Barbara J. Fackel Scholarship Winners

USTA Iowa is proud to recognize the very first awardees of the Barbara J. Fackel Scholarship. 

The scholarship was created in honor of the late Barbara J. Fackel, who was recognized by her peers and the USTA for her volunteer service, community service and love of education. She served in leadership positions in the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the USTA Missouri Valley section, the USTA Iowa district, and the Bi-State Community Tennis Association.

A $1,000 scholarship has been awarded to St. Ambrose University freshman Kaylee Camp and Luther College freshman Sofia Sackett.

"I’m extremely honored to be named a recipient of the Barbara J Fackel Scholarship this year," Camp said. "It’s encouraging to see all the hard work I’ve put in throughout high school pay off. I’m very thankful for all the support I have received over the years, from coaches, teachers, friends, and my parents. I’m very grateful for all the experiences and opportunities that I’ve had and for being chosen for this scholarship."

Camp showed exceptional leadership throughout her high school career, serving in many extracurricular capacities including tennis, volleyball, student council, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Leo’s Club, and more.

“Kaylee is a wonderful example of the leaders we aim to send forth from Clinton High School,” said Andy Prinsen, CHS Associate Principal.

Her volunteering experiences include with the CHS Student Council, River Cities Tennis Association, Whittier Elementary School, and her church all while balancing a top-ranking GPA and Honors courses.

“Accountability, integrity, respect, trust and commitment are things that make Kaylee Camp successful,” said Donna Bengtson, CHS Assistant Varsity Tennis Coach.

Sackett, from Des Moines, was thrilled to be awarded the scholarship as well. 

“I feel very grateful and fortunate,” she said. “I am extremely thankful as well to have received such a high praise award and thankful to Bunny Bruning for letting me know about this award. Barbara J. Fackel seemed like a woman of high integrity and was very involved in her community which is something I try to strive for.”

Sackett demonstrated a passion for giving back outside of the classroom as well, serving as a Student Ambassador, attending multiple service trips to Guatemala, leading as a successful student-athlete in both tennis and volleyball, tutoring younger students and more.

“Sofia has worked diligently to improve herself, her sports skills, and her academics,” said Bunny Bruning, Wakonda Club Tennis Director. “She has always had a fighting spirit and a great work ethic to excel.” 

Sackett continually looks for opportunities to improve and give back, whether it’s through her success in athletics, inspiration to her teammates to work harder, strong GPA and Honors-level courses, leading prayer for the entire student body every other day and more.

“Sofia leads by example in so many ways at Dowling Catholic and exudes a work ethic in the building and athletically to reach the high standards she has established,” said Matt Meendering, Dowling Catholic High School Principal.

The Barbara J. Fackel Community Service/College Scholarship is available to applicants who have excelled academically, demonstrated achievements in leadership, participated in various community service/volunteer groups and organized community tennis programs.

The recipients of the Barbara J. Fackel Community Service/College Scholarship are eligible to receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship to contribute to the cost of tuition and/or educational materials.

Camp (left) and Sackett (right) pictured above.