Kenlee Frank and Kaitlin Walsh were recently awarded the John P. "Jack" Kibbie Outstanding Service Award. This is the most prestigious award given to up to three Iowa Lakes graduating students each academic year to acknowledge their leadership and contributions to community and/or college service above and beyond the typical student. This annual award honors the significant role Senator Jack Kibbie has bestowed on Iowa's Community Colleges and Iowa Lakes in particular. Iowa Lakes recognizes these outstanding meritorious students who have been nominated by faculty and staff. The students received this award at summer commencement on Friday, July 27th in the Emmetsburg Gymnasium.

These two young women are the ideal choices for this award because they have achieved success in many different areas at Iowa Lakes. Academically, Kaitlin was awarded 1st Team Academic All-Region during the 2017 and 2018 season and was a an Academic All-American during the 2018 season. Kenlee was selected as a 2nd Team Academic All-Region member during the 2018 season.

Both Kaitlin and Kenlee were members of the Iowa Lakes Student Senate during the 2016-2017 school year. For the 2018 school year, Kaitlin was the Student Senate President and Kenlee was the Secretary and Treasurer. In these positions, they had the opportunity to work with other members to bring student engagement activities to campus. They also had the opportunity to meet with local legislatures in Des Moines, Iowa and advocate for community colleges. Additionally, they have spent many hours doing community service for both student senate and softball. Some of these activities include, laying mulch for the City of Estherville, organizing events with the American Heart Association, a canned food drive, volunteering time at Demoney Elementary, and volunteering at the local Mobile Food Pantry.

As a softball player, Kaitlin was selected to the 2nd Team All-Region Team her sophomore season. In her career as a Laker, she batted .352 with 82 hits, including 16 doubles, 1 triple, and 13 homeruns. She batted in 37 of her teammates and crossed the plate 61 times herself. Due to a knee injury, Kenlee played just one season as a Laker. During this time, she batted .242 with 23 hits, including 5 doubles, 1 triple, and 3 homeruns. She scored 23 times and drove 18 runs. She was chosen as All-Region Honorable Mention this past season.

"The softball program has been very blessed to have both Kaitlin and Kenlee in it the past two years," said Coach Larson. "These young women are the epitome of a Laker softball player and have paved the way for future Lakers. They are deserving of the John P. "Jack" Kibbie Outstanding Service Award, not only because of their influence on the field, but especially off. They have not only left their mark on this program, but also Iowa Lakes and the entire Estherville community. It will be fun to watch them both grow as they transfer on to four year institutions!"