Left to right: Cal Seip, David Protzman and Ethan Samuelson, (UNK Communications, Courtesy)
KEARNEY – Three high-achieving high school seniors will join the University of Nebraska at Kearney Honors Program this fall as recipients of a prestigious full-ride scholarship.
Cal Seip of Grand Island, David Protzman of Norfolk and Ethan Samuelson of Kearney were recently named Omaha World-Herald/Kearney Hub Scholars, a recognition earned by the top students admitted to the UNK Honors Program.
Offered by the Honors Program and supported by the Omaha World-Herald and Kearney Hub newspapers, this scholarship is the premier academic award at UNK. It covers room and board, tuition and fees and books for up to four years, with a total value of more than $85,000.
Students must have a GPA of at least 3.85 and an ACT score of 32 or better to qualify.
A total of 153 students applied for the scholarship, now in its 42nd year, and 34 finalists were invited to campus to participate in the interview process.
“We are very excited to have Ethan, David and Cal join the UNK Honors Program, along with the entire group of outstanding students who will start their studies here this fall,” said John Falconer, the program’s interim director. “The UNK Honors Program is a place where high-ability students thrive. We put them in positions where they can pursue their talents and ambitions, within a community that provides incredible support for academic and personal growth.”
The Honors Program challenges and inspires students to go above and beyond by providing an environment where their learning and development are not limited. Students develop individualized pathways to success through research and creative activity, community service, leadership opportunities and other experiences while building strong ties as part of a close-knit community.
Cal Seip
Seip attends Nebraska Christian High School, where he’s served as student council president and National Honor Society vice president. He’s also been an encouragement group leader and student ambassador.
He lettered in football, wrestling, track, band and choir while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. Seip was selected to participate in Cornhusker Boys’ State and he’s active in his church’s youth group as a member of the worship band.
He plans to study pre-medicine with a goal of becoming a surgeon.
David Protzman
Protzman attends Norfolk Senior High School, where he’s been involved in choir, show choir, cross country and track and field. He’s a three-time state medalist in athletics and five-time Academic All-State honoree with a 4.1 GPA.
Protzman also volunteers with Kiwanis Youth Track Club and Panther Partners, a mentoring program for elementary students.
He plans to study history education while competing on the Loper track and cross country teams.
Ethan Samuelson
Samuelson attends Kearney Catholic High School, where he’s been involved in cross country, track, band, one-acts, National Honor Society and Quiz Bowl. He’s a two-time state mock trial qualifier and the current president of the Future Business Leaders of America chapter.
A recipient of the NSAA Multi-Activity Student Award and multiple Academic All-State Awards, he’s been recognized on the 4.0 Honor Roll all four years. Samuelson has also been selected to participate in Cornhusker Boys’ State, Youth Leadership Kearney and Buffalo County Youth Advisory Board.
He volunteers with Kearney Catholic, Special Olympics and various community organizations and works as a certified nursing assistant at a local nursing home.
Samuelson plans to study pre-medicine with an interest in pulmonology.
