SIEF launches new "Class of 1978 Scholarship" to support SHS seniors

BY JAMIE BURDORF

The Shenandoah Iowa Education Foundation is proud to announce the creation of the Class of 1978 Scholarship, a new scholarship established to honor the legacy of the graduating class of 1978 and to support future students in achieving their academic dreams.

Spearheaded by alumni from the Class of ’78, including Chris Lonowski, Dale Hensley and Kim (Ketcham) Leininger, an idea formed among classmates as to a great way to give back to the community and school that gave so much to them. As most of them reach that age 65 mark they have reflected on their lives and they consider the people that helped them on their journey. They value the relationships they created during their school years at Shenandoah and note the strong mentors they had in their teachers, coaches and sponsors.

The Class of 1978 would like their classmates to give back in a new way - the Class of 1978 scholarship.

“Creating this scholarship was about more than giving money—it’s about giving opportunity,” said Lonowski, a member of the Class of ’78 and one of the scholarship’s founding donors. “We wanted to leave a legacy that would make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.”

The Class of 1978 Scholarship will be awarded annually, with the hope to start it in May of 2026. The donation to the scholarship is tax deductible as SIEF is a 501(c)3 organization. To donate, you can go to: https://givebutter.com/Classof78 or mail your donation to: PO Box 351, Shenandoah, IA 51601 and designate it to the Class of 1978 scholarship.

This scholarship not only reflects the spirit of a remarkable graduating class, but also inspires others to invest in education and community. Many Class of 1978 alumni have supported the foundation over the years, just as so many other classes of alumni. The foundation very much appreciates this amazing source of support and collaboration. Thank you for your consideration and for making a difference in the lives of graduating seniors at SHS!