Leier

Brianna Leier receives Road to Success scholarship

Rugby Insurance Agency of Rugby along with Grinnell Mutual of Grinnell, Iowa, has named Brianna Leier of Rugby as one of 80 recipients of a 2019 Road to Success scholarship.

“We’re happy to recognize Brianna’s academic accomplishments and safe driving record with a Road to Success Scholarship,and we wish Brianna the very best in future endeavors,” said Keith Gault of Rugby Insurance Agency in Rugby. Leier was selected from thousands of Grinnell Mutual policyholders based on excellence in the classroom and a safe driving record.

Brianna’s parents are Annette and Wayne Leier.

Rugby Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency serving Rugby and the surrounding area.The agency provides several lines of personal, and business insurance products and represents Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company.

Blessum

About Grinnell Mutual

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company,in business since 1909, provides reinsurance for farm mutual insurance companies and property and casualty insurance products through more than 1,700 independent agents and brokers in 19 states. Grinnell Mutual is the 111th largest property-casualty insurance company in the United States and the largest primary reinsurer of farm, mutual companies in North America.

NDHSCA-Gelaine Orvik Scholarship recipients selected

The recipients of the annual NDHSCA-Gelaine Orvik $1,000 Scholarship have been identified and notified. After evaluation and assessment, the selection committee selected Maria Blessum from Rugby High School and Isaac Huber from Edgeley High School as beneficiaries. The Scholarships will be presented to the two young student/athletes at the NDHSCA Annual Awards Banquet, which will be held at the Bismarck Ramkota Convention Center on Thursday, June 27th.

MARIA BLESSUM; RUGBY HIGH SCHOOL

Maria Blessum is ranked first in her class of 37 at Rugby High School. She will have earned more than 30 credits when she graduates; she has an ACT test composite score of 32 and a 4.00 GPA through seven semesters and her academic classes includes College Credit Classes in College Algebra, Trigonometry and composition. Maria competed in volleyball, basketball and track & field for all four years of high school, and has earned four athletic letters in volleyball, basketball and track & field (12 total letters). Maria was member of National Honor Society, FBLA, FFA, Math Team, student council, Sources of Strength, Academic Olympics, and Catholic Youth Organization. In addition to her participation and earning letters in athletics, she was a captain of her track & field teams (junior and senior years), basketball team (senior year) and volleyball teams (junior and senior years).

Maria has also prepared for her coaching profession by her love for teaching and her communication skills. She attests to her love for coaching and honor for her high school coaches as she declares “My coaches have had a substantial impact on my life.” She anticipates her role as a coach “. . . to teach athletes that there are many lessons to be learned through athletics beyond just winning and losing.” Those lessons include but are not limited to the value of hard work, teamwork, and dedication; also the crucial respect for those around, the importance of emotional and intellectual strength – – – not just physical strength; humility in success and strength in defeat.”

Maria was praised by her high school principal as being tenacious, a rare leader with maturity and willingness to go beyond to accomplish her goals. He additionally states that she is astute, punctual, a role model, and the consummate scholar. He continues to characterize her as being intelligent, determined, personable, creative, and innovative. Maria has integrity and is concerned about her school, community, peers and family.

Maria receives great praise from Kim Anderson, who has had contact with her as a teacher, coach, and a cooperating student in an elementary school. Ms. Anderson elaborates on her athletic successes of being All-State in volleyball, Optimists All-Star Volleyball selection, finalist for NDHSCA senior athlete of the year in volleyball, Lions All-Star Basketball selection and State Champion in Pole Vault as a junior. Anderson continues her praise of Maria’s work ethic, respect for others, competiveness, sacrifice, and self-confidence. Anderson closes her praise with “She has a sincere interest in betterment of North Dakota Education and athletics. . . .She deservedly represents the ideals and values that are associated with Coach Orvik’s expectations in athletes.

Maria was nominated for this scholarship by Jennifer Brossart, Rugby HS girls’ basketball coach. Jennifer supports Maria with the same accolades identified by Kimberly Anderson and Jared Blikre. She additionally identifies Maria’s leadership skills and helpfulness to others. She has “demonstrates determination and dedication to be the best she can be. She is held in high regard by her peers, teachers and her community.”

Overall Maria’s recommendations center on her respect for others and high integrity. Maria is a great leader, has astounding drive and is a true team person. Undoubtedly, Maria is a deserving recipient of the NDHSCA-Gelaine Orvik Scholarship.