North Tama’s Mason Hosek, right, pictured with Gov. Kim Reynolds on April 27 during the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

DES MOINES – Mason Hosek, a student at North Tama County High School, and Kengo Uchiyama-Hansen, a student at Union High School, were among the 424 Iowa high school seniors recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony held on April 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

Each high school was invited to select a senior student with the highest academic ranking for their first seven semesters. Students selected for the award also had the opportunity to recognize their favorite/most influential teacher and will receive a photo plaque of their meeting with Gov. Reynolds.

“The principles learned through academic success, like those learned from participation in education-based activities, help develop outstanding leaders and citizens,” Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Executive Director Tom Keating said.

Ninety-eight percent of those recognized participate in extra-curricular school activities, with more than 82% participating in at least one interscholastic sport. More than 63% of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.

The statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).

“Iowa Farm Bureau has a long history of supporting students in their educational journey knowing they represent the leaders of tomorrow,” IFBF President Brent Johnson said.  “From providing more than a half-million dollars in college scholarships annually to our long-time title sponsorship of the Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony, we’re honored to support and celebrate Iowa’s outstanding students.”

Telegraph note: No photo was available for Uchiyama-Hansen.