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Vicki Campos-Dimmer

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Iowa Network Services Announces Recipients of the 2015 INS Scholarship Program

DES MOINES, IA (June 12, 2015) –Iowa Network Services (INS)has announced the recipients of its 2015 Scholarship Program. This year, more than 40 highly qualified applicants competed for $5,000 in scholarship funds. Six deserving high school students were selected to receive up to $1,000 for demonstrating excellence in the classroom and in their community, along with their commitment to further their education in a STEM-related field.

The INS Scholarship Program supports students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Funded by Iowa Network Services and established in 2003, the INS Scholarship Program (previously the netINS Scholarship)provides students in rural Iowa communities, supported by the Iowa Independent Telecommunications Companies, with up to $1,000. To date, INS has awarded approximately $60,000in total scholarship funds.

“The combination of academic achievement and community leadership exhibited by the recipients ofthe INS Scholarship Programemphasizes the core values of this program,” said Michael S.Eggley, COO of INS. “Supporting Iowa students interested in a STEM-related field is essential for the future of our industry and many industries throughout Iowa. We recognize andcommend these students for making the commitment to become the innovators and leaders in their communities — today and in the future.”

The recipients of the 2015INS Scholarship Program are as follows:

Amanda Anderson of Algona, Iowa, plans to attend Iowa State University in Ames. As a senior at Algona High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in choir and speech. Through her involvement in the FFA and 4-H Club, she has held numerous leadership roles including North Central FFA Secretary and 4-H County Council President. Through her involvement in FFA and 4-H, she has volunteered with Meals from the Heartland, visited residents in the nursing homes and assisted with cleaning up her community. A dedicated hard worker, Amanda also has two part-time jobs as well as helps out on her family’s farm.

Lauren Block of Tripoli, Iowa, plans to attend Clarke University in Dubuque. As a senior at Tripoli High School, she was one of the founding members of the Tripoli’s Positive Behavior and Intervention Support Group due to her extensive involvement as a D.A.R.E role model. Lauren was also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Students Against Destructive Decisions. She has served as senior class president pluswas a Varsity-letter winner in volleyball, cross-country and soccer.

Gabrielle Brown of Dumont, Iowa, plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa. As a senior at Hampton-Dumont High School, she served as a Student Ambassador to welcome visitors and new students to the high school. She has a genuine interest in helping others and has volunteered as a mentor with Big Buddies, a group who works with elementary and middle school students. Gabrielle was a member of the National Honor Society, student council and Key Club. She also participated in golf and volleyball. Gabrielle exhibits excellent time-management skills, as she works two part-time jobs in addition to her academic activities.

Andrew Henry of South Amana, Iowa, plans to attend the University of Iowa in Iowa City. As a senior at Iowa Valley Community School District, he completed many AP level courses and maintained a high grade point average. Andrew was deeply involved with the Speech and Drama Department where he had leading roles which were entered in the State Speech competitions. He mentors Iowa Valley elementary students, and was also a member of the cross-country and basketball teams. In addition to his academic activities, Andrew assists with training new altar servers at his church and works part-time.

Alana Platte of Fairbank, Iowa, plans to attend Iowa State University in Ames. As a senior at Wapsie Valley High School,she was a member of the National Honor Society and competitive speech team.She was a one of the key organizers for the Food Bank of Iowa BackPack Program® and a Holiday food basket program, plus hasprovided assistance with planning the Sweetheart Dance and school carnival. Additionally, through her leadership roles as FFAChapter and District Officer, and in her church, she has organized many other large community service projects including a mission trip to New Orleans to help with the disaster clean-up efforts.

Joshua Prentice of Elgin, Iowa, plans to attend Iowa State University in Ames.As a senior at North Fayette Valley High School, he was a member of the “Project Lead the Way” robotics program and competitive speech team. He performed at All-State as part of the Improvisation team and as an individual. In addition to his academic activities, Joshua is heavily involved with the Boys Scouts of America and he has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

About Iowa Network Services

Iowa Network Services (INS) is the only Iowa-owned company that offers carrier-class voice, data and business services. INS is privately owned by a group of 122 Iowa Independent Telecommunications Companies, and has served rural Iowans since 1989. Telephony, core network transport, Internet, dedicated fiber, Internet Protocol video, data center facilities, network management, technical support services, information technology and HR outsourcing are among the many products and services offered to communications companies and enterprise businesses nationwide. The INS Family of Companies includes Alliance Technologies Inc., an information technology company; Alliance Connect, a statewide competitive local exchange carrier; Caleris Inc., an Iowa-based company offering outsourced call center solutions and other services; and Merit Resources, a Professional Employer Organization. INS is also affiliated with iWireless, a statewide cellular partner with T-Mobile. For more information, visit

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