Decorah

Emily Righter of Wellman has been named one of five Luther College students to receive the Karen Julesberg Scholarship, a $1,000 award for the upcoming academic year. A 2023 graduate of Mid-Prairie High School, Righter was selected for the scholarship based on her academic achievements and campus involvement.

During her time at Mid-Prairie, Righter was heavily involved in speech and theater, earning Division I ratings in events including Radio News Broadcasting and Public Address. She also participated in music and band, playing the string bass and French horn, and was a member of the honor choir.

The Karen Julesberg Scholarship is awarded annually to eligible Luther College students who are first-generation college students, income-eligible students or students with disabilities.

At Luther, Righter plays the French horn and participates in both the Luther College Symphonic Band and Horn Seminar. She also works as a TRIO Student Support Services peer coach and student office assistant through the college's work-study program.

The scholarship was established 14 years ago, with the first awards presented by Luther College in 2012.

Jennifer Hanifl, director of TRIO Student Support Services, praised this year's recipients.

"These scholarship recipients exemplify resilience, determination and commitment to service, community and self," Hanifl said.

"The selection process was highly competitive. These students demonstrate exceptional perseverance, a deep appreciation for the value of a liberal arts education, and a genuine desire to use their education to create meaningful change in their communities."

Righter, now a junior at Luther College, is majoring in neuroscience. She plans to pursue a career as a clinical trial coordinator after graduation.