Oh, what a night for scholars

By Mike Hackworth / Mhackworth@sierrastar.com

(Updated: Thursday, May 14, 2009, 5:54 PM)

Awards and scholarships from Eastern Madera County organizations totaling $128,300 were presented to Yosemite High School seniors during Community Awards Night on Monday.

Ninety-one students received at least one award, with a total of 215 presented from about 100 donors.

Of the 114 students who applied for scholarships 104 received at least one.

"Even with our economy such as it is, only a few sponsors were unable to commit to an award this year," said awards coordinator Deborah Siverly.

"Most of them were businesses directly related to the real estate market and all of them want to stay involved as the future, hopefully, improves."

Although there were less awards given this year than in the past, Siverly said that there were several new awards presented, which included memorial awards in the names of Michael Dean Shubert, Esq., Danny Zabicki and Cary Simms.

Other new awards included the Vern and Delores Brooks Educators Award, given by the Brooks family who were long-time educators in Madera County, and the Future Veterinarian Award, given from proceeds of the Thrift Store and the Public Service Award sponsored by a recent Yosemite High school graduate.

"The many service organizations in our area continue to be the lifeblood of the Community Awards," Siverly said.

"They set the example of selfless service for the benefit of others and we see this giving attitude come back full-circle in many of the students who have been recipients of their generosity in the past."