Tony Turner Memorial Broadcast Scholarship recipients

By Alix Casper-Peak | 

Posted: Fri 5:01 PM, Jun 03, 2016  | 

Updated: Fri 6:57 PM, Jun 03, 2016

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - Olivia Davis, Brandon Bargo and Anna Stamper all received $1,000 scholarships from the Tony Turner Memorial Broadcast Scholarship fund to help further their careers.

Tony Turner worked at WYMT as an anchor and news director. He died in 2002 after a car crash. Soon after, his colleagues started the Tony Turner Memorial Broadcast Scholarship Fund to honor him.

Each year, three local students who aspire to learn more about the broadcasting industry are awarded money for college. This year's finalists are no different.

"I'm going to be a chemical engineer with a minor in journalism," said Davis. "Being on camera, being able to spread the word about anything that's important," she said.

Bargo said he will major in sports management and broadcasting. "Tom Leach, I listened to him every Kentucky basketball game since I was little and I loved listening to him, he got me into it," he said.

"I'm going to major in forensic science and minor in journalism," said Stamper. "I got an offer to write for these online music blogs about a year ago and it's been something I'm really into," she said.

While in high school, Davis anchored the Panther Power Hour at her school, Bargo co-hosted on the radio during football season, and Stamper wrote online blogs.

Davis is a Pikeville High School graduate and plans to attend the University of Kentucky in the fall.

Bargo graduated from Barbourville High School and will attend Eastern Kentucky University.

Stamper is a Buckhorn High School graduate and will also attend EKU.

Source: Tony Turner Memorial Broadcast Scholarship recipients

SJ nonprofit sponsors music scholarships for kids

Kaitlyn Bukofsky (left) and Rebecca Howley (right) are pictured at the Cranberry Pines band concert. Kaitlyn got her start on the alto sax after gaining a music scholarship from the nonprofit South Jersey Music Education Partnership to the New Jersey School of Music last summer.(Photo: Photo provided)

MEDFORD – Kaitlyn Bukofsky had never played the alto saxophone before last summer. Now she's hooked.

A fifth-grade student in Medford, Kaitlyn netted a music scholarship with the nonprofit South Jersey Music Education Partnership at the New Jersey School of Music and received 10 weeks of summer music lessons.

"The lessons I took last summer got me in the advanced group in my school band," Kaitlyn said. "I was one of select kids to play in a holiday concert. It helped me be a stronger alto saxophone player. I really looked forward to it each time because I just love playing the saxophone and I just really enjoyed every minute I got to play."

More than 200 scholarships are available for beginner flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet and trombone players. Students entering fourth through eighth grades are eligible to apply for the lessons, which run from June 26 to Aug. 28 at the New Jersey School of Music in both the Cherry Hill and Medford locations.

They are available for children in Burlington and Camden counties.

"This is going to be our fourth summer. We've given scholarships for the past three years," said Dave Bermingham, SJMEP scholarship coordinator. "As an organization, we've been together for five or six years. We really formed in response to when Medford had to eliminate their elementary band program back in 2010 due to state budget cuts. A bunch of the parents were really upset about that.

"We got together and started doing some fundraising and different things."

Some of the parents, including Bermingham, were also musicians and formed a band called M-Town Jazz Jam in the fall of 2011 and they began performing and practicing and bringing some of the children into rehearsals to perform.

Soon, they decided to officially start the nonprofit to address the issue of the band program being eliminated. While it has been reinstated, the nonprofit lives on.

"We formed the nonprofit and we've been doing it ever since," Bermingham said.

The scholarship program was one of the first things they started to get children interested in music and to try to help "fill the gap until Medford was able to return their band program, which they have."

Nate Levas (left), Sarah May Lambert, Madison Bermingham, Kassidy Farnum, and Maggie Bowman are shown at the Haines 6th Grade Center's band concert. Most got their musical start after attending the New Jersey School of Music for the 10-week summer music lessons for beginners on a scholarship from the South Jersey Music Education Partnership. (Photo: Photo provided)

Ryan Loughead a fifth-grader at Milton H. Allen School in Medford, gained a scholarship for the music lessons a few summers ago and hasn't put the alto sax down, either. He's in his first year of band in elementary school this year and is in an advanced sax group and was also selected to play in the Elementary Honors Band in April.

"I love playing the sax; the scholarship really helped," he said. "It just really got my interest. I really liked the music and my brother (Brett) plays another instrument (trumpet) so I really wanted to try an instrument. I'm really excited to go into sixth grade band and try out for jazz band."

While the lessons are free, scholarship participants must provide the instruments, lesson books suggested by the teacher and pay a $20 registration fee, which was added for the first time this year.

Applications are being accepted online at www.sjmep.org through the end of the day on June 14.

If the number of applicants exceeds the number of scholarships available, scholarships will be awarded via a random drawing on June 15.

The New Jersey School of Music also donates significant resources to help ensure the lessons are available to as many students as possible, Bermingham says.

With a big assist from the school, they're able to "maximize our dollars and get as many kids as possible into the summer music program."

Since 2012 SJMEP, a 501c3 nonprofit, has awarded over 150 scholarships and has provided mentorship, master classes, and performance opportunities. The organization also created the Pinelands Jazz Festival, which is its annual fundraising event to support its initiatives.

Kaitlyn's mother Kristen Bukofsky said her son John also earned a scholarship with the program a few years ago and played the clarinet.

She said Kaitlyn got into the fifth-grade band at school this year and was fully prepared to play several songs right away thanks to the program.

"We're not a very musical family and we were almost hesitant to have her do this summer music lessons program," her mother said. "I've never seen such an enthused child. Anytime we were late, she'd be like 'hurry up, hurry up, I can't be like one minute late for my lesson.' It was a great experience. I feel so lucky we were able to do this."

Celeste E. Whittaker; (856) 486-2437; cwhittaker@gannettnj.com

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Source: SJ nonprofit sponsors music scholarships for kids

Rotary Clubs hand out half a million dollars in scholarships

Published: Friday, June 3, 2016, 12:01 a.m.

EVERETT — Jaspreet Sidhu thought she was applying for a $3,000 scholarship through the Rotary Club of Lynnwood. At a recent ceremony, she noticed the awards started off small and kept building. As the night wore on, the Lynnwood High School senior looked around the room at the wealth of talent and smarts, and wondered if organizers forgot to call her name. They didn't forget. At the end of the night, Sidhu won the club's highest award of $10,000. "Can it be me? Can it possibly be me? I looked at my parents — they were shocked, too," Sidhu said. Rotary Clubs in Snohomish County — from Everett to Monroe, Stanwood to Edmonds — handed out roughly half a million dollars in scholarship money this year to local graduating seniors and college students. It's a hefty amount that keeps growing. The Rotary Club of Lynnwood received a gift to give away an extra $50,000 this year — $77,500 in all. Marysville Rotary Club added $10,000 to top the $100,000 mark this year, joining the Everett Rotary Club with that distinction. For teens looking to take the step from high school to college, it means more and often bigger awards. Her Rotary scholarship, combined with a Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, means Sidhu has no worries about financing her engineering studies at the University of Washington. That's an honor for her parents, as well, who both were unable to go to college growing up in Punjab, India, and sometimes struggle to make ends meet with a taco restaurant they own, Sidhu said. "In the future, I also want to reward them for all that they did for me," she said. No matter the amount, the awards are a boost. "My mom was stoked," said Raymond Zhao, a Meadowdale senior who will study his twin passions, applied math and theater, at UW this fall. Zhao won a $5,000 Lynnwood Rotary scholarship. Marysville tops $100,000 At a Marysville Rotary Club ceremony, Marysville Pilchuck senior Alisha Purdom watched her parents cry with pride when she received a $4,000 scholarship. "School is so expensive," said Purdom, who plans to study psychology at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. "It's going to set me on track with a really good start, to not have that burden there." Purdom's application was one of 88 vying for a total of 50 awards that ranged from $1,000 to $7,500. "The need is always there. And every student has a story," said Gayl Spilman of the Marysville Rotary Education Foundation. Spilman was among the Rotarians who read students' applications. This year, the readers saw the effect of the October 2014 school shootings at MPHS. There was the girl who made friendship bracelets for every classmate to help weave the community back together. There was the football player who had been looking forward to prom with a girl who died in the shooting. Spilman's eyes scanned over transcripts and saw heartbreak. "Straight-A students went to C's and D's," she said. "They climbed the hill and then got back on track." There were other stories, too. This was the first graduating class to remember receiving free dictionaries from the Rotary as third-graders. For many of the teens, it was their first book they owned for themselves. "More and more people are starting to understand that kids need a hand up," Spilman said. "We hope that many of these kids will then turn around and give a hand up." Scholarships a Rotary tradition Many service groups award scholarships. But Rotary Clubs form the local powerhouse. Nearly all of the Rotary Clubs in Snohomish County have some sort of scholarship program. The approaches vary. The Everett-Port Gardner Rotary Club focuses on Everett Community College students. The Rotary Club of Monroe ties its scholarships to a Student of the Month program. The Edmonds Daybreakers Rotary helps talented young musicians who take part in the club's annual Edmonds Jazz Connection. The Stanwood Camano Rotary Club's awards are part of an annual community scholarship gala put on by the Stanwood Camano Area Foundation. One gap is in Snohomish, where the local Rotary club shut down in 2015 for lack of membership. The club had awarded scholarships. This year, accomplished young artist Carolyn Yip, a student at Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish, was awarded a scholarship sponsored by Everett Rotary and Schack Art Center. Otherwise, Snohomish teens aren't on this year's Rotary lists. Money for scholarships comes from duck dashes, auctions, festivals and endowments. In Lynnwood, the Martha Lake Community Club sold property in 2010 and made sure the proceeds would help with scholarships for south Snohomish County teens. Income off the sale means the Rotary Club of Lynnwood can give out $22,500 a year. Before the gift, the number and amount of scholarships varied widely, tied to the success of individual fundraisers. "We're able to raise the profile of the scholarship program because we have confidence that there's money to give away," said Jonathan Hatch, president of the Lynnwood Rotary Community Foundation. Service is central Like other Rotary clubs, the Lynnwood group pays attention to family income and looks for students who exemplify Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self." Beyond that, approaches to selecting scholarship recipients vary. There are applications, letters of reference, essays, point systems, interviews. Monroe Rotary's emphasis on participation in an annual food drive has been a boon to the Sky Valley Food Bank. The spring event comes during a historically slow time and typically brings in more than 3,000 pounds of food and more than $1,500. The Rotary Club of Everett relies on school counselors to identify scholarship prospects. Those nominees are then interviewed by Rotary members, who make final selections. The Everett club's largest award increased further this year, to a value of $19,000 over four years. The total amount of the club's scholarships and awards soared, too, from $149,500 last year to $180,300 this year. That includes $6,000 in shopping money for college-bound teens from low-income families. The Pat Miller Scholarship was among those that rose in value, to $3,600. The scholarship is in memory of businessman Pat Miller and was created by his son, Steve Miller. As a boy, Steve Miller recalled carrying his father's suit and tie to the family car as his father prepared to drive to a Rotary meeting. Pat Miller had 25 years of perfect attendance (with no online make-ups like there are now). "It was a big deal. So I was always aware of his involvement in Rotary. But more, his belief that the Rotarian dollar did a lot of good — you got a lot of bang for your buck," said Steve Miller, a Rotarian. Miller now runs the family business, American Distributing. But the scholarship — aimed at an aspiring engineer — is an homage to Pat Miller's past as a chemical engineer. Before coming to Everett, Pat Miller built reactors for the first nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers, his son said. Everett High School senior Hank Tian will use the scholarship at Stanford University, where he plans to study sociology and computer science this fall. New in Everett this year was a $2,500 scholarship sponsored by Mark Nesse and his wife, Kathy Pemberton, both Rotary members. The scholarship went to Everett Community College student Wendy Potter as she pursues a career in education. The couple were extra excited for this year's ceremony, to meet Potter on stage. The ceremony is always heartwarming, Nesse said. "How can it not be? You see kids who have worked hard their whole high school career and they're kind of at a jumping off point," he said. "It's community applause, and telling them they're doing the right thing."
Source: Rotary Clubs hand out half a million dollars in scholarships

Philanthropy Matters: Growing scholarships, growing futures

Another successful graduation season has come to a close with more than 11,000 Kern County public high school graduates gleefully tossing their mortarboards high into the air.

Many of these students will begin their postsecondary journeys close to home, enrolling at Bakersfield College or CSUB, while others will relocate around the country, attending an array of public and private colleges and universities. All of these students are united by the same dream of a college education.

Yet sadly, they leave behind a substantial number of fellow graduates – graduates who have the potential to enter into some form of higher education but are limited by financial resources.

You see, every form of higher education has a cost. For some, the cost is obvious: tuition, fees, textbooks, housing; for others the cost is more obscure: lost wages while attending classes, transportation and even access to technology.

Scholarships close the funding gap students experience. They are one way to provide critical financial support for students – to help make higher education a reality. In many cases, the financial assistance provided by scholarships is a key factor. Gifts for scholarships help students to invest their energies more fully in their course work and pursue internships and leadership opportunities that enrich their personal development and career preparation.

Kern Community Foundation has been in the scholarship business since its establishment in 1999. We administer more than a dozen scholarships, such as the Mayor of Bakersfield Scholarship, the Arvin Women's Club Scholarship Fund and the Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education. We have helped hundreds of students pursue higher education.

Our scholarship program is in action throughout the year as we work with local high schools to increase awareness of available scholarships, provide information sessions for interested families and conduct writing workshops to help students prepare competitive applications.

Our single online scholarship application provides the most efficient system to distribute awards and simplify the process for students. With just one application, students are eligible for multiple scholarships. This year, more than 350 applications were received and almost $350,000 of scholarship awards will be distributed.

We know that simply writing a check does not guarantee a college diploma. Foundation staff has taken the initiative to meet with every scholarship recipient to talk about their college and career plans, answer questions, provide tools for personal financial management and be that quiet cheerleader, calming their nerves. We continue to reach out, throughout their college years, providing an additional layer of support so more of these deserving students can accomplish their dreams.

You can make a difference, too, by contributing to or establishing a scholarship fund at Kern Community Foundation through an outright or estate gift. Funds may be established by individuals, like-minded groups, businesses or even grateful alums. Through the wonders of technology, each scholarship fund may adopt its own criteria for making annual awards – for example, students pursuing a particular major or attending a specific college or university. Investing in today's students is an investment in our community's future. Please consider supporting this worthwhile venture.

For more information, contact Kern Community Foundation at 325-5346. Kristen Barnes is the president and CEO at Kern Community Foundation. Contact her at Kristen@kernfoundation.org or 616-2601. The views expressed in this column are her own.

Source: Philanthropy Matters: Growing scholarships, growing futures

Cooper Tire Awards Second Annual Centennial Scholarships to Five Students

The Cooper Tire & Rubber Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, today announced that five students will receive Cooper Centennial Scholarships. The scholarship program is in its second year and was originated to commemorate Cooper's 100th anniversary in 2014. The goal of the program—which makes awards annually—is to assist the children of Cooper employees in the United States with their post-secondary education. The scholarship is administered by the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, an independent philanthropic agency that manages more than 350 funds, including over 100 scholarships. The five students, who were selected as winners from among 22 qualifying applicants nationwide, will each receive $1,000 awards.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160602005065/en/

Kathryn Harry, a graduate of Findlay High School in Findlay, Ohio, has been awarded a Cooper Tire Centennial Scholarship to continue her studies at the next level. (Photo: Business Wire)

The recipients are:

Kathryn Harry—Kathryn is the 18-year-old daughter of two Cooper employees: Paul Harry, Financial Controller for the Technical group in Findlay, and Ruth Harry, an Office Assistant at Cooper headquarters. Kathryn is a graduate of Findlay High School and intends to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was on the Distinguished Honor Roll for four years as well as a participant in Honors Career Mentorship. In addition to her studies, Kathryn is an award-winning equestrian who has been active in 4H, marching band, bell choir, and orchestra, among other activities. Outside of school, she is a volunteer with Project H.O.P.E., a not-for-profit organization that provides equine-assisted therapy.

Allison Kreinbrink—Allison is the 18-year-old daughter of Cooper Manufacturing Reliability Senior Manager Rod Kreinbrink and his wife Heather. She is a graduate of Findlay High School and intends to study Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University. Allison is the president of the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT), a member of the National Honor Society, was involved in Honors Career Mentorship, and was part of the state champion Findlay High School "We the People" team. Outside of her studies, Allison participated in track and field and played soccer for Findlay High School as well as an area club soccer team. Allison was also a part of Hancock County Youth Leadership and has volunteered for Relay for Life.

Alyssa Langhals—Alyssa is the 18-year-old daughter of Mike Langhals, a Cooper corporate IT Manager, and his wife Kay. Alyssa is a graduate of Columbus Grove High School in Columbus Grove, Ohio, and intends to study Electrical and Computer Engineering at The Ohio State University. She was a member of Student Council, served as Class Treasurer, and was on the school newspaper. Outside of her studies, Alyssa was a member of Show Choir, appeared in the spring musical each year, and was part of Colorguard. Outside of school, she is active in 4H, Lifeteen, and Youth Elect Service.

Mariah Waaland—Mariah is the 18-year-old daughter of Cooper Findlay Plant Electrician John Waaland and his wife Beatrice. She is a graduate of Arcadia High School in Arcadia, Ohio, and intends to study Neurosciences at Bowling Green State University. She is a member of the National Honor Society and served on Student Council for three years. Outside of her studies, Mariah was also active in 4H, FFA, the Tri-State Rodeo Association and the Junior Fair Board. She was also a part of Hancock County Youth Leadership and is active in her church youth group, church council, vacation bible school, and volunteers with her family at the City Mission.

Kiersa Warwick—Kiersa is the 18-year-old daughter of Cooper Western Region Territory Sales Manager Chet Warwick, who is based in Simi Valley, Calif., and his wife Joyce. She is a graduate of Simi Valley High School and intends to study Business with a focus on Marketing at California Lutheran University. In addition to her studies, Kiersa, an accomplished pianist, participated in her school's 180 Club community service organization and has been active in Girl Scouts, attaining that organization's Gold Award, the highest distinction in scouting. She is a volunteer for the local Challenger baseball league, working with special needs athletes, and assists at animal shelters, food drives and other organizations for those with special physical and mental challenges.

"This is an outstanding group of students who have not only excelled in the classroom, but have also devoted significant time and energy to volunteer with community groups while often holding part-time jobs as well," said Cooper Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Roy Armes. "As part of the scholarship application process, each student submitted an essay on the importance of manufacturing in our global economy in recognition of the important work our teams do to produce the products consumers depend on each day. The independent committee that selects the winners had the difficult task of naming just five students to receive our Centennial Scholarship from many outstanding applicants. Congratulations to all of the excellent students who applied, and best wishes to the winners as they pursue their studies at the next level."

About Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: CTB) is the parent company of a global family of companies that specializes in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of passenger car and light truck tires. Cooper and its subsidiaries also sell medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires. Cooper's headquarters is in Findlay, Ohio, with manufacturing, sales, distribution, technical and design operations within its family of companies located in more than one dozen countries around the world. For more information on Cooper, visit www.coopertire.com, www.facebook.com/coopertire or www.twitter.com/coopertire.

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Source: Cooper Tire Awards Second Annual Centennial Scholarships to Five Students

Ten Cobb students receive National Merit Scholarship

Ten students in the Cobb County School District have been selected to receive the College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship, which will provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate studies.

The Cobb students are among the 3,000 scholarship winners announced by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation on Wednesday. An additional group of scholarship winners will be announced in July, bringing the total to 7,500 students who will receive about $33 million in scholarship money, according to a news release from the Cobb School District.

Cobb saw 56 students named semifinalists for the scholarship program last fall, according to the release.

The winners were: Christina P. Pendergrast of Campbell High School; Russell R. Puffer of Kennesaw Mountain High School; Lacey C. Moss of Lassiter High School; Riley M. O'Neill of North Cobb High School; Colby T. Minear of Pope High School; Ilya Belegradek, Eric W. Hua, Jenna M. Kahn and Irena Kuan, all of Walton High School; and Kevin A. Zhou of Wheeler High School.

Source: Ten Cobb students receive National Merit Scholarship

Once homeless Mauldin High graduate winner of prestigious scholarship

Khendra Witt(Photo: Sarah Markwell Photography)

When Khendra Witt's father suffered a stroke and was no longer able to support the family financially, they found themselves in an unthinkable place. They became homeless.

Witt, a 2016 graduate of Mauldin High, said no one ever would have known she was homeless by the way she carries herself.

And although it was hard, she did not allow those circumstances to hold her back or define her. Instead, it made her stronger.

"It showed me that real life isn't easy, but if I persevere, I can do anything," Witt said. "I let it be a motivator on my journey toward success."

In doing so, Witt received some financial help to make that journey a little easier.

She became the 2016 Service Above Self Scholar, which comes with a $5,000 per year scholarship for a total of $20,000 for four years.

The title and its benefits are awarded annually by Greenville Rotary. It's awarded to a graduating high school senior who has exceptional community service, outstanding academic achievement, exemplary personal attributes and strengths, and financial need, said Dr. Judith Prince of Greenville Rotary.

The student who receives the award exemplifies the Rotary motto of Service Above Self through his or her contributions to the community,  and has the potential to continue the Rotary mission in the future, Prince said.

Witt, who was co-president of her senior class at Mauldin High and plans to attend Furman University, told members of the Rotary Club during their afternoon meeting at the Westin Poinsett that she feels honored to be able to represent the organization as the Service Above Self Scholar.

"I look forward to doing amazing things at Furman, with all of the service opportunities, and to give back to Greenville," she said.

Witt has already done a lot of amazing things.

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In addition to volunteering at numerous organizations, she is a member of the National Honor Society the Beta Club, the National Spanish Honor, and a math honor society.

As co-president of her class at Mauldin High, she provided leadership for the school's Spirit Week, during which $91,447.84 was raised for A Child's Haven to fund a bus to transport infants, Prince said.

Witt was a high school freshman when her father, Kenneth Witt, suffered the stroke that left him unable to work.

The situation, she said, made it difficult for her to transition into high school.

It also enabled her to find her passion for making a difference in people's lives, "whether it be small things such as random acts of kindness or big things like service projects," she said.

Whitt said she focused even more on academics because "I knew that an education would be the base for me to succeed. I became more involved in school and church activities."

Whitt said her family, which included her mother, Kimberly, two brothers and a sister, went through the Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (GAIHN) program and eventually moved back into a permanent home.

GAIHN assists local congregations in providing emergency shelter, meals, and short-term housing to homeless families  and helps those families achieve self-sufficiency and self-fulfillment.

Her father unexpectedly passed away in February, the Thursday before the Service Above Self application was due.

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Having gone through that experience and winning the 2016 Service Above Self Scholarship makes Witt believe it was meant for her have.

But what she wants people to take from her story is that she will keep moving forward and beat the odds.

"I don't want people to feel sorry for me, because my without my past I wouldn't be the person I am today," she said. "Also, I want this to be an inspiration and encouraging story for those people who may be experiencing what I experienced. I know that today isn't promised, so I have to l have to live everyday to the fullest."

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Khendra Witt (Photo: Sarah Markwell Photography)

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Source: Once homeless Mauldin High graduate winner of prestigious scholarship