Montana State University names 2024 provost scholars

BOZEMAN - Thirteen high school graduates from throughout the state and country, including six from Montana, have been named 2024 Montana State University Provost Scholars. The award is one of MSU's most prestigious scholarships.

"We are honored that these students have chosen to attend Montana State University," said Robert Mokwa, MSU provost. "We know they will impact our community, state and nation in significant ways."

The MSU Provost Scholarship awards are based on scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership and exemplary public service. Recipients of the Provost Scholarship also receive an annual stipend plus a tuition waiver. The scholarship is for four years if the students maintain superior academic standing at MSU.

"This scholarship reflects these students' extraordinary accomplishments, hard work and potential to make significant contributions to society," said Durward Sobek, interim dean of the MSU Honors College. "We celebrate their success and look forward to welcoming them to the Bobcat family as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their educational journey."

The 2024 MSU Provost Scholarship recipients are:

MONTANA

Bigfork

Abigail Pilskalns graduated as valedictorian from Bigfork High School and plans to pursue a degree in biology while completing pre-medicine curriculum. She finished high school in three years, completed a year of college credits from Flathead Valley Community College, participated in soccer and Cave Club for all of high school and played tennis at Bigfork for two years. She is also part of her school's chapter of the National Honor Society and is involved in community programs such as teaching middle schoolers, coaching middle school soccer, teaching a class at her church, conducting breast cancer research over the summer and volunteering at culture-based programs at Bigfork High School and FVCC. Her parents are Nanci and Paul Pilskalns.

Chinook

Quentin Edwards graduated from Chinook High School and plans to major in biomedical engineering and then attend medical school. He was a member of the National Honor Society and president of the student council. He was involved in football, basketball, track and field, pep club, pep band and Science Olympiad. Edwards was a delegate to the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference and was a Western Aerospace Scholar. He also volunteered for a local wildlife museum, the community food pantry and his church. His parents are Tammy and Sean Edwards.

Great Falls

Emma Guter is a graduate of Great Falls High School and plans to pursue a degree in cell biology and neuroscience. She was co-president of her student body, head of the service committee for her school's chapter of the National Honor Society and a varsity swimmer for four years. She also participated in the Montana All-State Band and the All-Northwest Band as a French horn musician. She volunteered for four consecutive summers at Toby's House Crisis Nursery and interned at the McLaughlin Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences the past two summers. Her parents are Colleen Marron and Karl Guter.

Helena

Adam Grasmick is a graduate of Capital High School and plans to pursue a degree in computer science with a minor in mathematics. He participated in varsity sports such as soccer, football and powerlifting, for which he won two state championships. He was also involved in activities such as Science Olympiad, Science Bowl and Health Occupations Students of America. His parents are Shannon and Charlie Grasmick.

Hinsdale

Zora Holt is a graduate of Hinsdale High School and plans to study pre-veterinary medicine. She participated in 4-H, FFA, band, choir, basketball and track and field all four years of high school and held offices in her 4-H club and FFA chapter. She was also involved in National Honor Society and cross-country. Notable accomplishments include winning the 2022 Montana FFA Star State Secretary award, breaking Hinsdale's 3,200-meter record during her senior track season and graduating as valedictorian. Her parents are Jason Holt and Sierra Stoneberg Holt.

Lewistown

Alexandra Naber y Rosario graduated as valedictorian from Fergus High School and plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. She served as senior class president and captain of the cross-country team, and she also participated in track and field, band, Business Professionals of America and Key Club all four years of high school. She joined Scouts BSA in 2019 and recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. She is a 2024 National Merit Scholar and a Montana University System Honor Scholar. Her parents are Helge Naber and Chase Rosario.

CALIFORNIA

Goleta

Riley Kisner is a graduate of Dos Pueblos High School and plans to pursue a degree in chemistry with a minor in global studies. She is a company member at Santa Barbara Festival Ballet, where she volunteers as an assistant teacher and helps with fundraising and publicity. She also volunteers with a variety of environmental organizations and took on a leadership role with the Wilderness Youth Project, an outdoor program for children. Kisner is an accomplished violinist and pursues her intellectual passions outside of the classroom, taking courses in Spanish, Python coding and quantum mechanics. Her parents are Ted Kisner and Erin Riley.

COLORADO

Colorado Springs

Finn Growney is a graduate of Cheyenne Mountain High School and plans to pursue degrees in engineering and economics. He served as president of HOSA, placing first in biology at the state competition, and placed at two Science Olympiad state tournaments. He was recognized as a Claytor Scholar for grace and humility, received Boys' State awards and volunteers at his local library. The Military Order of the World Wars selected Growney to represent Colorado, Arizona and Utah at the National Youth Civics Summit in Washington, D.C. His parents are Michael and Matilda Growney.

Meeker

Ainsley Selle graduated from Meeker High School and plans to pursue a degree in wildlife biology. During high school, she was student council president, a National Honor Society member and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club leader. Selle initiated community service operations within her community, including efforts to provide services for frontline workers, a shoe drive and an elementary school reading competition. She also volunteered for a grief counseling center to support young children. Selle helped lead varsity volleyball, basketball and track and field. Her parents are Chris and Michelle Selle.

WASHINGTON

Buckley

Brock Hyatt is a graduate of Enumclaw High School and plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. He is a member of the National Honor Society, recipient of the Washington State Honors award and was a junior class Honor Guard. He served as a black belt instructor at his local taekwondo studio and volunteered as the lead camp counselor for a local summer art camp. Additionally, he volunteered as a teacher's assistant in a local elementary school classroom. He was a varsity member of the Enumclaw High School men's tennis team, participated in track and field and was recognized as a scholar athlete. His parents are Ben and Rita Hyatt.

Olympia

Shane Fitzpatrick is a graduate of Capital High School and plans to major in mechanical engineering and minor in anthropology. He earned a varsity letter in golf three years in a row and traveled to the state tournament each year, while also earning a varsity letter in tennis his senior year. He organized a wildfire relief donation drive for firefighters and those who lost their homes or were displaced. Also, he has acted as a designated hunter for elders in his tribe, providing them with traditional food sources. His parents are Jennifer and Aaron Fitzpatrick.

Tenino

Hunter Morgan graduated as valedictorian from Rochester High School and plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry on the pre-medicine track. He served as president of the speech club, vice president of his school's student council and National Honor Society chapter and captain of the cross-country team. Morgan is an Eagle Scout and a registered dental assistant in Washington State and has volunteered on projects to build picnic tables, signs and trails for his community. His parents are Glen and Lauren Morgan.

WYOMING

Powell

Seeger Wormald is a graduate of Powell High School and plans to pursue a degree in business management. He served as a student body executive on student council and was the vice president of his school's National Honor Society chapter. He also participated in tennis, track and field, indoor track and basketball. Wormald was involved in his youth group and church. His parents are Tim and Sarah Wormald.