Eliya Johnson and Mackenna Otte have recently received the John P. "Jack" Kibbie Outstanding Service Award. This is the most prestigious award given to four Iowa Lakes graduating students each academic year to acknowledge their leadership and contributions to the community and/or college that goes above and beyond the typical student. This annual award honors the significant role Senator Jack Kibbie has bestowed on Iowa's Community College 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 29^th in the Emmetsburg Gymnasium.

Johnson, a graduate with her Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree, is an ideal choice for this award. She has been an active student at Iowa Lakes, beyond the classroom and softball field. Johnson was a Presidential Scholar, a Student Ambassador, a pure tutor, and an active member of Laker Life. She has led weekly Laker Life lunches since her first year and served as a small group leader on Thursday evenings and at fall retreats. Johnson has always put service before herself, constantly volunteering her time, including working at the monthly Mobile Food Pantry and even driving to campus in the summer to assist when needed. She has also donated her time to other service projects in the area. Johnson was always the first to volunteer at the Estherville VFW when volunteers were needed to serve supper to local firefighters and law enforcement officers. She has represented Iowa Lakes so well with her cordial demeanor and positive attitude.

"I'm honored to receive this very distinguished award. I will always cherish my time attending Iowa Lakes. My friends, teachers, teammates, and coaches have pushed me to be the best version of myself," commented Johnson.

Otte, a graduate with her Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree, exemplifies what it means to be "Laker Proud". She has been very involved at the college since stepping foot on campus. Otte is a Presidential Scholar and a member of Student Senate, where she served as President this past year. She has participated in ditch clean-ups and organized canned food drives, pop can drives, and a Toys for Tots fundraiser. Otte has made an effort to volunteer both on and off campus, hoping to make an impact within the Estherville area. She has helped with the Special Olympics Rummage Sale, assisted with the monthly Mobile Food Pantries, worked a booth at the Back to School Bash, and assisted with numerous Iowa Lakes Softball Youth Camps. Otte has also had the opportunity to represent Iowa Lakes at the IAACT Board Meeting and the IAACT Student Leadership Day. She worked with many people, excelling in each opportunity, and there is no doubt that Otte significantly impacted the community during her time at Iowa Lakes.

Both Johnson and Otte were great representatives of the softball team on the field. They helped lead their team to an overall record of 62-34-1 in the past two years. They have made two regional championship games, where they eventually were defeated in extra innings both times. Additionally, they have helped their team reach the top 25 in all NJCAA softball programs (Division 1-Division 3) in team GPA the past two years. Eliya Johnson has been a two time ICCAC All-Region 1^st Team selection, a two time ICCAC All-Region Academic 1^st Team selection, a two time NJCAA 1^st Team Academic All-American, an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar, a two time ICCAC Pitcher of the week selection, and finds herself in three career records in the Iowa Lakes Softball Record book. Mackenna Otte is a two time ICCAC All-Region Academic 1^st Team recipient, a two time NJCAA 3^rd Team Academic All-American, an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar, and she led the conference for shortstops in fewest errors in the 2022 season.

"We are very proud and honored to have both Eliya and Mackenna in our softball program," said Coach King. "Both of these young women are the epitome of a Laker softball player and have set a very high bar for those that follow them. These two student-athletes have made a very positive impact not only on our softball program but also within the college and the community. I have been honored to watch them work with so many different people, selflessly serving them and their needs. I cannot wait to see how they both continue to serve others at their new institutions and throughout life."

Photo ID: Photo of Eliya Johnson and Mackenna Otte receiving their award.

MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Softball Coach, Katie King at (712) 362-8367 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.