The South Summit School district celebrated high school seniors during a scholarship gala event night. Tuesday night. The education foundation raised about $155,000 which will be distributed to graduating seniors who qualify.
The Scholarship Gala has multiple purposes which includes fundraising and awarding various scholarships from Kamas Valley Organizations and the Community Foundation. Over half of the graduating seniors qualified and received $1,000 scholarships. South Summit School District Superintendent, Shad Sorenson says the criteria to apply is simple.
“Yes, it is a fun event that we’ve held for the last three years under the direction of our foundation board. And, the criteria simply that you’ve applied for 10 scholarships and that you participate in a service project and then you’re eligible to receive a $1000 scholarship.”
He says the Community Foundation event was a very successful fund-raiser this year. He’s also happy to see how many more students are applying for scholarships.
“The number one goal of the foundation is to help students pursue their higher education dreams. We’ve had an 85 percent growth from 2016 to 2019 in scholarships awarded. And, I think a lot of that is just the incentive of, if I apply for these 10 scholarships, I’m guaranteed for sure a $1,000 towards my first semester.”
With the weather forecast predicting rain for graduation next Thursday, they may not be able to hold the ceremony on the football field. Sorenson says they have a back-up plan.
“And the Di Joria has come to the high school and has said they’re willing to donate their beautiful facilities in case we need to hold graduation inside which would make it possible to have more of their family there.”
In the last meeting, the Board of Education acknowledged three students from South Summit High School who received all state academic honors.
“Which means they played three sports during the year and in those three sports, they are at the top of their class and they received from the Utah High School Activities Association, academic honors. We are very excited bout that. That is what we are trying to foster. First, you’re a student both in the classroom and on the court or on the field. So, it was fun to celebrate those students who achieved that high honor.”
South Summit School District All State winners are:
Hayden Miles who played football, basketball and ran track. Brooklyn Tuttle played girls soccer, cheer and soft ball. Jared Leary swam, ran track and cross country.
