Carson School freshman wins GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship

            Desiree Bartels of Tobias, an incoming freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, is one of 20 recipients nationwide of a GE-Ronald Reagan Foundation Scholarship.

            Honoring the legacy and character of the 40th president, the GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship rewards college-bound students who demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship with financial assistance to pursue higher education. Each recipient received $40,000 in college scholarships and attended an awards ceremony in June in Simi Valley, Calif. More than 11,000 applied for the scholarship.

            "In my three days at the Reagan Retreat, I met 19 of the most amazing and outstanding young people this country has to offer," Bartels said. "The fact that I was chosen to be among them is, by no understatement, a true honor. All 20 of us have the endorsement and support of one of the greatest American leaders, his family and his foundation. The memories made, the friendships forged and the honors bestowed are none like I have had before."

            During the retreat, Bartels and the other scholarship recipients had a chance to tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Air Force One, as well as volunteering at a food bank.

            "The view, the people and the experience were all gorgeous," Bartels said.

            Bartels is working with the Nebraska Repertory Theatre this summer as assistant general manager and will be in the directing/management program in the Carson School in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts this fall. In 2012, she received the college's Nebraska Young Artist Award, which recognizes high school juniors talented in the arts.

            A graduate of Meridian High School, Bartels was a 2012 senator for Girls State and Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. She also co-founded her school's mentoring program, was president of her school's National Honor Society and was captain of her varsity volleyball team. She has committed hundreds of hours of service to causes in her community ranging from youth to faith to health.

            "Desiree is very sharp, and we expect great things from her," said Paul Steger, director of the Carson School.

Writer: Kathe Andersen