Rynearson wins Zions Bank ‘Pays for A’s’ Scholarship

by Philip A. Janquart

 There didn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary at a winter pep assembly at Weiser High School on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

 Sophomore Kendall Rynearson was taken off guard, however, when Zions Bank Branch Manager Amanda Neckels asked her to come down and accept a $1,000 scholarship awarded through its Pays for A’s program, triggering some spirited support from the student body, teachers and administrators.

 “We know that Weiser has some great students, and your very own Kendall Rynearson is one of them; Kendall, you are the reason we are here today,” Neckels said, addressing the crowd at Tom Falash Gymnasium.

 For almost two decades, Pays for A’s has rewarded thousands of students across Idaho and Utah for earning top grades. Students ages 12 to 18 can participate by bringing their most current term-end report card into any Zions Bank location. 

 Students do not need a Zions Bank account to participate, according to Neckels. They receive $1 per “A” deposited into their savings account, or .50 cents per “A” if they opt for cash. 

 For each “A” on their report cards, students are entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of 18 regional scholarship prizes each worth $500 and one grand prize worth $1,000 in each state.

 Rynearson was randomly selected as Idaho’s statewide winner among 5,554 eligible entries.

 “Kendall’s academic achievements, combined with the school’s high-performing athletes, demonstrates we have exceptional students,” Neckels said. “It was a pleasure to recognize Kendall with this well-earned award.”  

 Rynearson is a three-sport athlete, participating in cross country, basketball, and tennis. She also serves as the secretary for her local FFA chapter.

 “It’s really amazing and I’m really proud,” she said. “I’m really happy I had this opportunity to be part of the program.”

 Rynearson said she plans to attend college somewhere in Idaho.

 “I’m not sure where yet, and hopefully [I can] play some sports and continue on with my athletic career,” she added.