Oly Scholarships

Paying for college on my own wasn't easy, 

but I've always been super proud of myself for figuring it out. 

I got a Pell Grant my Freshman year, but after that when my mom started teaching, my parents made "too much money" for me to qualify. I was able to take out Student Loans which was a huge help,

and of course I worked and loved my on-campus jobs.

That being said, I've always wanted to do something to give students that were in my situation a boost.

This year we had the idea to create a scholarship for a graduating Olympus High Senior

who planned to attend a four-year university and whose parent is a teacher.

The application read:

__

$2,000 will be awarded to a student with a parent 

who is currently a teacher or administrator 

(working at any school, not necessarily Olympus High).  

Candidate should demonstrate a strong work ethic in school and 

in extra curricular activities, need assistance in paying for college, 

and be planning on attending BYU, the University of Utah, 

Utah Valley University or an out-of-state University.

Angela and Dan Shaeffer’s parents, were teachers as well as many of their siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

(And if I'd had the space, I could have gone on to say nephew and daughter-in-law!)

We had 15 applicants, all who were hard workers with super impressive school resumes.

The dad of one of the applicants was currently a seminary teacher at Olympus. 

Another was the student of the science teacher at Oly Jr. who Courtney loved

AND who helped her students participate in the Eco Challenge where Courtney won $400.

It wasn't easy to choose just one... so we didn't.

We'd received a little gift ourselves recently, and this was how I wanted to spend my portion.

We ended up giving $2000 to seven students,

$1000 to four more and $500 to the final four.

Tonight was the Senior Recognition Night for all students receiving 

Olympus awards, scholarships and accolades.

The principal read our blurb and announced the "winners" and Dan and I gave the certificates.

I didn't get a picture of the group,

but I did get one of me and Ms. Brown.

Courtney, she remembers you!