News and announcements from the principal of Central High School:
Davenport, Iowa (April 30, 2024) - In a surprise announcement, Davenport Central High School’s Samuel Bevans was awarded the 2024 Kathryn Bell Tate Scholarship. This $20,000 scholarship is awarded to one Davenport senior each year through the Davenport Schools Foundation and is disbursed over a four-year period of undergraduate schoolwork. It can be used at any accredited college or university.
“I am committed to achieving my goal of becoming a NASA engineer by focusing on my coursework, maintaining a strong academic record, and collaborating with other students to expand my knowledge in the field. This award will help me pursue my bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University and will give me the best opportunity to achieve my dreams,” said Bevans.
Bevans plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall pursuing a major in Aerospace Engineering with goals to become an Aerospace Engineer where his passion for aviation and engineering can coexist.
“The Davenport Schools Foundation is pleased to celebrate Samuel’s academic and community service achievements by awarding this scholarship to him. The foundation oversees more than 50 scholarships and this year, we have awarded over $97,000 in scholarships to deserving seniors in the district. We are grateful to the donors who make these awards possible.
During his Intro to Engineering course at Central High School, Bevans had the opportunity to work with a physical therapist to design and print a 3D therapy device to help a young elementary student with limited mobility have better access to technology. Reflecting on his experience, Bevans expressed, “Although I may not have changed the world with my device, I was able to make a meaningful improvement in a small way for another person. This is and always will be my goal in life.”
“We are thankful for the opportunities our students like Samuel receive through the generous philanthropic work of the Davenport Schools Foundation. Samuel’s commitment to excellence, both academically and within our community, exemplifies his dedication to his dreams and his compassion for others,” said TJ Schneckloth, Davenport Community Schools Superintendent.
Bevans is part of the National Honor Society, a group leader in the mentors in violence prevention program, elementary reading buddies, a member of the Davenport Central leadership team, a programming captain on the robotics team, and Vice President of the drama department. He spends his free time volunteering with Young Eagles, sharing his passion for aviation with younger students.
The scholarship, awarded annually by the Davenport Schools Foundation, was established in Kathryn Bell Tate’s honor to assist the children of employees of the Davenport Public Schools in financing their undergraduate education. Tate was a long-time teacher at McKinley Elementary School. Each year, one Davenport student is awarded this scholarship.
