The scholarships have landed

More than 80 YHS seniors accepted scholarships May 7

By Earlene Ward / Special To The Sierra Star

(Updated: Thursday, May 15, 2008, 11:32 AM)

Well more than $300,000 in community awards and scholarships were presented to Yosemite High School seniors during Community Awards Night May 7. Eighty-six students received at least one award, with a total of 237 presented from about 100 donors.

Deborah Siverly, YHS coordinator for the community awards, said the students live in a "tremendous and generous community."

In addition to $145,650 worth of community awards, scholarships valued at more than $170,920 have been offered to students.

These scholarships included two Hope Scholarships from the Swortzel Trust valued at $25,630 and $27,290; they are renewable for a total of four years.

A $30,000 University of Michigan scholarship has been offered, also through the Swortzel Trust, and it is renewable as well.

There was an $88,000 ROTC scholarship for tuition only for four years.

Another scholarship, without a dollar value announced, is the Smittcamp award to Fresno State. This is a four year full-ride scholarship to the business honors program and includes tuition, room and board, and $250 toward books.

Community awards were given by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. There were several awards given in memory of former YHS students and in memory of family members.

"Our communities support our graduates year after year, helping make it possible for them to continue their education," Siverly said. "The school is very appreciative, as are the students, for this continued investment in the future," Siverly said.