$31,000 Awarded to Area Students
The Homer Foundation has awarded twenty-one scholarships totaling $31,000 to Homer area students. These scholarships are supported by permanent endowments administered by the Homer Foundation and would not be possible without the vision and generosity of community donors.
“These scholarships have value well beyond the monetary. It is the message we send to each recipient: ‘We believe in you,’ ” explains Homer Foundation Executive Director Joy Steward.
The success of the Foundation’s scholarship program depends on volunteers like our school counselors, notably Homer High School counselor Lin Hampson and her staff who are on the front line, connecting students to scholarship applications, volunteers Jane Miles and Lolita Brache who processed packets for the review committees, and the dozens of volunteers who made up these committees, sharing their time and expertise to read and rate applications, assuring a fair and equitable selection process.
Because of the donors who had the vision to establish these scholarships, and the community members that continue to support them, these funds will be here to support the education of our youth far into the future. Tax exempt donations to support these scholarships, or any of the 69 funds managed by the Foundation, are appreciated and put to work in our community. Contact Joy Steward for more information: jsteward@homerfoundation.org
Congratulations to the 2019 recipients:
Homer Community Science Scholarship: for post-secondary education in the life sciences. The fund was established by retired Homer High School Science teacher, Stan Eller, and is supported by community donations.
Homer High School students: Luciano Fasulo, $750, Anna Brock, $750, Meadow Beckett-Cook, $500
Alain and Daniel Rieser Scholarship: established in memory of Alain and Daniel Rieser, it provides for a travel award or college tuition to a graduating senior with a flair for foreign language and/or interest in foreign cultures/travel.
Brenna McCarron, Homer High School, $3000
Drew Scalzi Memorial Maritime Scholarship: established in memory of Drew Scalzi. The underlying philosophy of the scholarship is to nurture young adults pursuing their careers in the maritime field or who are from local fishing or maritime families.
Avram Salzmann, Homer High School, $1000 and Michael Trail, Nikoleavsk School, $1000
Health Care Providers Scholarship: established by local health care providers to support local students committed to pursuing a career in a health care field. May be awarded upon high school graduation, or later in their educational career.
Homer High School students: Luciano Fasulo, $1000, Kelsea Scott, $1000, Emilia Halstead, $500, and Mackenzie Callis, Class of ’08, $3000
Beluga Tail Non-Fiction Writing Scholarship: rewards graduating seniors that demonstrate exemplary skills in non-fiction writing.
Avram Salzmann, Homer High School, $3000
Beluga Tail Fiction Writing Scholarship: rewards graduating seniors that demonstrate exemplary skills in non-fiction writing.
Meadow Beckett-Cook, Homer High School, $3000
Kachemak Bay Medical Clinic Scholarship: established by Dr. Paul Raymond to provide financial assistance to a public high school graduating senior in the greater Homer area who has best exemplified academic excellence, community and/or school service, and a strong work ethic.
Luciano Fasulo, Homer High School, $2000 ($500/yrX4)
Ptarmigan Arts Visual Arts Scholarship: Established by the member artists of Ptarmigan Arts Gallery to support aspiring young artists, either with college tuition support or purchase of art supplies or classes.
Anna Brock, Homer High School, $1000
Nikki Geragotelis (Fry) Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established by the family and friends of Nikki in honor of the life she lived. The goal of the scholarship is to keep Nikki’s memory alive by helping students continue their education. Throughout her life Nikki had a “walk-on” spirit. A recipient is selected that exemplifies her sportsmanship, athleticism, integrity, friendliness, and hard-working nature, giving their best every time they step on the field whether at practice or for a game.
Homer High School students Cora Parish, $2500, Rylyn Todd, $2500
Bill and Liz Johnson Teacher Education Scholarship: Bill and Liz Johnson both served as teachers and mentors to many students in the community. They were always willing to help give a leg up to any student willing to work hard. The Bill and Liz Johnson Teacher Education Scholarship Fund celebrates their memories, and their love of teaching by providing support to students choosing education as a career.
Cora Parish, Homer High School, $1000
Diane Wambach “Shoot for the Stars” Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of Diane Wambach by her family to encourage and support young adults who have overcome adversity and want to pursue their educational and career goals. Diane Wambach believed in people’s dreams and always encouraged her own children to shoot for the stars. The fund provides for an annual award to support college or technical training program.
Samantha Martin, Homer Flex School, $1000
Heather Pancratz Memorial Scholarship: The communities of the Southern Kenai
Peninsula lost a valuable educator in 2017. This scholarship was established to keep alive Heather’s commitment to her students and home community
of Nikolaevsk. Heather is remembered for her belief in a loving God from which flowed compassion, love and a faithful devotion to family, friends, students and community. The Fund will continue her legacy through its support to students who exemplify Heather’s critical thinking, respectful questioning, and lifelong learning approach to life.
Michael Trail, Nikoleavsk School, $500
Fish & Wildlife Scholarship: This scholarship was created by Steve Albert who is a resident of Homer. Steve dedicated his life to Fish and Wildlife management for the State of Alaska. The intent is to support Homer area students in pursuit of higher education in wildlife or fisheries biology or management, with a preference for students planning on working in Alaska.
Dexter Lowe, Homer High School, $1500