Previous ScholarshipAwardees
2024 Awardees
Scholarships are awarded annually at the Pak Family Banquet in March.
2024 Spring Academic Awardee
Eagan Kirk
My name is Eagan Kirk, and I have lived in Lee’s Summit, Missouri most of my life. I did
Taekwondo at Pruter’s Taekwondo for 13 years before coming to Iowa State to study Chemical
Engineering. I started my education at Iowa State in August 2022, so this fall will be my fifth
semester. After graduation, I intend to work in some type of process plant as a production
engineer or for a younger company in the renewable energy industry. One of my favorite
aspects of Iowa State is the Martial Arts Cub, as it has allowed me to meet many outstanding
people and continue studying the art that I love.
2024 Spring Leadership Awardee
Jazmine Edwards
I began my journey at Lindemann's Family Martial Arts in Spencer, IA, immersing myself in forms, weapons, and sparring while actively contributing to community events and assisting with Tiny Tiger classes. While studying abroad at Swansea University in Wales, I continued exploring new styles of Taekwondo while implementing new social events within the Swansea martial arts community. Now, at Iowa State University's Martial Arts Club, I continue to serve as the Cabinet Social Chair, orchestrating engaging events for fellow members while enthusiastically participating in classes.
When I’m not kicking paddles in the Dojang, I can be found embracing the great outdoors regardless of the weather. Camping, hiking, snowshoeing, and capturing the beauty of clouds through photography are among my favorite pastimes.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management from Iowa State University, I'm on track to graduate in Fall of 2024. Beyond graduation, I plan on relocating abroad to further my education with a master’s degree from a European Institution. Regardless of my location, martial arts will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of my journey.
2024 Spring Ringstad Awardee
Still open!
Our Ringstad Scholarship is still open for applications!
Past Awardees
2023 Spring Academic Awardee
Nailah Smith
My name is Nailah Smith. I am currently a senior, and my estimated graduation date is December 2023. I am from St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands and I aspire to become a veterinarian in the small mammal and equine species, with my major being Animal Science (General Pre-vet). I would like to specifically focus on the dentistry or ophthalmology aspect in both species. With my medical knowledge, I plan to contribute to making animals’ lives a whole lot better by planning to work in animal hospitals and doing as much as I can to further the research on animal pathology and diseases. Continuously being on my feet to make a difference in the lives of animals is a source of joy for me. So, to gain more experience, I contribute to as many hands-on opportunities I can. I am currently a 4th grade blue belt and have been practicing taekwondo at ISU for about a year and a half. Practicing taekwondo has been a great source of a stress relief for me while studying for my veterinary degree, and I plan to practice for as long as I can.
2023 Spring Leadership Awardee
Eagan Kirk
My name is Eagan Kirk, and I have lived in Lee’s Summit, Missouri most of my life. I did Taekwondo at Pruter’s Taekwondo for 13 years before coming to Iowa State to study Chemical Engineering. I started my education at Iowa State in August 2022, so this fall will be my third semester. While I am thinking about graduate school, my current plan is to graduate with a bachelor's in chemical engineering and start working in the industry. At this point in my education, bio-polymers are very interesting to me, but I don’t know where I will end up. One of my favorite things about Iowa State is the Martial Arts Cub, as it has allowed me to meet many fantastic people and continue studying the art that I love.