SweetGrass is excited to announce Grace Kennedy as the 2022 Ho-Chunk Trading Group scholarship recipient. Kennedy is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and resides in Kansas City, MO. She is a 2021 graduate of Staley High School in Kansas City.
Kennedy is a sophomore pre-nursing major at the University of Kansas with an anticipated graduation date of 2025. In high school, she was part of the swim team, where she was team captain and a state qualifier. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, French Club, and BETA Club. At the University of Kansas, she is on the women’s rowing team.
Kennedy is inspired by family members who worked in the healthcare field, and said she has a passion for helping others heal. The nursing profession will allow her to do just that. She hopes to eventually become a Nurse Practitioner. She and her family enjoy visiting and appreciating the beauty of the Winnebago reservation during school vacations.
“It is so incredibly beautiful; from the rolling green hills of beautiful farms to the cliffs that overlook the Mighty Missouri River, our outdoorsmen family cannot get enough time enjoying the scenic reservation,” she said.
Kennedy said the Ho-Chunk Trading Group scholarship will help fund her way through the nursing program and help her avoid additional student loans.
“I will be applying for KU Med Nursing School this month and have hopes of getting accepted,” she said. “Your generous scholarship is helping me achieve my goal of becoming the best future Nurse Practitioner. Again, thank you and please know I am committed to continue to excel because of your financial assistance.”
Ho-Chunk Trading Group awards up to $1,250 to one student each year to a successful applicant to help them finance their education in a 4-year college, 2-year community or technical college. SweetGrass Trading Company is a member of Ho-Chunk Trading Group. Our mission is to help provide economic opportunity for the Winnebago Tribe and help other Native people get a hand up to build a better future.