have been working two jobs to save what I can to work towards that. It's difficult to express how grateful I am through a letter, but I hope my sincerity reaches you.

Throughout all my years of school I considered doing many things for a living like being a mortician of joining the military. The thing I crave most out of a career is simply stability and a reliable pay and during my sophomore year of high school I discovered welding and fell in love with it and when I realized how much money they made and what kind of shortage of workers they're facing it just seemed like it called to me. Since that day I've been doing what I can to prepare myself for the workforce taking the necessary steps getting the necessary training and working on every project no matter how big or small to further my experience. I plan on taking this degree in my experience out into the world to see what it has to offer me to go place to place working on projects for months on end but still traveling in the process while the job itself is relatively dangerous it creates something beautiful out of necessity and that resonates deeply with me.

So again I would like to say from the bottom of my heart thank you I don't think you'll ever understand how much this means to me. My future, my career, my family that will one day depend on me stems from this choice and if I can do it successfully every sacrifice, I've made will have been worth it but to know that there's people out there that look to these upcoming generations and see the possibilities and want to invest in it is something incredible. This is not just a scholarship, no, this is a bridge closing the gap between where I am now in the future, I dream of having and if I can get through this and not have to worry about myself it positions me in a place where I can help other people the same way you are.

Thank you

Sydney Jones High School: Central Lee High School College: Iowa State University Major: Engineering

I am incredibly grateful for the chance to be awarded the Matteson Scholarship.

This scholarship is an invaluable support for me in continuing my educational journey and achieving my academic and career goals. The financial assistance provided by the Matteson Scholarship will enable me to focus on my studies, further my personal and professional development, and dedicate time to the Iowa State community. Thank you for investing in my future and helping me take a step closer to realizing my aspirations.

Jessica Kendell High School: Burlington High School College: Truman State University Major: Medical Doctor

Dear Matteson Family, Thank you for awarding me this scholarship for the third year of my college experience. I am so grateful to have your support as I near the final year of my bachelor’s degree and begin thinking about future plans for continuing my education into medical school. The demands of becoming a health care professional can seem daunting but with the support of groups like the Matteson Family, it is much more manageable! Please let me know as soon as possible if you need any additional information from me. I appreciate your encouragement as I pursue the education and training required for my future goals!

Sincerely, Jessica Kendell

Kaleb Klein High School: Danville High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Auto Collision Repair and Refinish AS

Hello, my name is Kaleb Klein. I appreciate your generosity in awarding me the L. W. Matteson Scholarship. I plan on using it to help me pay off my tuition.

I am enrolled in the automotive collision restoration program at SCC. I chose this program because I enjoyed fixing cars in my free time during my high school years. Over time, I've honed my skills by working on vehicles for friends and family members, as well as buying, repairing, and selling multiple cars of my own. With my experience and the credibility of being enrolled in SCC under my belt, I have been getting a growing number of recommendations for increasingly complex jobs. I'm disgusted by the amount of vehicles I've seen that have an incredible amount of unsafe work done to them. I hope to build myself a reputation for fixing and selling cars to the highest standard.

Once again, I would like to express my gratitude for your generous scholarship. This support significantly eases the financial burden of my education. In the future, I plan on being able to give back to others in the same manner. Thank you for believing in my potential and for making an impact on my educational journey.

Camryn Lair High School: New London High School College: Iowa State University Major: Construction

Dear Matteson Family, I can't thank you enough for this scholarship renewal! I am still attending Iowa State. I finished my first year in the design program with a 3.92 GPA and will begin the landscape architecture program this fall. The funding from this scholarship has really helped pay my tuition, and it will continue to be used for that in the fall. Thanks again for your support of Southeast Iowa Students.

Sincerely, Camryn Lair

Mya Lampe High School: Central Lee High School College: Iowa State University Major: Agriculture

I am writing this to express my gratitude for being a recipient of the Matteson Scholarship.

I am honored and very appreciative to be chosen for this scholarship. Thank you to the entire committee for supporting and believing in me. I am from Donnellson, Iowa, and am majoring in agricultural studies. I attend Iowa State for many reasons, but mainly because it has a very strong agriculture program as well as a beautiful campus. With my degree in agricultural studies, I hope to achieve a goal with a job in agricultural marketing. Taking agricultural studies will allow me to take both agriculture and marketing classes. My goals are to achieve my bachelor's degree and post-graduation have a job I take pride in. This scholarship is important to me because it will help me achieve my goals. Once again, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Matteson Scholarship Committee for their generosity and for believing in my potential. I am privileged to be a recipient of this scholarship, and I promise to uphold the values and principles it represents. Your support has motivated me to strive for excellence, and I will make every effort to make a positive impact through my education and future endeavors.

Tyler Little High School: Danville High School College: The University of Iowa Major: Engineering

Dear Matteson Family, I want to first thank you for the amount of trust and support I have been provided as I make my way through the mechanical engineering program at the University of Iowa. It truly does mean a lot to me that a family local to my hometown has confidence in my abilities to put this scholarship to good use. I recently started my third internship with CNH Industrial in Burlington as a product validation engineering intern. I hope to establish roots within CNH to secure a full-time position after completing my bachelor's degree. This scholarship helps tremendously with the financial burden of studying at a larger school, allowing me to work a little less during the school year if I ever find myself starting to struggle with my class load. I cannot even begin to thank your family enough for supporting me through my future endeavors as an aspiring mechanical engineer.

Thank you, Tyler Little

Thadeous Maxwell High School: Danville High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: IT Technician

This is Thaddeus Maxwell and I wanted to say thank you for giving me this. An award will help me with my pursuit of network and security. So, I can go farther in the fields, and hopefully make a difference. I will use this Award towards my tuition cost.

I am among the first people in my family to attend college. The program I am Enrolled in Is the Network in Security Diploma. I have always loved messing around with computers and coding. So, when I found out I could make it a career. My plan after SCC is to go into the workforce, and hopefully, put my Diploma into good use. I am currently actually employed by s a c now to run their esports Room along with one other person.

Thanks, you donors for giving out this award and helping me one of the biggest fears I've had for trying to go to college is the student debt that comes along with it, so because of my family. I do not want to be a burden on them. And I do not want to take their money. I want to make money and stay out of debt the best I can. This will help me achieve my goals. So, thank you guys very much.

Stacie McKay High School: Keokuk High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Nursing

Thank you for continued support through my Nursing journey. Without your contribution, I would not be able to successfully get through this Nursing program. Your generosity has given me more time to focus on my studies and not have to worry about working to pay my tuition. Again, thank you so much!

Cody Messer High School: Mediapolis Community School District College: Iowa State University Major: Agriculture

Dear Matteson Family, Thank you for choosing me as the recipient of the Matteson scholarship for the upcoming school year. I was very excited and blessed to see that I was selected to receive this prestigious scholarship! My name is Cody Messer and I am from New London, Iowa. I attend Mediapolis High School and will be graduating this May. I am the youngest child of Dan and Crissi Messer. I was taught at a young age to always do better than my best in all I do, and my achievements and accomplishments the past four years have proven that.

Throughout high school, I have been involved in agriculture through 4-H and FFA, exhibiting projects at the county and state fair. 4-H has been a huge part of my interest within agriculture since the very beginning. All the experiences, community service, livestock shows, project areas, people I met, and lessons learned have contributed to my goals of pursuing my education further post high school at Iowa State University. My time in FFA with chapter planning events, community activities, and building upon my personal growth, premier leadership, and career success have all been vital to my decision to continue my education. My freshman year of high school I never thought I would be traveling all over Iowa visiting other FFA programs, and advocating for agriculture as an Iowa FFA State Officer, but here I am today! Three years ago, I started judging livestock with 4-H and FFA, won a few state titles, and even qualified and judged National contests with my team. We judged all over Iowa, as well as contests in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Colorado, Illinois, and Kentucky.

Seeing some high-quality livestock and having unforgettable experiences are cherished memories. My time in 4-H and FFA have provided me with experiences and opportunities that guided my decision to pursue a degree in animal science at ISU. My goal is to continue my grandfather's legacy farming. I am excited to gain more knowledge on animal science while pursuing a career within the animal industry after college graduation. Receiving this scholarship is a huge steppingstone in making my goals come true. I am excited about my future at Iowa State University. Thank you again for selecting me to receive this scholarship. This will open many opportunities for me and help lighten my financial burden.

Sincerely, Cody Messer

Hunter Miller High School: West Burlington High School College: Johns Hopkins University Major: Medical Doctor

Thank you so much! I will be going into my senior year at JHU studying Molecular and Cellular Biology with a focus in Human Genetics.

Jonathan Moore High School: Washington High School College: Southeastern Illinois College Major: Agriculture

Your scholarship continues helping me achieve my long-term goals and achievements and make college financially achievable especially considering my parents both lost their jobs this year due to company closure and had to find new ones. This scholarship allows me to continue on my journey. This spring I achieved my Red Card which allows me to do controlled burn at a national park and this summer I will start my internship. Thank you for allowing me to pursue the career of my choice by renewing my scholarship.

Thanks so much!

Jonathan Moore

Kyra Nash High School: Burlington High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Information Technology

Thank you so much for this scholarship! Your generous donation will allow me an opportunity that no one else in my family has ever received before! I am very excited to begin my college journey and learn everything I can about cybersecurity informational technology. I will work hard and do the Matteson Scholarship Foundation proud! Thank you for everything!

Caroline Nealey High School: Danville High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Arts & Sciences- Nursing Prep AA

Hello, My name is Caroline Nealey and I'm the 18-year-old daughter of Pat Nealey and Jill Mutchler; I'm from Danville, Iowa. I would first like to start off by saying thank you so much for presenting me with this scholarship! This year in the fall my plans are to attend SCC in West Burlington to complete My Gen-Ed course and go for a nursing and continue to get my BSN or I would like to attend Iowa State University to get a degree in veterinary medicine.

In my free time you will catch me at the Des Moines County fair showing my horses, rabbits, pigs, and chickens. I have a great and strong passion for animals which is why I would love to go to ISU to my DVM. I would like to thank you so much for choosing me again I really do appreciate it!

Best Regards, Caroline Nealey

Alania Oliver High School: Mediapolis High School College: Walden University Major: Engineering

Thank you so much for the scholarship! This money is helping me to attend a master's program in mental health counseling. Because of this scholarship, I can pay for school out of pocket. Thank you for helping me meet my goals! Not only are you helping me, but the people I will go on to help. I appreciate this so much!

Alma Oronia High School: Fort Madison High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Nursing

I would like to thank you for this scholarship! It will help me greatly with payments towards my future. I will work hard to become an unltrasound technician. I am greatful and so is my family. I’m glad to say my mom was very greatful and all I want to do is make her proud. So thank you again!

Chase Parrott High School: Mediapolis High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: IT Technician

My name is Chase Parrott. I am 28 and live in Mediapolis, Iowa, with my mother, Amber Parrott, and grandfather, James "Jim" Chase. My older brother Tyler Parrott attended Southeastern Community College to get his machinist degree. We recently lost my grandmother Ellen Chase and Aunt Wendy "Kite" Chase; Wendy attended Southeastern Community College, went through the nursing program, and became an RN. My family has always been my most significant support to accomplish my goals in life. I attended school at Mediapolis High School, and I have always lived in this area. I enjoy reading and being out in nature. I currently work at the Burlington YMCA and in the Child Care Center.

I will attend Southeastern Community College for the Network Admin and Cybersecurity program. With this degree, I can elevate my love for computers. My goals are simple: complete the 2-year schooling and either find my dream job or pursue a career in the medical field. Since the world is more centered around AI and everyone must know how to use a computer, I want to be able to help others. This scholarship will help me accomplish my goals and help me make new ones for my future.

Thank you for supporting me on this new adventure, which will begin on August 19th, 2024, with Southeastern Community College for Network Admin and Cybersecurity. I am honored to receive the scholarship from the L. W. Matteson Scholarship program. Reading the information about who the scholarship is in honor of, I will do my hardest to honor the man this scholarship represents.

Hailey Parrott High School: Mount Pleasant College: Southeastern Community College Major: Arts & Sciences- Associate of Science AS

My name is Hailey Parrott. I am extremely grateful that I have received this award.

Furthering my education has always been a goal of mine. Even if that meant I had to stay home and start my journey with the local community college. Since debt and money have always been a steppingstone for everyone at one point or another, I am glad that this award will allow me to reach a little further.

I have always had high expectations for myself whether it was for my year-round sports or school. Living in the country, I grew up loving the outdoors. With this, I was blessed with multiple opportunities for volunteering or showing respect to others. My love for helping others grew and shaped my views on what I want my career to involve. I finally decided on the medical field. The best fit for me was to help others heal through medicine. Becoming a pharmacist is my goal, my new passion. The first step towards this is completing an Associate of Science degree and then attending the University of Iowa in their PharmD program.

Thank you for giving me the chance to follow my dream and making schooling that much easier. It means a lot that I have someone watching my progress. Making that steppingstone a little easier to reach.

Michael Raines High School: New London Middle & High School College: Kirkwood Community College Major: Construction

Thank you, guys, for the scholarship it will greatly help me pay for college over the next four years. I am pleased to have been accepted and your money will not go to waste.

Heidi Rose High School: Keokuk High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Information Technology

Dear Keokuk Area Community FoundationI am sincerely honored to have been selected as the recipient of the Peggy Dickey Memorial Scholarship. Thanks to your generosity I will be able to focus more on my college classes and worry less about how I am going to pay for them. I want you to know that your kindness will not be wasted on me, it is enabling me to pursue my dream career as an elementary education teacher. I will continue to work hard throughout my college career to make my dream a reality. I am very grateful and appreciative of this support.

SincerelyHeidi Rose

Lauren Schreck High School: Central Lee High School College: University of Iowa Major: Agriculture

Hi Matteson Family, I can't thank you enough for the opportunities this scholarship has helped me achieve. At the end of this spring semester I will be finishing my first year of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program! I have loved every part of this program so far and this scholarship has helped me afford to keep going. I have two more years left of the program and I'm beyond excited for what the future holds. I hope that I can continue to renew this scholarship because it has been a huge part in helping me achieve my future career!

Thank you for everything, Lauren Schreck

Cameron Schroeder High School: Burlington High School College: University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry Major: Medical Doctor

Dear Matteson family, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for being selected as a recipient of the Matteson scholarship for optometry school. It is with immense appreciation and humility that I accept this generous award. Receiving this scholarship means more to me than words can express. Pursuing a career in optometry has been a lifelong dream, and your support brings me one step closer to achieving that goal, as I will finally become an optometrist in 2025. Your investment in my education not only alleviates financial burden but also serves as a profound vote of confidence in my abilities and aspirations. As I embark on this journey, I am committed to upholding the values of excellence, compassion, and dedication that the Matteson Scholarship represents. Your belief in my potential motivates me to strive for academic excellence and to make a meaningful impact in the field of optometry. I assure you that your generosity will not be taken for granted. I am deeply committed to giving back to my community and paying forward the kindness that has been bestowed upon me. Your investment in my education will not only benefit me but will also contribute to the betterment of healthcare outcomes for individuals and families in need. Once again, I extend my sincerest gratitude for your support and belief in my academic and professional pursuits. I am truly honored to be a recipient of the Matteson Scholarship, and I promise to make the most of this opportunity. Thank you for making a difference in my life and the lives of countless others. Your generosity inspires me to strive for excellence and to make a positive impact in the world.

With heartfelt appreciation, Cameron Schroeder

Joseph Sharp High School: Mediapolis High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: External Transfer Major AA

My name is Joe Sharp and thanks to this $2000 scholarship, I am one step closer to achieving my aspirations of becoming a kinesiologist. I am sincerely grateful for this scholarship because it will go a long way in helping me reach my goals.

I am pursuing a degree in kinesiology because during my senior year of high school I tore my acl playing football. While going to physical therapy I realized that I had an interest in healthcare. Another reason I want to pursue kinesiology is because I love watching and helping people heal from their injuries. Helping people makes me feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment. After SCC I plan on transferring to Iowa State for two years to get my bachelor's in kinesiology.

I am so thankful for this scholarship because it will allow me and my family to not think about having to pay for my year at SCC. This L.W. Matteson scholarship will go a long way in helping me achieve my dreams in life.

Cooper Shaw High School: Hamilton College: Southeastern Community College Major: Arts & Sciences - Associate of Science AS

I, Cooper Shaw, am writing to thank you for your generous $2,000 L. W. Matteson Scholarship fund. I was beyond joyful and thankful to learn that I was selected for this scholarship. This scholarship will not only help me financially but will aid me in completing my dreams of becoming a phenomenal science teacher.

I plan to major in Chemistry with a focus on becoming a teacher. Along with becoming a teacher, I plan to plant myself in the sports world and become a coach in the future. I never originally thought of becoming a teacher because I thought it would never come with any benefit. It wasn't until I got to know my own Chemistry teacher and found out that making a teacher-student connection was the greatest benefit of all.

By awarding me the L. W. Matteson Scholarship, you have lifted some of the financial burden. This will allow me to focus on learning how to become the best teacher I can be. I hope that looking back on this award, I can realize how it pushed me to create important teacher-student connections.

Thank you.

Mallie Sheerin High School: Fort Madison High School College: St. Ambrose Major: Medical Doctor

Thank you so much for giving me this scholarship that allowed me to do so many things at St. Ambrose. I am beyond grateful for this. I have one year left and am so excited to be able to put my degree to use!

Penelepe Sowell High School: Danville High School College: Utah Valley Major: Nursing

I would like to thank the Matteson Family for the amount of help and relief they have given me. Receiving this scholarship will lift a heavy weight off my shoulders and help me stress less about having to pay for college. It means so much to me that I was chosen for this scholarship, and I will be putting it to good use to help me with Nursing. Thank you so much!!

Sincerely, Penelepe Sowell

Emily Steffensmeier High School: Fort Madison High School College: Coe College Major: Medical Doctor

Dear Matteson family, Thank you for supporting my dream to become a nurse. This scholarship has helped me so much without it I wouldn’t have been able to afford out of pocket fees for school. I am so grateful to be awarded the Matteson scholarship

Isabella Steffensmeier High School: Central Lee High School College: University of Northern Iowa Major: Nursing

I would like to thank the Matteson Family for offering me this scholarship. I really appreciate this gift that you are giving me. I have been paying for my own schooling. I do really appreciate the experience of working as a CNA, however, the amount of hours I have to work to pay for my college tuition has caused a lot of stress and limited my academic opportunities. Receiving this scholarship has already taken a lot of stress off my shoulders from focusing on working a lot of hours to pay for my college tuition. I really appreciate this opportunity to allow me to focus on my schooling more than having to find ways to pay for my schooling. This scholarship will allow me to participate more in volunteer events, charity work, and research projects. I will also have more availability to help with my honors program at UNI, the honors societies and school clubs that I am a part of. I really appreciate that this scholarship has opened up my availability to be more active in my community at school and in the cedar valley area. I would just like to say, one more time, how grateful I am to be offered this scholarship.

Thank you very much.

Riley Stuecker High School: Central Lee High School College: Kirkwood Community College Major: Agriculture

Dear Matteson Family, Thank you very much for selecting me as a recipient for your generous financial donation. This fall I will be attending Kirkwood Community College to study Agriculture Science and pursue a career in animal nutrition. With this scholarship, the large burden of paying for college can be lifted so that I can focus on my education and building a successful future for myself. Your generosity helps build the future leaders of our communities and world. A thank you letter will never be enough to show my gratitude and appreciation.

Sincerely, Riley Stuecker

Charles Taylor High School: West Burlington High School College: Iowa State University Major: Engineering

Dear Matteson Family, Thank you for your continued support of my academic career. I am entering my final year at Iowa State University where I should graduate with a B.S. in Physics. It has been especially challenging, in a very fulfilling manner, and I certainly would have struggled more without the support from the Matteson Scholarship. I managed to injure my ACL and decline in my classes temporarily, and lost subsequent support, but this scholarship remained ever-present and I have since improved and felt bolstered by this scholarship. I think that students that have access to this scholarship would benefit greatly from the support and I am happy to recommend it to other capable students. Again thank you very much and I hope that I can exhibit the trust from this scholarship that the family has provided.

Best, Charles Taylor

Brian Tiet High School: Mount Pleasant College: Southeastern Community College Major: IT Network Administration & Cyber Security AAS I'm Brian Tiet, and I'm writing this letter to thank you for your generous award towards my education.

When I was notified that I had been selected for the awards, I was flabbergasted and grateful. The award will help me immensely in being able to focus on my education and sharpen my skills within my area of study - cybersecurity.

I read through Mr. Lawrence Matteson's biography and realized that to succeed and be as impactful as he is, I must work hard, seize opportunities, and give back to the community. Therefore, I'd like to tell you something about myself. I moved to the United States when I was 17 years old, being the land of opportunity, where your dedication and work determine your future, not where you were born or who you know, like where I came from. Grateful for the opportunity that the nation has given me, I decided to be enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard upon graduating high school in 2022. During my time of training in the Army, I have learned more about our nation security, which is the internet/cyber field where we are lacking compared to our adversaries. I has decided to pursuit my career in cybersecurity, because I believe to give my best to my nation and that's what our nation need. Throughout my time of going to school and serving, I was more felt in love in serving the community through volunteering and through my military service. In my 3 years future plan, I was looking to transfer to University of Iowa upon graduating from SCC, earn a bachelor's in applied studies in cybersecurity and looking to commission into US Army active duty.

Three words I would use to describe myself are gratitude, selfless service, and patriotism. Because of that, thank you for the awards that will help me cultivate my ability to express my three values to society. It means a lot to me to know that I'm not alone in my journey and that there are people who believe in me. I always push forward and never give up, because the award was meant for me to be successful.

Thank you so much, L. W. Matteson Scholarship.

Kyndal Townsley High School: Winfield/Mt. Union High School College: Iowa State University Major: Nursing

Thank you so much for allowing me to be a recipient of the scholarship. This has helped me greatly throughout my academic career. This scholarship has allowed me to get involved within the university. I have been able to join clubs that I never imagined being a part of. I have also been able to stay focused on my school work, with getting my assignments completed in a timely manner and also making sure I am well prepared for my exams in class. Another huge factor about this scholarship is not related to school, but it has allowed me to get out and meet friends in the spare time I have. Again, I appreciate this scholarship being awarded to me. I would not be where I am now in my academics without this!

Chance Weakley High School: Fort Madison High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Nursing

Dear Matteson Family, My name is Chance Weakley and I am a graduate from Fort Madison High School.

I am deeply honored you chose me for your scholarship. This will help me out immensely with paying for the nursing course I'll need to take. I greatly appreciate it and I won't let a penny go to waste! Thank you so very much you have no idea how much this means to me.

Sincerely and with great thanks, Chance Weakley

Tyson Wedekind High School: Other College: Southeastern Community College Major: Arts & Sciences – Nursing Prep AA

My name is Tyson Wedekind Jr. and I am writing to you to express my gratitude in being chosen for this scholarship. This award will help pay for my books and tuition for my nursing degree.

The path I have decided to go down for my career was not and will never be an easy path to take. The reason I even thought about being in the healthcare industry was because as a firefighter in my community, I felt that I could do more. After thinking for a couple weeks, I went to talk to my parents, that is when my mom suggested taking the EMT course. While taking the EMT course and going on firefighting calls, I realized that not only do I like helping but it's the most rewarding career I could have. I decided to start my medical journey and signed up to complete the CNA program while still in high school. The program was a lot of work and studying but it also showed me this is truly the path I wish to travel.

After I completed the program and took the National CNA Exam, I knew that I could keep going further in my medical education. The program I am pursuing is my associate nursing degree. After my degree I am on the fence about getting my paramedic but no matter what I want to remain a first responder in one way or another.

Once again I am very grateful to be given this scholarship because it does more than support me financially, it also shows me that people stand behind me and believe in me.

Gannon Wells High School: Central Lee High School College: Southeastern Community College Major: Electronic Maintenance Technician

My name is Gannon Wells and I was born and raised in SE Iowa. I am writing this letter to thank you for the scholarship that i have received. This money will help so much with paying for books and school. I cannot thank you enough for the money and to make me able to pursue my career in industrial maintenance.

Growing up I always was a fixer upper, I would always tear things apart and put them back together so I knew I wanted to be pursuing a career that was hands on. I was a plumber for over a year and found out that it wasn't for me, so I went to many job shadows and decided to join the industrial maintenance program to help me learn about maintenance.

Thank you so much for this scholarship, I can’t express into words what this means to me and how much that this will help me with all the college expenses.

Aidan Wendorf High School: Fort Madison High School College: Vanderbilt University Major: Engineering

As I reach the final stretch of my university journey, I find myself reflecting on the invaluable support you have provided throughout these formative years. I've been able to learn new things, make new friends, and expand my worldview.

As I prepare to graduate, I am filled with profound gratitude for the opportunities your assistance has afforded me. The lessons learned and experiences gained during my time at university will stay with me for a lifetime.

Thank-you for giving me a chance and entrusting me with your support. Even after I have graduated, I will continue to always be thankful towards the Matterson Family for being my one of my steadfast beneficiaries.

Gabriel White High School: Winfield-Mt. Union College: Southeastern Community College Major: IT Network Administration & Cyber Security AAS

Dear L.W. Matteson Scholarship Committee, I am Gabriel White, and I was raised working on a farm which I still help my parents with today. My academic goal is to get my network administration and cyber-security degree here at SCC. Planning out my finances, I was expecting to have just under what I needed for college saved up. Once I received the generous news about the L.W. Matteson Scholarship, it took a lot of weight and stress off my shoulders knowing that I could proceed with college this year.

I am grateful that the L.W. Matteson Scholarship Committee saw that I am involved with my community the same way that Mr. Matteson was within his. I am grateful to hear that Mr. Matteson had the same values, which encourages me to do the same. Going into the future, I plan to continue supporting my local community for years to come.

I had some doubts about whether or not I had just enough money saved up to pay for both semesters of college this year. I looked like I was going to have to take a year off to work and save up some money or have to take out a loan. I didn't like the sound of both of those ideas. Upon seeing the email that I received the scholarship gave me some hope that I could afford my second year of college. Once I opened it to see the scholarship details, I was ecstatic to see the $2,000 dollar amount that had been generously awarded, because I now have full confidence that I can afford both semesters now.

I am very thankful for the L.W. Matteson Scholarship award for helping me. Also, I am thankful that I could learn about the amazing person that Mr. Matteson was and how he dedicated his life to supporting his community. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his community resonate with me, and I hope to follow in his footsteps by contributing to my community through my career in network administration and cybersecurity. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his community resonate with me, and I hope to follow in his footsteps by contributing to my community through my career in network administration and cybersecurity.

With much appreciation, Gabriel White

Rowan Willeford High School: West Burlington Independent School District College: Southeastern Community College Major: Nursing

I would like to thank you for your generosity in giving me this Scholarship. I really appreciate this and I can not wait to become a Nurse!

Claire Wills High School: Central Lee High School College: Iowa State University Major: Agriculture

Matteson Family, I am continuously grateful for the support of this scholarship. Taking away some of the financial burden of college has been extremely helpful for me to continue college and finish. Thank you so much for the support.

Claire Wills

Lemia Wilson High School: Fort Madison College: Southeastern Community College Major: Agriculture, Modern Food Production and the Environment Diploma

My name is Lemia Paige Wilson and I sincerely thank you for awarding me this scholarship.

This award will be used to help me maintain my education as I earn my degrees in Horticulture and Food Production.

I have earned my Associates of Arts degree and am on track to receive my certificate and diploma in Modern Food Production by May of 2025. I intend to use my degree to work in the Agriculture Community in my area and gain valuable experience. After this, I plan to start my own farm and become self-sustaining, while also adding to our area's Agricultural community.

It is an honor to receive an award that comes from a member of my own community that started out farming and made great contributions to our area.

Thank you for this award.

Madelynn Wyatt High School: Keokuk High School College: University of Missouri at Columbia Major: Health

Thank you all so much for selecting me as a recipient of the 2024 Matteson Scholarship. Your generosity will help me financially prepare for my college career both during undergraduate, and graduate school. It is organizations like yours that help students like me be able to reach their scholastic goals. Thank you again so much!

Madelynn Wyatt