Often, when you see “ethics” in the headlines, there is usually trouble – an investigation or violation of a law, rule or code. The Better Business Bureau serving Nebraska, South Dakota, The Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa is working to change this by focusing on the positive.
BBB Foundation seeks to promote the importance of ethics in its service area with educational and service programs for both businesses and consumers. It also recognizes and rewards ethical students so they may be motivated to continue incorporating the values of honesty and integrity into every aspect of their lives.
“There are a lot of amazing kids out there who are doing wonderful things to make their schools and communities better,” said BBB President and CEO Jim Hegarty.
BBB Foundation annually grants $2,000 Student of Integrity Award Scholarships to 12 graduating high school students who personify and communicate ethics - demonstrated through community service, leadership and personal integrity. There are three “Students of Integrity” from the Kansas Plains area; three from metro Omaha and southwest Iowa; three from metro Lincoln and greater Nebraska and three from South Dakota. The scholarships are for the winners’ post-secondary education expenses at any accredited institution.
Public, private and home-schooled high school seniors from BBB’s service area were invited to participate. This year, over 500 applications were submitted. The 2017 BBB Student of Integrity Award Winners were selected by independent panels of judges in Wichita, Omaha, Neb., Lincoln, Neb. and Sioux Falls, S.D. A major part of the application was a written essay discussing an ethical dilemma in business, politics or the students’ community.
Local student Ashtin Marie Heath, Great Bend High School was chosen from the Kansas Plains area for this award.