Julie Demel, a senior at Central Plains High School, has received a First Scholars scholarship to attend Kansas State University. Scholars receive a $5,000 scholarship over four years for a total of $20,000.
In addition, students will attend academic, social, cultural, leadership, and service activities, and be paired with an upper class student who will serve as a mentor. The goal of the program is to increase the four-year graduation rate for first-generation students.
First Scholars seeks to attract students who will be incoming first-time, full-time freshmen whose parents did not attend more than two years of college. There are 20 students selected for the program each year.
Demel’s parents are Dan and Darlene Demel of Claflin. Her grandparents are Jerry and Judy Komarek of Ellinwood, and Dolores Demel of Claflin.