The Lewis County Republican Party this year began what it hopes will become an annual event, granting cash scholarships to area high school graduates who are enrolling in a post-secondary educational or career training program.
Applicants were reviewed in several areas, including an essay question asking, “What does living in America mean to you?”
Carol Kearns and Elizabeth Rohr, both retired public school teachers, spearheaded the scholarship committee, according to a news release.
The release stated: “Unfortunately, we do not have the resources available at this time to provide a scholarship to each worthy applicant, so it’;s always a difficult decision, but we enjoy getting to know all of the applicants.”
Monthly donations contribute to the fund.
“We’re proud to honor and recognize Lewis County’s high achieving students who may one day become our future county leaders,” the release stated.
The party received 22 applications from students across various Lewis County high schools.
Students who earned scholarships are:
Chaney wrote: “The thing that makes me respect our country more is standing up for others and what is right. The birth of America meant being afraid and knowing that it takes courage to stand up regardless of that fear … Every person who believes in faith that truly and divinely encompasses love and peace amongst people is someone who cherishes the American Dream.”
Gray wrote that living in America “means Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, and the Right to Bear Arms. She is a conservative Christian who feels it is important to listen to others yet bring awareness to why we believe in our conservative values in a positive way,” the news release stated. Gray intends to receive a degree in behavioral health counseling or child and family studies.
Matagi, who is active as a wrestler, football player, Running Start student and member of his church, has a father who works in law enforcement. He comes from a large Samoan family.
According to the release, “Daniel says, like his grandfather, he appreciates participating in worship and religion freely and wants to ‘be the best me’ to represent his family who are a faithful, athletic and family-loving people. He also admires his father who diligently supports the laws of this land and the continuation of our freedoms. His career goals are to gain an education in exercise science and strength training to work with athletes in the NFL someday.”
