Zach Bongers of David City, Neb., is a senior majoring in Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education (K-8).
Zach Bongers of David City has been named Wayne State College’s TRIO Student of the Month for October.
Bongers is a senior majoring in Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education Generalist K-8 at Wayne State.
“I chose Wayne State College because it was one of the best teaching colleges in Nebraska,” said Bongers. “It was close enough to home to feel comfortable, while still giving me the opportunity to become more independent.”
Bongers is involved with Wayne State’s TRIO Student Support Services Program, which he says has helped him tremendously with his college experience.
“TRIO has helped me become more comfortable and confident during my time at Wayne State,” said Bongers. “When I first came to college, I was unsure of what to expect and wondered how I would make friends, get involved, and find my way around campus. Through the support and opportunities provided by TRIO, I was able to become more connected to campus and the community.”
“During the past five years, I have made many great friends, gotten involved in clubs and activities, and become more comfortable navigating college life,” continued Bongers. “TRIO has helped me grow as a student and as a person, and it has given me experiences that I can now use to help other students who may be going through some of the same challenges I faced when I first came to college.”
Bongers’ work and commitment haven’t gone unnoticed.
“Zach is an outstanding student, and a perfect example of why the TRIO program works,” said Vito Cole, a learning skills specialist with the TRIO program. “I always tell him that he is the poster student for the TRIO program because he is willing to do whatever it takes to be a successful student, and eventually, a successful educator. He meets with me on a regular basis because he wants to be held accountable.”
“Zach’s name is always on the dean’s list,” continued Cole. “He is prompt, positive, resilient, hard-working, passionate, and he manages his time efficiently. He is a natural leader who is not afraid of a challenge. No matter what is thrown his way, he is quick to get up, brush himself off, and keep moving forward. I am extremely proud of his hard work and dedication.”
Bongers, who is scheduled to graduate in May 2027, is the son of Joel and Lisa Bongers.
“My mom has had the biggest influence on me because she has always pushed me to be the best version of myself,” said Bongers. “Growing up on a farm, she taught me the value of hard work from an early age and showed me that success comes from dedication and perseverance. She was also one of the biggest reasons I chose to become a teacher. Her example has shaped the way I approach everything I do, from being competitive in wrestling to striving to be the best teacher I can be. I carry the lessons she taught me into every part of my life, and I am grateful for the influence she has had on who I am today.”
Bongers is also a member of the Theta Eta Sigma (TES) TRIO Scholars Honor Society at Wayne State. It was established for Wayne State students participating in the TRIO Student Support Services Program. Its purpose is to recognize academic excellence, to promote continued academic achievement, and to provide service to the campus and community.
At Wayne State, Bongers is also active with the wrestling team, the Student Council for Exceptional Children, Wildcat Catholic, and the WSC Line and Swing Dance Club.
About TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services is a federally funded outreach and student services program administered by the U.S. Department of Education to help first-generation college students, students who meet income guidelines, and individuals with disabilities progress through their academic journeys. It was originally created through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and the Higher Education Act of 1965.
At Wayne State College, TRIO Student Support Services works with 225 students and has a robust waiting list. Led by Dr. Liesel Mrsny, the TRIO Program offers academic coaching, community building, intensive advising, peer mentoring and much more. TRIO provides these services to students free of charge through a five-year federal grant. TRIO plays a vital role in increasing retention and graduation rates for students facing socioeconomic barriers.