West Plains, MO. – The West Plains Bank and Trust Company Employee Scholarship Committee awarded three 2024 graduates from West Plains High School, one each from Liberty High School, Willow Springs High School, and Houston High School with one-time $2,000 scholarships. The recipients were selected by their interest in banking or business, desire to help others, academic performance, and extracurricular activities. The seniors who received the scholarships are Madi Hughston, Olivia Lawson, Basema Tekle, Kaylie Foster, Melaina Wilson, and Anna Gale.
Liberty High School Senior Kaylie Foster plans on attending the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. to study political science (pre-law). In high school, Kaylie served as president of the National Honor Society and her senior class, was a Pep Club and Future Teachers of America member, and played volleyball, basketball, and softball.
West Plains High School Senior Basema Tekle plans on attending the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. to study business. In high school, Basema participated in the Zizzer Marching Band, Varsity Concert Band and Jazz Band, Student Council, National Honor Society, Zizzerette Editor-in-Chief, and Zizzer Soccer Team. Basema was committed to community services by helping with the annual Veterans Day Breakfast and Day Without Hate events at her school, providing food and water to people in need, and free snacks and drinks at the community Easter Egg Hunt.
West Plains High School Senior Olivia Lawson plans to attend John Wood Community College, Quincey, Illinois to earn a bachelor’s degree. Olivia was a member of the Lady Zizzer Basketball team, where she raised money for Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment. She volunteered at numerous youth basketball camps to mentor young athletes and she gathered food to address the issue of food insecurity in the community.
West Plains High School Senior Madi Hughston plans to attend William Wood University in Fulton, Mo. to study biology and pursue a medical degree. She participated in the BETA Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, volleyball, and basketball, and coached the club volleyball for 12-year-olds through Club Serve. She also assisted in several local fundraisers including Mindy’s Run, Heart of the Ozarks Marathon, and Jason Orr Memorial Volleyball tournament.
Willow Springs High School Senior Melaina Willson plans to attend College of the Ozarks in Point Outlook, Mo. to study pre-veterinary medicine/animal science. Melaina’s extra-curricular involvement included Fellowship of Christian Athletes (treasurer, senior representative), Future Farmers of America (multiple honors and offices), math and science relays, tennis, track and field, Interact Club, FBLA, National Honor Society (president), Quiz Bowl, Spanish Club, basketball, Bear Ambassador, cross country, Interscholastic Contest, youth group, and more than 50 hours of community service with Freeway Ministries, MUNCH, and Bears for a Better Christmas.
Houston High School Senior Anna Gale plans to attend Missouri State University – West Plains to study nursing. Anna participated in the National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, H-Club, volleyball, and softball, and served as manager for the boys’ basketball team. She also got 40 volunteer hours during the 2022-23 school year.
