Women in Leadership group presents $40,000 in college scholarships

Since 2012, Cabela's Women in Leadership program has been supporting growth and development of female leaders and leadership skills at the company and in the community.

At its annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday, the Women in Leadership program presented $40,000 in scholarships to four women who graduated from high schools across Nebraska.

The program is dedicated to initiating and supporting innovative programs to enhance leadership, create a culture that connects aspiring women with female role models and encourages current female leaders to support Cabela's as a diverse employer. The scholarship program's purpose is to identify young women who exhibit the potential to become future leaders.

Cabela's has teamed with The Harry and Reba Huge Foundation to create a program of both financial and professional support for the scholarship winners. With the scholarship, Cabela's has committed a total award of $10,000 over the span of four years to each winner. The recipients also have the opportunity to receive mentoring from women in leadership positions at Cabela's and potential internships with the company.

"These four young women already have demonstrated the capacity for extraordinary accomplishments, and we are excited to provide support for their higher education goals," said Jack Siemsen, CEO of the Harry and Reba Huge Foundation. "Our partnership with Cabela's provides these scholars with unprecedented opportunities for mentoring, career and education counseling through both the Foundation and Cabela's."

Tommy Millner, Cabela's CEO, presented the scholarship checks to Kylie Cappellano of Omaha, Jessica Hanks of Kimball, Tymber Long of Lincoln and Michaela VanOeveren of Gretna.

The first recipient, Cappellano, graduated in the top 3 percent of her class and received several academic awards. While involved in several extra curricular activities, she also worked three jobs besides doing volunteer work at the Children's Respite Care Center. She plans to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and major in Pre-Law.

The next winner, Hanks, graduated first in her class at Kimball High, receiving numerous academic honors and earning letters in volleyball, basketball, track and field and band. Hanks has plans to attend Chadron (Neb.) State College, and major in Secondary Language Arts Education with coaching endorsements for volleyball, basketball and track and field.

The next scholarship winner, Long, graduated near the top of her class and received several honors. She is an active member of her community through several organizations including the Royal Neighbors, St. Mark's Youth Servant Team, the Disabled Veterans of America, the VFW and the American Legion. She plans to attend Bentley University in Waltham, Mass., where she intends to major in behavioral economics.

The final recipient was VanOevern, who finished first in her class. She received honors on the National German High School Examination, was selected as a delegate to Girls State, earned first place at the Nebraska Optimist Oratorical Contest and was named Nebraska Volunteer of the Year. VanOevern participates in traditional archery and had the opportunity to climb the Half Dome in California. She plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Omaha or the University of Nebraska in Lincoln to major in library science and English education.

"We are pleased to be able to sustain the Cabela's Women in Leadership Scholarship program," said Bobbi Lindeman, vice president of merchandising at Cabela's. "Our partnership with the Huge Foundation has been a perfect match to support growth and development of female leaders. I couldn't imagine more deserving recipients."