It was a packed house at Summit High School this Wednesday when the Summit Foundation held its annual Scholarship Night, awarding nearly $600,000 to 148 local students.
“These students reflect the strength, determination and potential of our community,” said Don Dankner, Summit Foundation board member and scholarship committee member. “Investing in their education is an investment in the future of Summit County.”
Most of the students earned one and two-year general scholarships directly from the Foundation. These are good for just about any higher-education program in the nation. About $162,000 came from Foundation donors and other community funds.
The biggest awards of the night came from the Bright Futures Fund, now in its second year. Four students – Sebastian Borrego, Liliana Cervantes, Ashley Licea and Dylan Sullivan – won enough money to fully support four years of higher education.
“Scholarships are not just about access,” said Callison Cody, Community Impact Officer for Scholarships and Special Initiatives at the Foundation. “They are about giving students the confidence and support to take the next step. Whether that path leads to college, a certification, or a career, our goal is to ensure students in Summit County can see a future that is possible and within reach.”
Nearly four in ten recipients are first-generation students, meaning they are the first in their families to pursue a degree.
The Foundation works with 45 local partners to raise money for scholarships and other education programs, saying, “this coordinated approach simplifies access and increases opportunities for local students.”
Congratulations to all the winners, and best wishes on their road to higher education!
Images by Cat Scanlan for The Summit Foundation.