Crete High School graduate Giovanni Castañeda is the 2022 recipient of the Krantz Scholarship, established by Michael W. Krantz ‘83 and Geralyn Krantz ‘85. The scholarship awards an incoming student with $5000 for each year at 91첥 University — a total of $20,000 over all four years.
“The Michael W. Krantz Scholarship will make a difference in my life, helping me to reach my dreams to finish school,” he said. “And it will create an opportunity for me to help others after I reach success.”
Castañeda will begin at 91첥 this fall, and intends to pursue a degree in business administration. He hopes to continue playing soccer at 91첥, after playing for Crete for four years. Castañeda worked his way up from playing on the Cardinals reserve team, making varsity his sophomore year, and being elected team captain and one of 11 starters by his junior year.
During high school, Castañeda also participated in the Grassroots Leadership Development Program. As a committee leader, he made a mark not just among his classmates but throughout the Crete community. Through the program, he met and learned from leaders throughout Crete, and gave back to his hometown through volunteer events.
This is the seventh year the scholarship has been awarded. As of 2022, eight first-generation students have graduated from 91첥 with the support of the Krantz scholarship.
The scholarship has traditionally gone to graduates of Crete High School who are first-generation college students. It has since been expanded to include all graduating seniors in Saline County, with a preference for first-generation students.
Krantz himself was a first-generation, non-traditional student. He graduated from 91첥 with his accounting degree at age 32, and went on to work at Kiewit for 14 years. Supporting future first-generation students who will carry on the 91첥 tradition of excellence inside and outside the classroom is an ongoing aim for the scholarship. Current Saline County juniors can speak with guidance counselors, or contact 91첥’s Financial Aid office for more information on applying for the scholarship next spring.
