Six from Hastings win P.E.O. Star Scholarships – Hastings Tribune
Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Hazy. Low near 60F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph..
Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Hazy. Low near 60F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: July 31, 2025 @ 3:40 pm
Ruby Schardt
Brooke Baker
Eliza Borer
Hannah Fiala
Isabella Kvols
Laura Kate Oliver
Editor/News Director
Brooke Baker
Eliza Borer
Hannah Fiala
Isabella Kvols
Laura Kate Oliver
Ruby Schardt
Nominees from all six P.E.O. chapters in Hastings were named to receive scholarships this year as part of a national program.
The six STAR Scholarship winners from Hastings received a total of $15,000. All six are 2025 Hastings area high school graduate, and each won $2,500 from the international Philanthropic Educational Organization,which is dedicated to supporting education for women.
The six graduates are Brooke Baker, nominated by Chapter HT; Eliza Borer, nominated by Chapter GK; Hannah Fiala, nominated by Chapter FH; Isabella Kvols, nominated by Chapter G; Laura Kate Oliver, nominated by Chapter DA; and Ruby Schardt, nominated by Chapter GZ.
Since the program’s inception in 2009, STAR Scholarship winners have been awarded over $21.8 million. This year 1,146 scholarships were awarded throughout the United States and Canada.
The following biographies of the scholarship winners were submitted by the P.E.O. chapters:
Brooke Baker
Brooke Baker is the daughter of Heather and Dr. Larry Baker and a recent graduate of Adams Central Public Schools. She was nominated based on her outstanding academic success and her strong leadership in Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society and community activities. Brooke was a leading competitor at dance competitions and track meets. She served as vice president of her graduating class and placed third at the state FBLA conference, qualifying for the week-long national competition in Orlando, Florida. Brooke will attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, majoring in microbiology in preparation for veterinary school. She plans for a career as a veterinarian.
Eliza Borer
Eliza Borer, daughter of Lindy and David Borer, is a graduate of St. Cecilia High School. Eliza’s superior academic record and deep commitment to learning, along with her calm maturity and her service to and compassion for others, distinguish her in the classroom. Her leadership in speech and AG2G (“All Glory to God”) and her deep reliance on her faith also distinguish Eliza and prompted her to volunteer to clean Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center because the Center “serves a great purpose in our community.” Eliza is enrolled at Hastings College as a Scott Scholar, majoring in accounting and business administration.
Hannah Fiala
Hannah Fiala, daughter of Shari and Daniel Fiala, is a recent graduate of Adams Central High School. Hannah’s outstanding positive leadership skills and excellent academic record were key reasons for her nomination. Hannah made a significant impact on her school and community through a myriad of extracurricular activities. She was a member and captain of both the volleyball team and cheer squad, participated in FBLA and FFA and worked as a peer tutor. Additionally, she was selected for National Honor Society, Student Council and chosen by the faculty as Adams Central All-Around Senior Girl. Having already earned her CNA (certified nursing assistant credential), Hannah has been employed at Mary Lanning Healthcare. She plans to attend Central Community College in the fall where she will prepare for a career in the health field, followed by enrollment in Mary Lanning’s School of Radiology Technology.
Isabella Kvols
Isabella Kvols, daughter of Megan and Scott Kvols, is a graduate of St. Cecilia High School. Isabella puts her enthusiasm and talents into community service, the arts, and sports. A top scholar, she received NSAA Academic All State recognition for softball and academics. On stage, she performed in high school musicals and competed in speech. She showed livestock and judged at the Nebraska State FFA Convention. Inspired by health care professionals, she plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in nursing.
Laura Kate Oliver
Laura Kate Oliver, daughter of Susan and William Oliver, is a graduate of Hastings High School and will be attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln this fall majoring in Biochemistry. She is a three-year member of the National Honor Society and participated in numerous high school activities, most notably; Uncaged on Stage Show Choir, Madrigals, Tigerettes Dance Team, orchestra, swim team and golf. Laura Kate was awarded the National Choral Award and the National Orchestra Award. She was in the top 10% of her class and received the Most Valuable Student Award for the Elks Club. She is an active member of First Presbyterian Church and sings in the youth choir, rings in the bell choir, teaches Sunday school and actively participates in the youth group.
Ruby Schardt
Ruby Schardt is a recent graduate of Hastings High School. Her parents are Aaron and Megan Schardt. Her grandmother is a member of the chapter that nominated her. Ruby was involved in Student Council, DECA, varsity tennis (placing at state level), her church mission trips and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, along with other school and community activities. She has always been interested in her father’s profession of finance and investing, learning from all of his work and examples. She would like to help people nearing retirement with their investments and financial planning, hoping to someday open her own firm. She will be attending the University of South Dakota.
Brooke Baker
Eliza Borer
Hannah Fiala
Isabella Kvols
Laura Kate Oliver
Editor/News Director
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