Newton-area seniors encouraged to apply for Bank Iowa $1,000 Spirit of Chandy Scholarship

For the 11th consecutive year, Bank Iowa is inviting graduating high school seniors in the Newton area to apply for the Spirit of Chandy Scholarship. Bank Iowa annually awards up to 20 scholarships to honor stand-out high school students statewide. Last year, Bank Iowa doubled its commitment to the communities it serves, offering $1,000 scholarships instead of the $500 scholarships it has previously awarded.

The scholarship program is a tribute to Bank Iowa co-founder Harry Barr’s daughter, Chandy Barr Clanton, who passed away in 2009 at 36 while piloting her aerobatic plane during a training flight. Clanton was a successful businesswoman, competitive athlete, talented pilot and a beloved mother of two sons.

Scholarship applicants must be pursuing higher education at an accredited university or college and complete an essay describing personal strengths, education and career goals. Past scholarship winners, of which there are now more than 150 students, each displayed sound academic achievement, strength of character, leadership ability and participation in community activities, such as swimming, biking, running and flying –– a few of the interests Chandy passionately pursued.

The application deadline is March 1, and recipients will be announced in May.

The program has perhaps never been more important for rural students, as Iowa College Aid expects some farm-owner families will be negatively affected by this year’s FAFSA Simplification Act. To apply for the scholarship, visit https://www.bankiowa.bank/about-us/spirit-of-chandy-scholarship.