Shelby Yates, a recent Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School graduate, has been named a recipient of the Bright Scholars of Iowa Award, a distinction that includes a four-year, full-ride academic scholarship to the school of each student’s choice. Yates chose the University of Northern Iowa. Her scholarship is one of 52 the Bright Foundation is awarding to worthy Iowa high school seniors planning to attend one of the state’s three regent universities as well as DMACC and Indian Hills Community College.

“It is our mission to use these scholarships to make a real difference in the lives of young Iowans who can then make a difference in the world,” says Dan Kelly, managing director of the Bright Foundation.

It’s no surprise Yates is majoring in Leisure, Youth and Human Services. Her volunteerism is not only rewarding, but also so fulfilling that she wants to make a career out of it.

“This is the fifth summer of going on a mission trip with my church. I’ve learned so much about helping people in need and there needs to be more of it,” said Yates. “I also [with a friend] put on a ‘Community of Reinbeck Christmas Spectacular’ where we organized kids ages three to 12 for the event to raise money for local charities.”

Yates has been very involved in the youth group at her church and has also done lots of community service. Her involvement in school and extracurricular activities is much the same. She was on the Student Council and was class president this year while also serving on the National Honor Society. She was a member of every band at Gladbrook-Reinbeck High while also being involved in choir, drama, and winning All-State in speech her senior year. Additionally, Shelby played soccer, was in the Newspaper Club and was president of the Renovation Club.

“I’m most excited to get out of my small town and take my interests in nonprofit to the next level,” said Yates when asked what she’s most looking forward to. “I can’t wait to join other nonprofit and Christian clubs, and marching band at UNII’m ready to make a name for myself.”

Despite her now 16 year-old sister’s unfortunate health issues throughout her growth, Yates has clearly paved her path; and her advice to up-and-coming high school students is testimony to it.

“Get involved. Try different thingsyou never know until you try. It will definitely benefit you in the long run,” said Yates.

For the upcoming 2014-2015 school year, a total of 52 Bright Scholars of Iowa Awards were awarded. Initiated in 2012, three Iowa high school seniors, each attending one of the regent universities (Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa) were recipients of the Bright Scholars of Iowa Award. For the 2013-2014 school year, five students at each of the state universities were selected for the award, along with four students attending Indian Hills Community College and three Des Moines Area Community College students.

These four-year renewable scholarships are designed to make higher education at Iowa universities and community colleges possible for talented young Iowans who may not otherwise have the means to get a college education.

Lois and H. Dale Bright funded the H. Dale and Lois Bright Foundation in 1996. Since that time their Foundation has quietly contributed millions of dollars to Iowa organizations and charities. Dale died in 1996 at age 86. Lois died in 2012 at age 102.

“We worked hard, saved carefully, invested wisely and gave back when we could,” Lois said. “I am always surprised when I remember that such a simple formula produced so much.”