Back to NewsThe Dubuque Sisters of the Presentation have initiated college scholarships to further Presentation foundress Nano Nagle’s legacy of education in the spirit of her desire to serve. The sisters are pleased to honor the following commendable recipients.
Nano Nagle College Scholarship
The Nano Nagle College Scholarship rotates among the many Iowa high schools in which Presentation Sisters have ministered. The scholarship was awarded to a student at Wahlert Catholic High School, Dubuque (2010); Bishop Garrigan High School, Algona (2011); Newman High School, Mason City (2012); St. Mary High School, Storm Lake (2013); St. Edmond Catholic High School, Fort Dodge (2014); and Beckman High School in Dyersville, Iowa (2015).
This year’s $500 Nano Nagle College Scholarship was awarded to Megan McElmeel, a deserving senior from Columbus Catholic High School in Waterloo, Iowa, who models self-giving service by the numerous service opportunities she has participated in over the past few years. Megan is committed to using her talents to improve the lives of others, whether that be volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, working with Friendship Village retirement residents, serving meals at the Catholic Worker House or by being a leader of service through her commitment to her soccer team. This fall, Megan will continue serving as she pursues a degree in nursing at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa. Megan expresses, “I want to become a nurse and go on mission trips to help the sick who cannot pay for medical care.”
“In all of my years of experience, some individuals stand out for their great qualities and Megan is one of those people,” states Julie Girsch, girls head soccer coach at Columbus Catholic. “Megan is well known for her work ethic, positive attitude, teamwork mentality, leadership and service to her community. She is well respected throughout the school for her caring personality and the ability to connect with others who are in need. Throughout the time I’ve known her, she has shown me time and again that she is a positive, motivated leader with amazing potential.”
Mother Vincent Hennessy Foundation Scholarship
In celebration of Mother Vincent and the Dubuque Presentation foundation, the Sisters of the Presentation offer a $500 Mother Vincent Hennessy Foundation Scholarship to a graduating senior from Wahlert Catholic High School (WCHS), Dubuque, Iowa, which Presentation Sisters 
have actively supported since its inception. This year’s recipient is Elena Dominguez, who has been actively involved in multiple service opportunities at Wahlert, her home parish and in the greater Dubuque community. In the fall, Elena plans to continue her Catholic education by pursuing a degree in social work and psychology at Clarke University in Dubuque.
With a heart for service, Elena appreciates the opportunity to serve and focus on what those less fortunate need, using the gifts God gave her to be of help to others. “The phrase ‘Live simply so others may simply live,’ hits close to my heart,” states Elena. “I take everything I do seriously. When something needs doing, I do it to the best of my capability.“
Barbara Ressler, teacher at Wahlert, confirms Elena’s desire to serve others, “Elena lives service. If something needs to be done or someone needs help she steps up. All of our students perform service – it’s required. The remarkable difference in Elena as compared with many other teens is that Elena embodies the service mindset as an integral part of who she is.” Barbara continues, “She just does service whenever, wherever, however she is able to make a positive difference in the world. When I think of Elena some very familiar words echo in my mind. “If I can be of service in any part of the world, I would gladly do so…”