West Plains, MO – Four 2022 graduates of West Plains High School, one from Liberty High School and one from Willow Springs High School have each been presented with one-time, $2,000 scholarships by the West Plains Bank and Trust Company Employee Scholarship Committee. The recipients were selected based on their interest in banking or a business field, desire to help others, academic performance, and extracurricular involvement.
Matthew Mayberry, son of Cody and Kelli Mayberry, of West Plains, Mo., plans to attend Missouri State University – West Plains, to study business. He hopes to one day work as a loan officer or financial advisor. Mayberry said the most important lesson he has learned in high school is how to come out of his shell and communicate with people. In addition to working part-time during school, Mayberry was an active member of Concert Choir and the Zizzer Boys Swim Team.
Morgan West, daughter of Jason and Leina’ala West, of Moody, Mo., plans to attend Missouri State University – West Plains, Mo., to study nursing. Her goal is to become a registered nurse, focusing on maternity and neonatal care. During high school, West worked part-time, was active in Future Farmers of America, was enrolled in dual-credit courses and completed the pharmacy technician program offered through the South Central Career Center.
Candice Sterner, daughter of Robbie and Paula Sterner, of West Plains, will attend College of the Ozarks to study veterinary medicine. Sterner participated in many extra-curricular activities during high school including Future Farmers of America, Lady Zizzer Softball, BETA Club, and National Honor Society and she helped organize and distribute food at the Oregon County Food Pantry.
Kaylee Lambe, daughter of Jesse and Promise Lambe, of West Plains, Mo., plans to attend Lyon College, Batesville, Ark., to pursue a degree in biochemistry with a business minor. Lambe participated extra-curricular activities during high school including Zizzer Cross Country, Zizzer Track and Field, Lady Zizzer Basketball, Beta Club, FCCLA, and yearbook. She says the most important lesson she learned in high school is if you want something, you have to work hard at it and put in the extra work.
Karina Krivitchenko, daughter of Dmitriy and Anna Krivitchenko, Willow Springs, Mo., will attend Missouri State University, Springfield, Mo., to pursue a Bachelor’s in Biology or radiology. Her eventual goal is to enroll in medical school and improve the health of her community, specifically children. During high school, Krivitchenko participated in Future Business Leaders of America, vocal and piano lessons and was a private tutor. She also volunteered at Ozarks Healthcare, taught children’s Sunday school, and organized events and activities for youth.
Kenna Woolsey, daughter of Daniel and Jackie Woolsey, Mountain View, Mo., will attend Missouri State University – West Plains, and plans to study biology. Woolsey participated in many extra curriculars during high school, including basketball, volleyball, tennis, track, National Honor Society, Future Teachers of America, Future Business Leaders of America and Liberty High School Pep Club. In addition, she worked as a pharmacy technician, volunteered through her church and Operation Christmas Child, The Giving Tree, Mountain View Youth Basketball and Volleyball Leagues, Mountain View Garden Club tree planting, Feed My Starving Children, and P.A.T.H. Organization Studies.
Established in late 2014, the West Plains Bank and Trust Company Employee Scholarship Fund was created by Bank employees with the purpose of supporting college-level study for young people interested in the field of banking, a related field or field of study which make their communities stronger. Opportunity to apply was extended to graduating seniors in the West Plains R-7, Mountain View-Birch Tree R-3, Willow Springs R-IV school, and Houston R-1 school districts, which are serve the communities in which West Plains Bank and Trust Company has branches.
“The funds for this scholarship come directly out of the pockets of our employees who contribute to the fund each Friday for the privilege of wearing jeans to work,” said David M. Gohn, West Plains Bank and Trust Company President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our employees view encouraging young people to pursue higher education as a worthwhile investment in our future leaders. We are excited to help encourage young people to follow their dreams.”
West Plains Bank and Trust Company opened its doors to customers in 1883, making it the oldest continually operating business in the area. With 139 years of service to the local region, total assets of West Plains Bank and Trust Company have grown to more than $600 million with seven branch locations and a loan production office. For additional information, visit www.westplainsbank.com or call 417.256.2147.
