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Luther College selects Kerchner for prestigious President’s Scholarship
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · November 30, 2017
The All-State Band selection and founder of Hannah’s Musical Hope earned an $88,000 scholarship to attend Luther College.
West Branch High School senior Hannah Kerchner landed the President’s Scholarship for accumulating 3.85 grade point average or higher, ranking in the top 15 percent and a minimum of 27 on the ACT or 1200 to 1230 on the SAT1 for Math & Critical Reading/1280-1300 on SATR Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and 1280-1300 in Math, according to Luther College.
Hannah said she looked at several schools, and an alumni of Luther College recommended her for the scholarship.
She also earned $1,000 a year from the Iowa High School Music Association for inclusion in the 71st Iowa All-State Music Festival band for her proficiency on the trumpet.
“I was shocked and so happy,” Hannah said.
The half-tuition scholarship brings the remaining cost of attending Luther comparable to public universities, she said.
The daughter of Steven and Angela Kerchner said her parents reacted differently to the news: Her mother expected it; her father was surprised by how much she got.
WBHS instrumental music teacher Jack Frank said she earned it through her work and participation in fine arts programs.
“Hannah’s work ethic is truly remarkable and has shown to have no limits. She is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful and get what she wants in life,” he said in an e-mail to the Times. “This drive has pushed her to unbelievable places. She has earned every scholarship, award and recognition she has received with countless hours of hard work. I expect this to continue in her life, and for her to be very successful as a music major at Luther.”
Kerchner said she plans to major in music performance. She will focus on the trumpet, with a secondary focus on piano and trombone.
Her interest in Luther College dates back to eighth grade. She signed up to attend band camp there during her freshman year and liked the campus, staying in the dormitory and eating in the cafeteria. At the camp, she was pleased to work with Assistant Professor of Trumpet John T. Cord.
Hannah founded Hannah’s Musical Hope in June 2015 to collect used instruments and donations to funnel refurbished instruments to low-income families.
The IHSMA chose Hannah for All-State Band, which performed Nov. 18 at the Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The Hoover Presidential Foundation invited Hannah to perform Taps in October at the annual gravesite service of President Hoover.
She also participates in marching band and the Jazz Ensemble.
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