Waukee Northwest student honored for community service and leadership
A Northwest High School student in Waukee is being recognized for her community service and leadership.
Senior Anna Pollpeter was named the Person of Character award winner at the 2025 Iowa Character Awards.
Anna provides more than 12,000 meals per year to local food banks through an anti-hunger organization she started. She's also the state's ambassador to the Be Strong organization, which promotes resilience and good mental health habits in young people.
2025 Iowa Character Award winners
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Person of Character Award: Bill Bradford
Bill Bradford, of Cedar Falls, is the founder and CEO of Next Generation Wireless, a company known not only for its business success but also for its deep commitment to community service. Since founding NGW in 2001, Bill has led with integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of civic responsibility, growing the company from two Iowa locations to nearly 100 across eight states. Bill is from Cedar Falls.
Educator of Character Award: Timothy Hadley
Tim Hadley, of Oelwein, is the principal of Oelwein High School and is known for his unwavering dedication to students, staff, and the broader community. Whether he’s calling students who are absent, driving a bus to an event, or buying meals for a team in need, Tim is always ready to step in and help.
Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award: R. Michael Knapp
Mike Knapp, of Des Moines, has spent more than five decades shaping Iowa’s business and civic landscape through his leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to character. As the longtime president and CEO of Iowa Realty, and later chairman emeritus of HomeServices of Iowa, Mike helped grow the state’s largest real estate company while maintaining a deep focus on integrity, fairness, and community impact.
Partner of the Year Award: Walter E. Lauridsen
Walter E. Lauridsen, of Des Moines, and The Lauridsen Family Foundation, based in Ankeny, have supported communities across the state through their generous philanthropy and commitment to service. The foundation has provided vital funding to organizations that promote education, health, and community well-being.
Character Champion Award: Pam Pepper
Pam Pepper, of Indianola, has dedicated her life to public service, leadership, and community engagement. A long-time resident of Indianola, Iowa, Pam has served her city in numerous roles, including seven years on the city council, 12 years on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and most recently as mayor. She is also the Assistant Vice President at Drake University, where she continues to support students and community partnerships.
Aaron Eilerts Community Service Award: Benson Zheng
Benson Zheng, a senior at Spirit Lake High School, has dedicated his high school years to serving others with kindness, creativity, and leadership. With over 400 service hours, Benson has made a lasting impact on his school and community through countless acts of generosity and care.
Person of Character Award: Anna Pollpeter
Anna Pollpeter, of Urbandale, is a high-achieving incoming high school sophomore known for her compassion, leadership, and commitment to service. With aspirations to become a JAG lawyer in the U.S. Army, Anna is committed to making the world a better place. Anna has already made a lasting impact through her anti-hunger efforts, founding an organization at age 9 that now provides over 12,000 meals annually.
Community of Character Award: City of Spencer
In the summer of 2024, the city of Spencer faced devastating floods that tested the strength and spirit of the entire community. Homes were damaged, families displaced, and neighborhoods left underwater. But in the midst of crisis, the people of Spencer showed what it truly means to live by the Six Pillars of Character. Local leaders, first responders, and everyday citizens worked side by side, not for recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.
Organization of Character Award: North Iowa Youth Center
The North Iowa Youth Center has been an important part of the Mason City community for over 25 years, inspiring young people to believe in their potential and live healthy, purpose-driven lives. NIYC offers a welcoming space filled with games, creative activities, guest speakers, and leadership opportunities for youth of all backgrounds.
Student Organization of Character Award: Iowa Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
The Iowa Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic, student-led organization that empowers youth to strengthen families and communities through Family and Consumer Sciences education. With over 10,000 members across the state, Iowa FCCLA provides students with opportunities to lead, serve, and grow through real-world projects and partnerships that promote character development and career readiness.
School of Character Award: Brody Middle School
Brody Middle School serves grades 6-8 in the Des Moines Public School District and is proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School. With a student body of approximately 600, Brody ranks as one of the most diverse middle schools in Iowa, fostering a rich environment of cultural understanding and global awareness.
Jim Hallihan Pursuing Victory With Honor Award: Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union has long been a champion of character development through athletics. As the only state activity association in the nation solely devoted to promoting and governing girls’ interscholastic athletics, IGHSAU has consistently prioritized sportsmanship, leadership, and integrity.