5 Iowa Students Making The Hawkeye State Proud

Iowa is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.

Check out five exceptional Iowa students making a big impact. And if you know a student who deserves a shoutout, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured as a Star Student on Patch!

Junze Sun (West Des Moines) — A visionary young leader in finance and investing, Junze Sun has played a pivotal role in bringing West High to new heights in the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition. As a sophomore, he launched the school's participation in this prestigious challenge, where students develop real-world investment strategies. Now, as a senior, Junze and his team — Wharton’s Most Wanted — have made history by reaching the semifinals, ranking in the top 50 out of 1,800 teams nationwide. With hopes of advancing to the Global Finale in April, Junze’s passion for finance is evident in his dedication to strategy, teamwork and market analysis. Beyond the competition, he balances his academic rigor with tennis and active involvement in West High’s Business Professionals of America. Read more here.

Savanna Jemilo (Cedar Falls) — Savanna Jemilo, a science teaching major and women's softball player at the University of Northern Iowa, was honored with the 2023 Dr. Sue Follon Scholarship for Leadership, a $4,500 award recognizing her exceptional leadership and commitment to education. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and dedication to their field. Balancing her academic pursuits with athletics, Savanna exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded and dedicated student, making her a standout in the Wisconsin academic community. Read more here.

Jurnie Rosius (Marion) — Jurnie Rosius, a Marion native and recent graduate of the University of Iowa, was awarded a Fulbright Study/Research Grant in medical sciences to Germany for 2024-25. At the Technical University of Munich, she will investigate the development of radiation retinopathy after microbeam or conventional radiotherapies in mouse cancer models. This opportunity will enhance her expertise in radiation oncology research and provide valuable insights into international healthcare systems. Jurnie's dedication to advancing medical science and her commitment to global collaboration underscore her exceptional promise in the field. Read more here.

Ian Zwaschka (Des Moines) — Ian Zwaschka, a University of Iowa alumnus with a BA in cinema and English & creative writing, has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to the Czech Republic for 2024-25. During his Fulbright tenure, the Des Moines native will teach high school students about U.S. language and culture and lead a community engagement project focused on improvisational comedy. This opportunity also allows him to connect with his Czech heritage and delve into the nation's cinematic traditions, enriching his future academic pursuits. Read more here.

Jase Tommasin (Johnston) — Jase Tommasin, a senior at Starmont High School, was honored with the Iowa Bankers Association's Student Athlete Achievement Award during the Iowa High School Boys State Wrestling Tournament held February 19-22, 2025, in Des Moines. This award recognizes student-athletes who excel academically, athletically, and through community involvement. Suzy Hamlett, Starmont's student council supervisor, praised Jase's leadership and humility, noting his commendable maturity. The scholarship grants Jase $1,000 to the college of his choice. Read more here.

These exceptional students are just a glimpse of the incredible talent in Iowa. The future is certainly looking bright! If you know a Star Student making an impact in your community, nominate them today to be featured on Patch!