Central College News

Central College Announces Geisler-Penquite Scholars

Featured: Central College Announces Geisler-Penquite Scholars

September 11, 2025

Central College’s education program has announced 16 education students will receive Geisler-Penquite Scholarships.

The Geisler-Penquite Foundation honored students in the education program who display academic success, progress in the education program and leadership qualities in the field of education. Every scholar will receive a $5,000 scholarship for their junior and senior years. The Foundation established the scholarship program in 2011.

“We are so thankful for the legacy established by the Geisler-Penquite Foundation, which championed our future teachers for over a decade,” says Melissa McAninch, associate professor of education and chair of the education department. “Their generosity has now made a direct impact on more than 120 students, helping us develop exceptional educators who go on to do a world of good for their students.”

The Class of 2027 education major scholars are:

  • Macy Berntsen from Sycamore, Illinois.
  • Anna Dennis from Davenport, Iowa
  • Rylee Dunkin from Hamilton, Iowa.
  • Jillian Fairbanks from Otley, Iowa.
  • Gabe Feldmann from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
  • Lydia Fisher from Quincy, Illinois.
  • Audrey Laman from Norwalk, Iowa.
  • Vito Luchi from Avondale, Arizona.
  • Abigail Miller from Winfield, Iowa.
  • Emma Murphy from Liberty, Missouri.
  • Samantha Pagel from Madrid, Iowa.
  • Cheyne Plants from Pella, Iowa.
  • Rylie Preston from Geneseo, Illinois.
  • Ajay Six from Washington, Iowa.
  • Rachael Stoops from Bussey, Iowa.
  • Kathryn West from Perry, Iowa.

Pictured above: The latest Geisler-Penquite Scholars with the Class of 2027 are, from left, front row: Jillian Fairbanks, Abigail Miller, Samantha Pagel, Rylee Dunkin, Audrey Laman. Second row: Rylie Preston, Macy Berntsen, Kathryn West, Emma Murphy, Cheyne Plants, Lydia Fisher, Rachael Stoops. Third row: Gabriel Feldmann, Ajay Six, Vito Luchi. Missing: Anna Dennis.

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