Each spring, the Liberty Communications scholarship program supports graduating seniors from West Liberty and West Branch who are preparing to continue their education in the state of Iowa. This year’s recipients, Katherine Barten of West Liberty and Caitlyn Harrison of West Branch, have begun their college journeys with plans to pursue careers in healthcare.

Both students received a $2,000 Liberty Communications scholarship, awarded over two years.

Katherine Barten – West Liberty

A graduate of West Liberty High School, Katherine Barten will attend the University of Iowa, where she plans to major in biology and minor in Spanish. Her goal is to become a pediatric physician assistant and build a career helping people in need.

Katherine’s commitment to serving others was already evident throughout high school. Through the National Honor Society, she participated in service projects supporting local families. She also worked several jobs while attending school, including positions at Simpson Memorial Home and the West Liberty Childcare Center.

Katherine participated in West Liberty’s dual-language program throughout her school years, learning in both English and Spanish from elementary school through high school. She plans to continue building those language skills through her Spanish minor at the University of Iowa.

Her high school activities also included FFA, athletics, Student Council and several service organizations.

In her scholarship application, Katherine identified access to mentorship as an opportunity to strengthen her community. She would like to see programs that connect middle and high school students facing personal or financial challenges with older students, educators and professionals who can offer guidance and encouragement.

Caitlyn Harrison – West Branch

West Branch High School graduate Caitlyn Harrison will attend Mount Mercy University, where she plans to major in nursing.

For Caitlyn, a career in healthcare isn’t simply a future goal. Her high school work experiences gave her opportunities to work in nursing and retirement homes as well as physical therapy and orthopedic clinic settings.

Those experiences helped Caitlyn discover her passion for helping others and showed her how much authentic interactions can affect a patient’s experience. As she pursues her nursing degree, she hopes to become a healthcare provider who listens, advocates for her patients and helps them feel supported—especially during difficult times.

Caitlyn was also active in athletics, music and student government throughout high school.

Investing in Local Students

The Liberty Communications scholarship program recognizes students not only for their academic accomplishments, but also for their involvement in their schools and communities, leadership, work experience and plans for the future.

Scholarship applicants are asked to reflect on their community involvement and consider how they could help make their communities stronger for future generations—values that are important to Liberty as a locally based communications company.

We congratulate Katherine and Caitlyn as they begin college this fall, and look forward to seeing where their education and commitment to helping others take them.