CRESTON, Iowa (May 8, 2023) – Senior Tristen Rice, Creston Schools, has been awarded the 2023 Special Education Teacher Scholarship of Iowa in recognition for her academic accomplishments and educational goals. By May of 2023, Rice will earn both her high school diploma and an associate degree. This required completing several college, winter and summer courses throughout the school year.

After graduation, Rice plans to study at Northwest Missouri State University where she will study elementary and special education. Ever since she was a little girl, Rice knew she wanted to be a teacher. “My goal is to not only teach these special minds the desired material, but mostly to help them gain enough confidence to know that they are just as capable as everyone else in the world,” she said.  Rice credits her grandmother as an inspiration for her hard work and resilience. “My grandmother is the most hardworking person I know and has never failed to put her family first,” Rice said.

About the Award: The Special Education Teacher Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who plans to study education, with a focus on special education. Co-sponsored by ClaimAid Consulting Corporation and the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB), the scholarship is awarded based on a number of requirements, including educational goals and academic accomplishments.

ClaimAid is a leading provider of comprehensive Medicaid eligibility and enrollment services, school-based billing and claims resolution for schools, hospitals, patients, individuals and their families. IASB is a nonprofit organization representing Iowa’s 327 public school districts, nine area education agencies and 15 community colleges.