Three seniors named Bishop's Scholars

Lumen Media Report – The Diocese of Sioux City announced recipients of the 2026 Bishop’s Scholarships to attend Briar Cliff University this fall.

The 2026 Bishop’s Scholars include: Emily Grell of Danbury, Corvin Griffin of Holstein and Sindy Rios of Sioux City. The scholarship is available to all high school seniors in the diocese.

The scholars are eligible to renew their scholarships annually by maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA to receive a total of $30,000 over four years. The students receive $7,500 per year.

Emily Grell
Grell, a member of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish who attends church at St. Mary’s in Danbury, is homeschooled and will graduate from MVAOCOU.

She has been active in 4-H including serving as her club’s president and vice president of the county council. Grell received a varsity letter for track and cross country and was the 2025 Iowan of the Day at the Iowa State Fair as well as Miss Congeniality for the Monona County Fair.In her parish, she is an active member of the youth group and faith formation program. Grell is a lector and an altar server. She also helped with the parish’s Vacation Bible School.

“I feel that Briar Cliff is a place that will grow and foster the relationship with Jesus that I have, I love that Briar Cliff encourages the Franciscan mission, and has the resources for me to excel academically, with Jesus in the center and help me foster lifelong friendships,” she wrote in her application for the scholarship. “The education program at Briar Cliff really impressed me, I loved the people that would be teaching me and guiding me in the major that God has placed on my heart.”
 
In a letter of recommendation, her pastor, Father Bill McCarthy, affirmed that she is an active member and volunteer in the church, which he anticipates will make her a great leader at Briar Cliff.
 
“Emily takes her academic work very seriously knowing the value of academic
excellence to advance in the community. Emily is blessed with a bright personality, she
easily makes friends and dialogues with peers or adults,” said Father McCarthy.
 
Corvin Griffin
Griffin, a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Holstein, will graduate this spring from Ridge View High School in Holstein.

In school, Griffin has been involved in the speech program, student senate, school musicals and was president of his junior class which allowed him to serve as master of ceremonies at various school events such as coronation. For the community, he volunteered as a softball announcer.At OLGC, Griffin participates in the religious education program and helps with the classes. He also has helped with Vacation Bible School. He lectors, is a minister of hospitality and has been involved in fundraisers for the youth group.

He pointed out that it is his Catholic faith that has helped him set the moral tone in his life and find academic success.

“It helps me to realize that the Lord is pushing me towards the difficult classes because he knows I can succeed so much more than those who don't have his light to guide them as I do in my Catholic faith. Finally, the Catholic community that has been provided to me to help me grow,” said Griffin.
 
In a letter of recommendation, Father Dan Rupp referred to Griffin as an exceptionally fine young man who faithfully attends Mass and works hard at his schoolwork.
 
“I believe that Corvin will continue to work hard and be an asset to the church as he enters
and completes his college work,” said the pastor.
 
Sindy Rios
Rios, a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Sioux City, will graduate from Bishop Heelan High School this spring.
 
At Bishop Heelan, she has been a member of the soccer team, art club, cheer team, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Student Council and Peer Mentor Club. She participated in various volunteer opportunities for Special Olympics, Crusaders for Life, Siouxland District Health Department and Catholic Charities. At her church, she has served as a lector and helps to organize the Siouxland Youth Group.
 
In her application essay, Rios stressed how much God means to her.
 
“I know that if I went to Briar Cliff and was surrounded with that type of mentality and perspective every day I would thrive in life and my academics. I know iEmilmplementing faith into my major would allow me to be an amazing faith based therapist one day,” she wrote.
 
In a letter of recommendation, Grace Lange, director of campus ministry, stated that Rios is very involved with her faith and serves in various capacities with humility and joy.
 
 “It is clear that her faith not only guides her actions but inspires and draws those around her closer to Christ. I have witnessed Sindy inviting students to the abundant life God promises, and walking with them in finding that,” said Lange.
 
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