Senior Scholarships

Waukee Community Schools Foundation Scholarship Program

Our scholarship program has a long history–dating all the way back to 1996. Since then, we have given over one-million dollars to Waukee District students.

The Waukee Community Schools Foundation awards four $2,500 post-secondary scholarships to outstanding seniors in the Waukee Community School District (WCSD) each year. Two recipients are selected from Waukee High School, and two from Waukee Northwest High School.

This scholarship program is designed to recognize and support students who have made a positive and lasting impact on their family, school, and community during their time in the Waukee Community School District.

It highlights students who live out the values of the Foundation through their actions—whether in the classroom, extracurricular activities, with their peers, or within the larger school environment.

Congratulations 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Abby Welch – Waukee High School

“Abby is innately curious about learning how to create a better world – both in Waukee and globally. Abby strives for growth by listening to others and by taking on difficult classes and positions of leadership. For Abby, leadership roles are more than just a title; she brings determination to create a positive experience for all while creating a warm and supportive environment.” – Nomination

“Colt is genuine in his welcoming nature, not trying to draw attention to the action [of saying hello] but instead by simply taking the opportunity to make a connection. After a stand out season on the football field and commitment to play for UNI next Fall, Colt still took the opportunity to join the basketball team this year. Colt cares about the community that he is a part of at WHS, and continues modeling how to be a great teammate with his peers.” – Nomination

“Marissa is a unique and extremely talented young woman who has grown so much during her time in Waukee schools. She has been an instrumental part in getting the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership course at APEX up and running successfully. Her abilities, combined with the incredible growth over these past few years, promise an incredibly bright future in the culinary field.” – Nomination

“Sarah is the true epitome of a humble leader who leads by example. As president of NWHS Best Buddies, she advocated for more inclusive spaces at Northwest. Her sparkling personality made her the perfect ambassador for the club, greatly expanding its visibility in our building. Sarah is a kind and compassionate leader, helping underclassmen fit into the team at the school newspaper. She is a valued member of the community.” – Nomination

Selection Process

The Foundation’s scholarship process is unique in that it is based on staff nominations only. All nominations are submitted by WCSD staff members, ensuring that the focus remains on the everyday actions of students. To preserve the integrity of this process, we intentionally do not disclose the timeline or criteria to students, as we believe a student’s actions and advocacy in their regular activities—whether in class, during lunch, in the hallways, or in extracurriculars—speak louder than any formal application.

We do not consider GPA or resumés as part of the scoring criteria. The scholarship aims to identify students who demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a difference, regardless of grades or traditional accolades.

Foundation Priorities

The students selected for this scholarship embody the Foundation’s core priorities:

• Innovation: Embracing creativity and new ideas that push boundaries and inspire change.
• Wellness: Promoting a balanced and healthy approach to life, taking care of oneself and others.
• Sense of Belonging: Fostering inclusion, kindness, and community, ensuring that everyone feels valued and connected.

The Foundation believes these qualities are the true measures of success and leadership, both in school and in life.

Scholarship Details

• Amount: $2,500
• Number of Recipients: Four (two Waukee High School seniors + two Waukee Northwest High School seniors)
• Award Criteria: Positive impact on family, school, and community; demonstration of Foundation priorities—Innovation, Wellness, and Sense of Belonging
• Nomination Process: Nominations are submitted by WCSD staff members (no student applications)