First Dole Scholars honored for community involvement

'It makes you a better person'

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics on Friday recognized its inaugural class of Dole Scholars.

Forty students statewide were given Senator Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholarships for their volunteer efforts and public service. They will receive $1,000 for each of their four years of higher education.

“What better way than to reward them for what they have done already?” said Barbara Ballard, the institute’s associate director and coordinator of the scholars program.

Ten students from each congressional district received scholarships, which are funded by a federal grant. They keep them as long as their grade-point averages stay at 3.0 or higher.

For the students, the scholarship is recognition of many years of work for the community and other people. Often, some said, their work goes under the radar.

Avery Land, 18, of Burlingame, has volunteered for more than a decade. As a 4-H member, she’s helped run food drives, planted flowers, and contributed to the Ronald McDonald House.

Kansas University Provost David Shulenburger, left, reaches past Clarissa Unger, of Colby, one of 40 Dole Scholars, to shake hands with Bernard Devlin, father of scholar Elizabeth Devlin, both from Conway Springs, during a luncheon at the Dole Institute of Politics. The 40 students received scholarships to KU on Friday for demonstrating involvement in volunteering and public service.

Dena Bunnel, 18, of Welda, also volunteered through 4-H. She helped set up the county fair. She contributed to a benefit for a fellow student diagnosed with cancer. She gave to the community to make it better. She volunteers because she knows it’s necessary.

“Somebody has got to do it,” she said.

Her mother, Margie Bunnel, often drove her to her volunteer activities.

“I was hoping my children could make a difference in the world and help improve the environment,” she said.

Jay Vaglio, of Leawood, has volunteered in many ways, but one activity stands out. The 18-year-old helped repair the home of an impoverished West Virginia family. Their home was in rough shape, he said. The couple thanked the volunteers profusely and gave them food in return for the work. Vaglio said he has felt the rewards of community service.

“I know it makes you a better person,” he said. “It makes you grateful for what you have.”