Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 5, 2019)
SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2019 | 7A CHANTELLE MEYER/SIUSLAW NEWS The Siuslaw community awarded 35 SHS seniors with 137 local scholar- ships. These include (clock- wise from top left) the Arnn Family, Students for a Better World, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Police Union of Florence and CROW. AWARDS from page 1A When Soroptimist Inter- national of Florence pre- senter Michelle Fraley in- troduced Soroptimist’s three awards, she said, “We are humbled to be able to pro- vide these awards through your support of our various fundraisers. You in essence have helped us honor these young ladies and men with scholarships to further their dreams and their educa- tion.” Gratitude toward Flor- ence’s fundraising culture and pride in the Class of 2019’s accomplishments were the order for the eve- ning. Every award, from $250 up to $20,000, mat- tered not only to the groups who provided the funds but to the students. Jacquie Beveridge, who presented the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion Scholarship, said, “It’s not easy to review all those applications and choose a recipient. We always wish we could give one to every person who applies. And though our scholarship is small, we hope it will in some way make a differ- ence.” Following her, Bob Sned- don, incoming president of the Florence Kiwanis Club, replied, “There’s no such thing as a small scholarship. It’s not just money. Even a gift of one or two hundred bucks, that’s a book or two, and it also acknowledges that the community is be- hind that student.” Awards came from local clubs, businesses, service groups, student support groups, members of the arts community and in honor of individuals who have im- pacted the Siuslaw region for the better. New this year was the Don Lee Davidson Memori- al Scholarship, administered through the Mapleton Lions Club on behalf of the David- son family. “Don Lee dedicated him- self to business, industry and the people of the Siu- slaw region,” said presenter Jim Grano. “Hundreds of local high school and col- lege students found edu- cation-sustaining summer employment at Davidson Industries, and countless area residents, as many as 450 at a time, had careers at the mill or in the woods working for Davidson In- dustries. Don Lee Davidson will always be remembered for his ‘fierce loyalty to his employees and the commu- nity, an ever-present spirit and generosity, and a man of his word.’” The first recipient was Josh Smith, who received $4,000 towards his future in trade school or vocational training. Another new award this year was presented by Flor- ence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) President Kristin Anderson, who said, “Our goal is to help young art- ists make their way into the world. Although we do not have it as a requirement that they have to be going for a specific art degree, but rather have as their goal to continue their art and use it to make the world a better BRAND NEW LISTING! WEST OLD TOWN. place.” Similarly, Children’s Rep- ertory of Oregon Work- shops (CROW) Musical Director Maree Beers said, “At CROW, we believe that the arts really do matter and we strive to enrich the lives of our youth through per- forming arts opportunities. … The arts provide valuable lifelong skills in whatever path you choose.” Every year, some of the awards are in honor of past students and Siuslaw staff. SHS Wrestling coach Neil Wartnik presented three $2,000 awards for the Jose De La Mora Memori- al Scholarship. He said the wrestling and art student, who died the summer be- fore his senior year, was “a spark of life and joy” who made a difference and “brought a spirit of goodwill to the school.” The De La Mora family runs Rosa’s Mexican Restau- rant and annually hosts a taco feed to fundraise for the memorial scholarship. “Jose De La Mora means a whole lot to the Siuslaw High School community and especially the rest of the community,” Wartnik add- ed. Another legacy scholar- ship is the Amy Nicole Me- morial Scholarship, which “looks at a student who embodies the spirit, deter- mination and interest of Ms. Nicole,” Moser said. A dozen other awards in memorium honor the Future First Citizen — an- nounced during the Flor- ence Area Chamber of Commerce’s Siuslaw Awards each year — community service and even member- ship in the 112th Rhodo- dendron Festival Court. “This year we had nine amazing seniors. I love them all very much and am super proud of them,” said Rhody Court Coordi- nator Wendy Krause, who worked with the Senior and Junior Courts from January through the Rhododendron Festival in May. “Thanks to all of you who supported them throughout the year, their parents and the entire community, we are proud to say we have $9,000 to give away tonight.” There was even a surprise award when Oregon Pacific Bank CEO Ron Green said a client wished to anony- mously honor a Siuslaw stu- dent. “Literally, a check and a note shows up at my door one day and says this: ‘Dear Mr. Green, As OPB clients and citizens of Florence, we are inspired to see our local high school produce some extraordinarily rare seniors. In order to empower young men who want to contin- ue their education, we have chosen a student that has already proven they are a deserving individual.” The “bonus” $2,500 scholarship went to Robert Manns, who was previous- ly named the SHS Citizen Leader of the Year. Another surprise came from the Siuslaw Athletic Booster Club, which gave scholarships to all seven stu- dents who applied. “At the end of the day, we couldn’t keep from honor- ing them all,” Moser said. Moser also presented the Siuslaw Student Body Schol- arship to two seniors “who had no idea they applied.” “Some awards you earn by filling out an applica- tion. Other awards require an essay, activities chart or resume. For the Siuslaw Student Body Scholarship, there is no application. The only way to apply to this award is to do your best, to reach higher and to do more than you thought you were capable of doing. And for each of the students awarded, this is just part of their personality. Addition- ally, it takes someone who has an incredible potential to continue on their good deeds beyond their time Get Results...List With Tim. 991 8TH STREET • $329,900 Outstanding West 8th Street location. Lovingly maintained over its life and it shows! Manicured grounds & comfortable living. Heart of the city location - close to everything (post offi ce, library, banks, shopping). Brand new heat pump A/C unit in 2019. Oversized laundry room (the size of the 4th BR). Shown by appt. only. #11834 MLS#19524399 Tim Sapp Owner / Principal Broker 541 999-8230 New Listing “We’re next to the Bridge” 100 Hwy. 101 See all Florence Listings at cbcoast.com COAST REAL ESTATE 541-997-7777 1340 Kingwood St – Remod- eled with modern features and lots of natural light, plus mother- in law quarters! Main home is 2-story with 2 bdrms, a den, and 2.5 baths. Sunny yard with land- scaping and raised garden beds. Lower home has 1 bdrm, 1 bath plus a loft. $389,000. #2997- 19601804 at Siuslaw,” he said. “The students selected this year have no idea they even ap- plied for it, but for the Siu- slaw staff, we want to make sure these students know how much we’ve appre- ciated their kindness and compassion over the years and how their hard work, respect and determination have not gone unnoticed. These students demon- strate the traits that we hope to instill in all of our graduates and we are all ex- cited to see where they take their next steps. We know they will do it with a huge smile and an unparalleled level of joy.” He named the SHS Stu- dent Body Scholarship re- cipients as Hailee Edgerly and Nic Wilkinson. Later in the night, Siuslaw Alumni Association award- ed three $3,500 scholar- ships, with a portion of the funds coming from dona- tions in memory of board member Mona Meink Slo- cum, class of 1949, “the spark plug” of the alumni organization who was ac- tive through 2018. “I represent an exclusive club of Siuslaw High School students,” said Allyn Wil- son, class of 1969, who gave a rundown of his family history and connection to the Siuslaw region. His wife graduated in the class of 1968, his sons in 1998 and 2000, both of his parents in 1948 and his grandmother in the class of 1921. “My grandmother actually said her class made the decision between Florence Union High School and Siuslaw Union High School.” His history goes back fur- ther yet, to a great-grand- father who homesteaded the Upper Siuslaw River at Johnston Creek. “I have a unique responsi- bility. Siuslaw Alumni folks work very hard to raise this money,” Wilson said. Proceeds for the alum- ni scholarships come from the All-School Reunion Banquet raffle, which takes place this year on Sept. 21. More information on the alumni association can be found at www.siuslaw alumni.org. Florence Rotary Club gave out 11 scholarships to- taling $37,500. “Florence Rotary Club is pleased to be able to invest and follow up with students over the years,” said Rotar- ian Andy Johnson. “It’s the real privilege of those in the club to award the recipients with money for college and also follow up with them down the road.” He also invited recipi- ents to attend weekly Rota- ry meetings at the Florence Events Center. Western Lane Communi- ty Foundation also award- ed $37,500, this time in 21 awards. In conclusion, Moser said, “I just want to thank the providers in the room once again for all that you do. I know graduation is a great night as well, but this is one of those nights where it’s so magical. Every high school that’s going to have a graduation is maybe going to have a scholarship night, but nobody does it like this. This is so individual to us and it’s because of you out there, our audience and our providers, the community of Florence.” He thanked the students again, as well as the coun- seling staff, volunteers with ASPIRE and more who helped the students com- plete applications and make their plans for after gradua- tion. As Tatum said at the be- ginning of the night, “The Class of 2019 has a bright future ahead of them — thanks in large part to all of you.” Siuslaw High School’s Class of 2019 Graduation will be this Friday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at the Siuslaw High School Gym. HOUSE PARTY? OFFICE PARTY? We’ve got what you need! Tables | Chairs | Punch Bowls | Place Settings Podiums | PA Systems | And Lots More! CALL TODAY! 541-997-1994 EventCenter.org 715 Quince St. 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 Now serving the entire Oregon Coast. Staffed locally with factory trained professionals. Residential and Commercial Garage Door Installation. 541.997.5008 OverheadDoor.com Overhead Door Company of The Oregon Coast™ CCB# 50460
