Kunkel Family Scholarship

Adam and Kathryn Kunkel have enjoyed supporting the Pleasant Valley School District and want to provide a scholarship to support students in their post-high school academic plans. Adam graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 1998. While at PVHS, he took advantage of a variety of athletic and non-athletic extracurricular activities, including basketball, soccer, and Spartan Assembly. Both Adam and Kathryn attribute the rigor of their high school coursework and the leadership opportunities granted through extracurriculars to their future successes. Adam and Kathryn both earned undergraduate degrees from Iowa State University and went on to earn master’s degrees at other institutions. After starting their careers in Chicago, they decided to move back to the Pleasant Valley area to raise their three children; Abby (PV 2026), Logan (PV 2028), and Harrison (PV 2033). Both small business owners, Adam is a CPA in a Family Office and Kathryn is a SLP and BCBA specializing in Autism Consulting. Since returning to the area, the Kunkel family remains involved with the school district and has supported the PV Education Foundation in its efforts to provide scholarships to the students of PVHS. In addition, Kathryn has served on the Pleasant Valley School District Board since 2021.

The Kunkel Family Scholarship honors those students that have shown hard work and dedication towards their academic endeavors. In addition, this $5,000 scholarship celebrates a student’s ability to not only juggle the academic schedule but also participate in at least two high school extracurricular activities (at least one athletic and one non-athletic organization) during their high school career. Through participation in a variety of school activities, the applicant helps grow the school community by meeting other students, building leadership skills, and developing confidence. Finally, applicants that are able to show that they have demonstrated kindness, integrity, and strong moral character during their time at PVHS will be strongly considered. In order to encourage leaders in the fields of accounting, psychology, and education, those students that are interested in those fields of study are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria:

• GPA demonstrating dedication and hard work towards their studies and commensurate with college acceptance at a 4-year university.
• Plans to attend a 4-year university
• Strong consideration given to applicants that are pursuing majors in the fields of Accounting, Psychology, or Education.
• Must have participated in at least two high school extracurricular activities that includes at least one athletic and one non-athletic organization.
• Applicant is a leader that demonstrates kindness, integrity, and strong moral character.

Supplemental Requirements:

• Essay: In less than 500 words, please tell us
  • Why you have chosen your field of study
  • What your plans are after your post-secondary education is complete
  • About one of the following: your ability to problem solve and/or your dedication to your community
  • How you have shown leadership skills, integrity and/or strong moral character
• Reference Letter: Please provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher/staff member at PVHS that highlights kindness shown by the applicant toward another student and strong moral character.