IOWA GOVERNOR’S SCHOLAR

The Iowa Governor’s Scholar Program

Top academic senior students honored by the IHSAA, Governor Kim Reynolds, and title sponsor Iowa Farm Bureau

Iowa’s top academic students have been chosen by their member schools for the 2023 Governor’s Scholar Program. The Governor’s Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and its title sponsor, the Iowa Farm Bureau, are presenting this recognition which began in 2003.

The 422 seniors being honored have been selected by their high schools as the highest academic achievers. Students receive a photo plaque from the ceremony and certificate to commemorate their achievement.

Note: The largest 64 schools in Iowa, according to the Iowa Department of Education BEDS document, were invited to select two seniors who are the highest academic achievers for their first seven semesters. All other schools were invited to select one senior who was the highest academic achiever for their first seven semesters.

Free Livestream: April 30, 2023

2023 Iowa Governor’s Scholar Information

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Iowa Events Center, Des Moines

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., doors open at 12:00 p.m., and the ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m., sharp. The program should be completed about 3:00 p.m. that day.

When you arrive at the Iowa Events Center, Hy-Vee Hall, at 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, you may enter at ground level on the south side of Hy-Vee Hall, or at the northwest corner of Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. Once inside, please follow the signs to the registration area.

To help make your stay in Des Moines more enjoyable, information on hotels and restaurants is available through Catch Des Moines. 

Ceremony Instructions

Attire

This is a semiformal event. The norm for honorees is a range of business casual to business formal. 

Registration

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors open at 12 p.m. Only the students being honored need to register. There will be registration tables in the lobby of Hy-Vee Hall for students to stop and pick up a packet that will contain all materials needed for the ceremony. Only the honorees need to register.

Photography

The official event photographer is the only photographer allowed to be in front of the stage. Family members and guests are encouraged to take pictures from their seats and may purchase as many pictures as they would like from the professional photographer. Information on purchasing additional photos will be in the registration packet. Each student having their picture taken with the Governor will receive a picture plaque as a keepsake sent to their school compliments of the Iowa High School Athletic Association and its title sponsor Iowa Farm Bureau. Each school will receive a picture and name plate identifying the student compliments of the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Farm Bureau. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of the plaques, pictures, and nameplates.

Livestream

The IHSAA will offer a free video livestream of the event through Iowa Events Center for those family members who are unable to attend the ceremony.

Accommodations

Students or their guests with special physical needs should contact the IHSAA in advance of the ceremony so that we may accommodate those needs. Please contact Kim Mechura ([email protected]) or Chad Elsberry ([email protected]) via email or phone: 515-432-2011.

Directions To Iowa Events Center

Map of Iowa Events Center & Downtown

2023 Iowa Governor’s Scholars

2022 CEREMONY

2022 Livestream