Charles Banta
Calamus-Wheatland High SchoolGrowing up in a religious and conservative family Charles Banta had to overcome years of self hated and learn to trust his inner voice. After struggling for years Charles became deeply depressed and contemplated committing suicide. He was devastated with the thought that his parents and friends wouldn’t accept him when circumstances outed him to his parents. Their reaction was of little surprise as he was asked “Have you talked to God about this?” Charles was sent to meet with youth pastors, ex-gay ministries and an exorcist. Eager to start college, he decided to graduate a year early at the age of sixteen. As Charles enters college, supporting safe futures for those in high school is a top priority. He plans to be active in local community service and the local PFLAG chapter. He will attend Luther College.
Kyle Bennett
Carroll High SchoolKyle Bennett was all state in speech, a two time global finalist in Destination Imagination and captain of the swim team. Kyle has helped care for adults with moderate to severe physical and mental disabilities, is in the top 20 students of his class, and was on the homecoming court. Kyle plans to seek out leadership roles with LGBT organizations in college and work for equal rights. He will attend Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.
Chris Celania
Ottumwa High SchoolChris Celania reduced homophobia at Ottumwa High School as an openly gay leader and role model in the speech and theatre program. He is also one of the top students in his high school with a cumulative GPA of 3.98. Chris plans to dip his feet into the pool of true uninhibited activism in college and work for student services like the “Safe Zone Program”. He will attend Iowa State University.
Chloé Coulter
Johnston High SchoolAs a sophomore, Chloé Coulter was able to reach out to other LGBT students and helped launch Johnston High School’s Gay Straight Alliance and was elected Vice President. She led other students to the Governor’s Conference on GLBT Youth, Iowa Pride Network’s Student Day at the Capitol and the GSA Conference to help lower the level of homophobia at her high school. Chloé was anxious and depressed because of ongoing harassment and couldn’t wait to graduate. She took extra classes to finish a semester early and spent spring semester in London England. Chloé plans to seek leadership roles with her universities’ LGBT group, the Alliance and network with other student organizations to expand civil rights. She will attend Iowa State University.
Ryan Jamieson
Denver High SchoolRyan Jamieson has made himself a resource to others, open to talking about his struggles as a gay student in a small town. At school his leadership was invaluable in school plays earning him a Fine Arts Letter for the dedication he applied to his work. Ryan plans to get involved with many LGBT organizations around campus. He will attend Hawkeye Community College and then transfer to the University of Northern Iowa.
Shelby Long
East Marshall High SchoolShelby Long lead the Marshalltown area Gay Straight Alliance and made herself a visible resource to anyone needing help. A caretaker for her younger siblings from a young age, Shelby was elected Homecoming Queen in 2008. Shelby plans to get very involved with the UNI PROUD as a leader while remaining an open resource to fellow students. She will attend the University of Northern Iowa.
Ryan Mickey
Thomas Jefferson High SchoolRyan Mickey started and developed the Thomas Jefferson High School Gay Straight Alliance as a sophomore. He was met with community pressure to stop the group but over time Ryan and the GSA were able to change peoples minds through school and community cooperation. Ryan kept the group active and engaged while dealing with diverse opinions and created a positive atmosphere for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning students. He led the Day of Silence, Ally Week and the Transgender Day of Remembrance that educated school and community members about the need for the GSA, which further reduced homophobia. He will attend the University of Iowa.
Thao Pham
Des Moines Hoover High SchoolThao Pham has become a role model to LGBT students of color by increasing visibility of LBGT issues within ethnic communities, even while being harassed by Vietnamese peers. She trained prospective teachers by sharing her coming out story and experiences as a lesbian teenager and a lesbian daughter in a traditional Vietnamese household. As an active member of Hoover High School’s GSA Thao also trained faculty members on how to better deal with LGBT issues in the classroom. She bridged two communities with the Monsoon United Asian Women of Iowa in forming a group for LGBT Asian-Americans. She will attend Iowa State University.
Karla Quandt
Carroll High SchoolComing out sparked a strain between Karla Quandt and her mother that Karla never predicted. Unable to find a place for news of Karla’s sexual orientation in her Catholic beliefs was very difficult for her mother. Karla found support in other areas, her boss and softball teammates all understood and supported her. Over time, her mother too realized that Karla is the same daughter as before and rebuilt their relationship, which is now stronger than ever. Karla also inspired classmates and other community members to reevaluate their belief systems by coming out. She will attend the University of Northern Iowa, where she has received a softball scholarship.
Steven Swim
West Des Moines Valley High SchoolSteven Swim had to come out more than once and each time was a lot harder. Most people didn’t seem to mind when he started telling people he was bisexual. When he came out as transgender things were much more dramatic. Acceptance didn’t come as easy at school. When trying to use the correct restroom and locker rooms his principal told him he must still use the women’s rooms. He had to approach the superintendent and make his case before being allowed to use the correct restrooms. Steve took every opportunity to educate staff and students about gender identity. He led professional development for teachers at Valley High School and administrators for the entire West Des Moines School District. He will attend the University of Iowa.
Kyle Woollums
Pleasant Valley High SchoolIn classes Kyle Woollums made presentations arguing against the United States Armed Forces’ discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. He volunteers as a member of the Student Assisting Writers group, which edits compositions for students and is at the top of his class with a 4.02 GPA. Kyle plans to seek out leadership roles with LGBT organizations and work for equal rights in college. He will attend the University of Northern Iowa.
