Foundation Awards $10,000 Schlenker Scholarship to Cole Eichacker

Cole Eichacker is the 2020 recipient of the Schlenker family scholarship from the Johnston Community School Foundation.

On a beautiful June night, JHS graduate Cole Eichacker (’20) was awarded the Johnston Community School Foundation Raymond and Marie Schlenker Scholarship.

Eichacker is the son of Scott and Jodi Eichacker. He has attended Johnston schools since kindergarten. As a high school student, Eichacker was involved in choir, show choir, All-State choir, Catalyst youth group, Odyssey of the Mind, and Best Buddies. He plans to study software engineering at Iowa State University.

The Schlenker Scholarship provides a $10,000 scholarship, payable at a rate of $2,500 per year for four years. Eligible students include Johnston High School seniors with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and accepted full-time enrollment in an Iowa four-year college or university, and who maintain a GPA of 2.5 each term for the four years.

A student must also complete a written application with essay questions, go through the interview process, and submit letters of recommendation. Foundation president Brad Ortmeier said 38 Johnston seniors applied for the Schlenker scholarship.

“On behalf of the Johnston Foundation and the Schlenker family, I want to congratulate Cole on this great award,” said Brad Ortmeier, JCSF President. “With the unique environment and no Senior Awards Night, we decided to surprise Cole at his home with the award, which turned out great. We wish Cole the best as he progresses forward towards his goals and to remember “Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon.”