Perry High School senior Callie Steva recently received the Parent in Heaven (PH) Balance Scholarship from the Iowa Retired School Personnel Association (IRSPA) at the group’s annual state meeting and conference in Creston.
The new $1,000 IRSPA scholarship is awarded to a student in the annual conference’s district who has lost a parent. The award is funded by donations from its members. The PH Balance award was announced by the Dallas County Area Retired School Personnel Association (DCARSPA), the local chapter of IRSPA.
Steva said the PH Balance Scholarship gives her a “stepping stone toward realizing my full potential and achieving my life goals.” She lost her father, Darin Steva, a teacher at the Perry High School, to heart problems in 2016, just at the age when a young girl needs her daddy the most. Her mother, Rachel Steva, teaches kindergarten at the Perry Elementary School.
Callie Steva now aims to continue her education at the University of Northern Iowa by majoring in education and following in the footsteps of both her parents.
Jean Hoffman, past president of IRSPA, said leadership and compassion for others were two qualities that came through loud and clear in the letters of recommendation submitted for Steva.
“The PH Balance Scholarship is meant to remind the recipients that IRSPA members understand their loss and are proud of their resilience and desire to move forward in life,” Hoffman said. “In the realm of the expenses of college, $1,000 does not go far, but it carries a heartfelt recognition of the accomplishments of the recipient.”
Steva has similarly demonstrated a care for others, especially those who seem to be struggling with some of life’s challenges, and she lets them know they are not alone, said Sue Leslie of Perry, DCARSPA secretary.
“Callie understands — as we educators also know — how important empathy for others is in the classroom,” Leslie said.
Steva has been active in many sports, clubs and school activities at Perry High School while also maintaining exemplary grades. The IRSPA and DCARSPA members wish her much continued success in the future.
IRSPA is an organization that works to protect the pension plan and provide benefits to its members. Anyone who has worked in a school in any capacity or is a friend of education may join the group. Details are available on the IRSPA website.
