Russellville senior scores dual scholarships

Two things have been central to Russellville High School senior Mikala Jungmeyer's life - golf and service.
Her grandfather introduced her to golf 10 years ago, and former Russellville Superintendent Jerry Hobbs brought the Beta Club program to the school her seventh-grade year.
Now, her commitment to both literally has paid off with scholarships - one to play golf at Columbia College and the other a National Beta Club award.
Hobbs intervened to improve Jungmeyer's academics, too. After noticing signs from her home study efforts, Hobbs encouraged Jungmeyer's parents, Sonny and Brenda Jungmeyer, to seek medical advice.
Once diagnosed with dyslexia, Jungmeyer was able to learn and study through new methods and now is a good student.
Golf has taken her across the globe, and she hopes to be named to a hall of fame some day. In addition to the competitiveness of the game, Jungmeyer said she appreciates the mental focus involved.
But it's Beta Club she calls her "little baby."
Joining the program in its the first year, Jungmeyer has watched Beta Club, with chapters in junior high and high school, grow to 35 members.
"I wanted it to be prestigious, something you would want to be in," Jungmeyer said. "And I wanted to give back to the community."
Jungmeyer took on leadership roles including vice-president in her freshman and sophomore years, and president her junior and senior years.
"The Russellville school helped me to become who I am in sports and academics," she said.
Her volunteer work has included the Special Olympics, The Salvation Army, the Central Missouri Food Bank, the Special Learning Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters. At school, she also has been involved with FFA, the Multicultural Club and the A+ Program.
In college, she hopes to continue her service as she works on degrees in humanities and criminal justice. Eventually she wants to become a juvenile officer.