CCA SENIOR JAYCE NORPEL GRADUATES WITH ABOUT $17,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

Recently graduated senior Jayce Norpel of Clear Creek Amana’s class of 2026 has earned about $17,000 in scholarships for his first year in college. This fall he will be attending the University of Northern Iowa to major in chemistry and minor in jazz studies. He plans on earning a PhD in chemistry and has the goal of becoming a chemistry professor. With a knack and a deep passion for the subject, he hopes he will get to share the joy of it with future students and colleagues. 

JAYCE POSING WITH SOME OF HIS MANY AWARDS POST GRADUATION

On May 12 in the high school auditorium, Norpel was announced the winner of several scholarships that will provide him with the financial means to achieve his ambitions. 

“I felt surprised at the amount I received since it was a lot more than I thought it would be. But I was not surprised at receiving some as few people signed up for some scholarships,” he said. 

The 2026 salutatorian received the Walter Carlson Memorial Scholarship worth $7,000, the biggest scholarship awarded by the CCA Foundation in school history. Norpel also received a CCA Foundation scholarship, two American Legion Post 537 Oxford Scholarships, the Caroline Czarnecki Chemistry Endowed Scholarship at UNI, among other academic awards. 

His approach to applying to scholarships included being in an environment that helps him focus and taking breaks as needed.

“I went to the library, put some jazz music on in my earbuds, and worked on applications for as long as I could until I couldn’t think straight,” he said. “I went on a brief walk outside then continued filling out information for the scholarships.” 

Throughout all four years of his high school career, Norpel has been part of the jazz band and ensemble. His skills also brought him to the 4A All-State Jazz Band stage in Des Moines on May 14. Additionally, he has played piano for show choir and recently joined a band as the keyboardist along with other CCA alumni. 

Jayce Norpel’s advice for other students trying to earn scholarships is to always work hard towards your goals and apply to as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances.

“Defintely work hard towards your goals. Showing that you work hard towards your goals is a very important deciding factor in whether you get a scholarship or not,” he explained. “Also, sign up for as many as you can. Many people don’t sign up for some of the scholarships through Xello, so then it becomes free money for you if you do apply for it.”