Accomplished students and their proud parents filled the Valparaiso High School auditorium Wednesday evening for the annual Local Scholarship Awards Night. Several community organizations and individuals that wish to help make education a little more affordable and accessible honored the students.
After the presentation of the flag and the pledge of allegiance, the scholarships were awarded.
“It is an absolute honor to have received these scholarships let alone be considered for them,” said Matt Napiwocki, winner of the German Club Scholarship, Valpo Schools Foundation Scholarship, and the Christel Helmchen Memorial Scholarship. “It really is a unique feeling to know that others really want to help you strive towards your goals in the future.”
Next year, Napiwocki plans to study aerospace engineering and German at Purdue University.
Andrew Miles, winner of the Matthew Lee Erickson scholarship reflected on the moment he received his scholarship.
“I am honored to represent the memory and spirit of Matt with this scholarship,” Miles said. “I will forever remember this moment and I'll carry it in my heart as long as I live.”
Miles plans to attend Ball State University.
“It was an honor to receive these scholarships,” said Sarah Simon, winner of the PEO National Scholarship and Prom Grand March Scholarship. “As one of only 300 winners in the country of the PEO Scholarship, I felt humbled that the scholarship committee saw enough potential and achievement in me to have selected me from 2,000 applicants.”
These feelings of humility and grace, not to mention tremendous achievements both academically and in the community, characterize the graduating class of 2013. These students are involved, dedicated and driven, and each one wholly deserves the scholarships they were awarded Wednesday night.
“A big thanks go out to all of the scholarship committees and families who made this event possible,” Napiwocki said. “Of course, a big thanks for them making my fellow Valpo classmates' futures (as well as mine) brighter.”
Click here to view more photos from the evening!