S16 inspire: celebrating women’s leadership
www.theindependent.com The Grand Island Independent SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025
Sponsored by: Inspire Scholarship
Finalists
Claire Gartner is a senior at Grand Island Senior High School, known for her exceptional leadership, academic achievements, and community involvement. She excels both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities, balancing her time between show choir, musical production, and serving as Vice President of National Honor Society and President of Key Club. Claire also serves as a school district representative and an ambassador for the Pathway of Engineering, where she gains hands-on experience through her engineering internship at Olsson. Beyond her school commitments, Claire is deeply involved in her community. She actively participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youth Philanthropy Board, Youth Leadership Tomorrow, and 4-H. In addition to her leadership roles, Claire works part-time, demonstrating strong time management and dedication. Her recent Inspire Award nomination highlighted
Aksam Dodban Student at
Claire Gartner Student, Grand Island Senior High
Grand Island Senior High
Claire’s ability to lead by example, with a strong desire to improve both herself and her community. Known for her intelligence, humor, and determination, she not only excels academically but also serves as a mentor to others, offering guidance and support in every setting. Next year, Claire will attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she plans to major in Mechanical Engineering. With her passion for STEM, leadership, and service, Claire is well-positioned to continue making a meaningful impact on both her field and her community.
Aksam Dodban is a driven and compassionate student originally from Sudan. She moved to the United States at a young age with her parents and older brother, and later welcomed her younger sister, who was born in the U.S. Currently a student at Grand Island Senior High, Aksam is deeply involved in a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities that reflect her commitment to leadership, service, and the healthcare field. She is a member of the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy (NCPA), serves on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC), participates in the school’s Public Relations Committee, and represents her school as a student ambassador. Aksam also mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) and leads as the president of the school’s HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapter. Her leadership is grounded in kindness, empathy, and a genuine desire to see others succeed. Known for her willingness to learn and grow, Aksam consistently seeks feedback and asks thoughtful questions to strengthen her understanding and improve herself. According to a recent nomination, she takes initiative in welcoming both new and returning members, and plays a key role in shaping how meetings are run, especially within her large and active HOSA chapter. Her peers describe her as a model of service leadership—someone who is quick to volunteer and always ready to contribute new ideas to make things better. Aksam takes her education seriously and works hard to master material across a variety of subjects, knowing this will support her goals in healthcare. She plans to begin her career as a nurse and eventually specialize in perfusion. Long-term, she hopes to work with international nonprofits or even start her own to serve communities around the world. Through everything she does, Aksam leads with empathy, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose—always striving to make a lasting impact.
Bella Lindell is a freshman at Centura High School who has embraced her first year with enthusiasm and a passion for learning and growth. She continues to participate in band and expanded her interest in the arts by joining One Acts. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Bella is active in both softball and cheerleading, all while maintaining a strong commitment to her academics. Bella’s involvement reflects her strong work ethic, organization, and attention to detail. Beyond school, she shines as a compassionate and community-minded individual. She regularly volunteers at local events and is always eager to lend a helping hand. Her decision to become CPR certified highlights her initiative and dedication to serving others. Recognized for her academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement, Bella exemplifies the values celebrated by this scholarship. Her kindness and
Bella Lindell Student, Centura Public School
determination make her a fierce advocate for others, and her natural leadership makes her a positive role model for younger students. She consistently leads by example, inspiring others to pursue their goals with confidence and integrity. Bella’s passion for helping others extends into her future ambitions. She is currently exploring careers in psychology and occupational therapy—fields that align with her deep empathy and desire to support those in need. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in her community, Bella demonstrates maturity, compassion, and a drive to make a meaningful impact. Her dedication to growth and service sets her apart as a standout student and a bright force for good.
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