The 5th year of the James Jordan Scholars Leadership Institute launched Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at West Des Moines City Hall. The area high school juniors will meet for 9 months, learning about leadership and developing skills in the subjects related to the life of James Jordan, one of the state’s most influential early leaders.

From left to right (back row): Angie Kang, Carolyn Olney, Meghan McDonald, Jude Borromeo, Meghan Meyer, Andrew Wedemeyer, Benjamin Payzant, George Pierson

(front row) Grace Binstick, Sophia Koenig, Jewel Peter, Kenji Bachmann,  Libby Smith, Jalyn Wu, Catalina Samaniego, Kathryn Jones

 

 

 

 

 

Jordan Scholars Visit the Polk County Supervisors

The James Jordan Scholars met with the Polk County Supervisors Wednesday, October 30 for a discussion of public service, the goals of the Supervisors and personal experiences that lead the individual Supervisors to choose public service.

James Jordan served as a Polk County Supervisor and was instrumental in creating Polk County’s first “poor farm” for those without family or community support to live and work.

Our sincere thanks to all the Supervisors, and especially Angela Connolly and administrator Sarah Boese, who are instrumental in helping coordinate this very helpful session!

Winners of the Jordan Scholars Leadership Awards Announced

The West Des Moines Historical Society recently announced that six students from the 2019/2020 James Jordan Scholars Leadership Institute were awarded a $500 Leadership Award. Winning Scholars were recognized for their attendance at meetings, interaction with community presenters and the final essay.

Winners are