Mason Landes, an engineering major from Zeeland, was recently named to the Dean’s List at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill.
Landes was one of more than 1,100 students were named to the Dean’s List for the 2025-2026 spring semester at Augustana.
Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.
A private college of the liberal arts and sciences, Augustana enrolls 2,500 students on a 115-acre residential campus in the Quad Cities (pop. 470,000) along the Mississippi River.
Augustana prioritizes engaged learning in 100 majors, minors and other academic programs, building each student’s potential through customized success teams, hands-on learning, 170 student organizations and 28 NCAA DIII athletic teams.
Landes was one of more than 1,100 students were named to the Dean’s List for the 2025-2026 spring semester at Augustana.
Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.
A private college of the liberal arts and sciences, Augustana enrolls 2,500 students on a 115-acre residential campus in the Quad Cities (pop. 470,000) along the Mississippi River.
Augustana prioritizes engaged learning in 100 majors, minors and other academic programs, building each student’s potential through customized success teams, hands-on learning, 170 student organizations and 28 NCAA DIII athletic teams.
County Employee Honored For Customer Service
Ottawa County has recognized Chris Langholz of the Public Defender’s Office for outstanding customer service.
On April 2, an elderly man came into the lobby of the Administration Building seeking information about the jail and courts. He was concerned about a family member facing court proceedings and needed more detailed guidance. Chris noticed the situation, introduced himself as a member of the Public Defender’s Office, and offered to help. He answered the man’s questions about the arraignment process, the court location, the assigned judge, and what to expect next.
Chris responded with compassion and professionalism, helping make a difficult situation easier for a concerned family member. What makes his actions especially meaningful is that Chris was not working that day. He recognized someone in need and took the time to help.
The county’s Customer Service Award program celebrates employees who go beyond expectations while serving the public. By sharing these stories, the county reinforces a culture of excellence, where positive interactions build trust and demonstrate the impact of local government.
On April 2, an elderly man came into the lobby of the Administration Building seeking information about the jail and courts. He was concerned about a family member facing court proceedings and needed more detailed guidance. Chris noticed the situation, introduced himself as a member of the Public Defender’s Office, and offered to help. He answered the man’s questions about the arraignment process, the court location, the assigned judge, and what to expect next.
Chris responded with compassion and professionalism, helping make a difficult situation easier for a concerned family member. What makes his actions especially meaningful is that Chris was not working that day. He recognized someone in need and took the time to help.
The county’s Customer Service Award program celebrates employees who go beyond expectations while serving the public. By sharing these stories, the county reinforces a culture of excellence, where positive interactions build trust and demonstrate the impact of local government.
Social Security Offers Support to Young People Transitioning Into Adults
(Ed. Note: The following is part of a series of Social Security articles that will publish in the Zeeland Record.)
By Hillary Hatch
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
For young people transitioning out of foster care, the move into adulthood can come with both opportunities and challenges. Access to reliable information, financial resources, and trusted support systems can make an important difference during this transition.
At Social Security, we’re committed to helping young people understand the benefits and services available to them.
—————
Helping Youth Build a Strong Foundation
Youth in foster care may qualify for Social Security benefits based on their own circumstances or a parent’s work record. Understanding these benefits, and knowing how to access them, can help young adults plan for their future.
Some youth may qualify for:
•?Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they have a qualifying disability and limited income or resources.
•?Survivor benefits if a parent dies. Under certain circumstances, we can also pay benefits to married children, stepchildren, adopted children, grandchildren, and step grandchildren.
•?Child benefits through a parent who receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
As young people prepare for adulthood, having access to financial information and important records can help them make informed decisions about education, employment, housing, and healthcare.
—————
Youth Toolkit
We created a Youth Toolkit, six publications, to help young people, families, caregivers, educators, and advocates learn about programs and services that support the transition to adulthood. You can access the toolkit at ssa.gov/youth.
The toolkit includes information about:
• Qualifying for Social Security benefits after age 18.
• Employment supports.
• Financial literacy.
• Healthcare considerations.
• Education and vocational resources.
• Planning for independence.
It’s designed to help youth understand their options and connect them with tools that support long-term success.
—————
Supporting Foster Youth
Support for our youth matters – and not just during times of transition, but every step along the way. Mentors, relatives, foster families, teachers, social workers, and community members all play a role in helping young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Helping a young person navigate important information or connect them to available resources can have a lasting impact on their future.
To learn more, read our publication, What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income When You Turn 18, at ssa.gov/youth/documents/FINAL_EN-05-11005_508-comp.pdf.
By Hillary Hatch
Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
For young people transitioning out of foster care, the move into adulthood can come with both opportunities and challenges. Access to reliable information, financial resources, and trusted support systems can make an important difference during this transition.
At Social Security, we’re committed to helping young people understand the benefits and services available to them.
—————
Helping Youth Build a Strong Foundation
Youth in foster care may qualify for Social Security benefits based on their own circumstances or a parent’s work record. Understanding these benefits, and knowing how to access them, can help young adults plan for their future.
Some youth may qualify for:
•?Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they have a qualifying disability and limited income or resources.
•?Survivor benefits if a parent dies. Under certain circumstances, we can also pay benefits to married children, stepchildren, adopted children, grandchildren, and step grandchildren.
•?Child benefits through a parent who receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
As young people prepare for adulthood, having access to financial information and important records can help them make informed decisions about education, employment, housing, and healthcare.
—————
Youth Toolkit
We created a Youth Toolkit, six publications, to help young people, families, caregivers, educators, and advocates learn about programs and services that support the transition to adulthood. You can access the toolkit at ssa.gov/youth.
The toolkit includes information about:
• Qualifying for Social Security benefits after age 18.
• Employment supports.
• Financial literacy.
• Healthcare considerations.
• Education and vocational resources.
• Planning for independence.
It’s designed to help youth understand their options and connect them with tools that support long-term success.
—————
Supporting Foster Youth
Support for our youth matters – and not just during times of transition, but every step along the way. Mentors, relatives, foster families, teachers, social workers, and community members all play a role in helping young people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Helping a young person navigate important information or connect them to available resources can have a lasting impact on their future.
To learn more, read our publication, What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income When You Turn 18, at ssa.gov/youth/documents/FINAL_EN-05-11005_508-comp.pdf.
