May is scholarship season, and it was a busy time at the Homer Foundation. Homer area students benefit from a variety of permanently endowed scholarship funds administered by the Foundation. This year area students received $15,500.00 in scholarship awards. The Foundation appreciates the diligence the committees brought to the vetting process. Congratulations to all of the successful candidates!
Homer Community Science Scholarship: award supports 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.
Cassidy Soitman, HHS: $750 to study Sports Medicine and Athletic Training at Fort Lewis College
Katherine Dolma, HHS: $750 to study Marine Biology at New College, Florida
Sierra Moskios, HHS: $500 to study Public Health and Psychology at the University of Montana
Alain and Daniel Rieser Scholarship: recognizes a Homer High School graduating senior with a flair for foreign language and an interest in foreign cultures. The award may be used for continued language study at college or a self-directed travel/cultural immersion project.
Irene Pellegrini, HHS: $3000 to assist her in expanding herself by experiencing other cultures in South America (need info)
Drew Scalzi Memorial Maritime Scholarship: established in 2006 by the North Pacific Fisheries Association, community donors, and the Scalzi Family, 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 fishing or maritime families
Deonisky Konev, KPBSD: $1000 to study Information Technology at AVTEC, Seward
Beluga Tail Non-Fiction and Beluga Tale Fiction Writing
Scholarships: reward Homer High School graduating seniors that demonstrate exemplary skills in fiction and non-fiction writing.
Hannah Baird, HHS: $3000 to study Environmental Science at Colorado College
Megan Garoutte, HHS: $3000 to attend the University of Alaska
Diane Wambach “Shoot for the Stars” Scholarship: established to in memory of a mother that always encouraged her own children to shoot for the stars. It is awarded each year to an area student that is most able to articulate their dream to pursue vocational training or higher education.
Kachemak Bay Medical Clinic Scholarship: established by Dr. Paul Raymond and the Kachemak Bay Medical Clinic 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.
Sierra Moskios HHS: $2000 award ($500/yr for 4 yrs) assisting her post-secondary education at the University of Montana
Constance M. Bentston Music Education Scholarship: Through her estate, the Constance M. Benston Fund was established at the Homer Foundation to support causes that were important to her. The Constance M. Benston Music Scholarship was initiated in 2012 to support music education for young people. The annual selection process is provided through the Homer Council on the Arts Scholarship Program. This year’s recipient is…….–
Ptarmigan Arts Visual Arts Scholarship: transferred to the HF and is now supported by a permanent endowment fund.
Irene Pellegrini,HHS: $1000 (need more info) aid her as she attends art classes in (South America?)
Alice Witte Memorial Volleyball Scholarship: Alice Witte was an outstanding girls’ volleyball coach at Homer High School and this award memorializes her inspirational spirit. Each year the coaching staff selects the young woman who possesses the attributes that Coach Witte would have been proud to coach.
Kyla Pitzman, HHS: $500 (need more info?) to attend volleyball camp
Because of the donors who had the vision to establish these scholarships, and the community members that continue to donate to them, these funds will be here to support the education of our youth far into the future. Tax exempt donations to these scholarship funds, or any of the 50 funds managed by the Foundation, are graciously accepted.