Now is the time when many high school seniors in Homer begin to look toward bigger horizons. Whether they stay local, travel far, enter the work force or go on to higher education, local students are big achievers.
Below is a collection of current and former Homer students who have received scholarships to help with their future endeavors, or who are being honored for success in higher education.
Homer senior Denver Waclawski has received a National Merit Scholarship for $2,500. He is among 2,500 scholars chosen from 15,000 finalists.
“National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies,” a press release states. ” … These scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.”
Waclawski’s probable career field is mechanical engineering.
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Two southern Kenai Peninsula college students, Nikolaevsk’s Kilina Klaich and Ninilchik’s James Knox, have been named to the Dean’s List at Bob Jones University in South Carolina. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a 3.00-3.74 grade point average during the semester.
Klaich, a junior, is an exercise science major. Knox, a senior, is a communication major.
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The Homer Foundation has awarded 17 scholarships totaling $23,750 to Homer area students. These scholarships are supported by permanent endowments administered by the Homer Foundation and would not be possible without the vision and generosity of community donors.
The 2018 recipients are:
Homer Community Science Scholarship: for post-secondary education in the life sciences. The fund was established by retired Homer High School Science teacher, Stan Eller, and is supported by community donations.
Simon Dye, Homer High School, $750
Andie Sonnen, Homer High School, $1,000
Alain and Daniel Rieser Scholarship: established in memory of Alain and Daniel Rieser, it provides for a travel award or college tuition to a graduating senior with a flair for foreign language, interest in foreign cultures, or travel.
Cole Roberts, Homer High School, $3,000
Drew Scalzi Memorial Maritime Scholarship: established in memory of Drew Scalzi. The underlying philosophy of the scholarship is to nurture young adults pursuing their careers in the maritime field or who are from local fishing or maritime families.
Charlie Rohr, Homer High School, $1,500
Mystique Ross, Homer High School, $500
Ralph Mitchell (2016 HHS grad), $500
Health Care Providers Scholarship: established by local health care providers to support local students committed to pursuing a career in a health care field.
Amber Bridgeman, Homer Flex School, $2,500
Chelsea Overle-Lozano, Ninilchik School, $2,500
Beluga Tail Non-Fiction Writing Scholarship: rewards graduating seniors that demonstrate exemplary skills in non-fiction writing.
Andie Sonnen, Homer High School, $3,000
Kachemak Bay Medical Clinic Scholarship: established by Dr. Paul Raymond to provide financial assistance to a public high school graduating senior in the greater Homer area who has best exemplified academic excellence, community and/or school service, and a strong work ethic.
Elizaveta Reutov, Voznesenka School, $2,000
Ptarmigan Arts Visual Arts Scholarship: Established by the member artists of Ptarmigan Arts Gallery to support aspiring young artists, either with college tuition support or purchase of art supplies or classes.
Koby Etzwiler Homer High School, $750
Margaret Alston, Homer High School, $750
Anastacia Dorvall, Nikolaevsk School, $500
Nikki Geragotelis (Fry) Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established by the family and friends of Nikki in honor of the life she lived. The goal of the scholarship is to keep Nikki’s memory alive by helping students continue their education. Throughout her life Nikki had a “walk-on” spirit. A recipient is selected that exemplifies her sportsmanship, athleticism, integrity, friendliness, and hard-working nature, giving their best every time they step on the field whether at practice or for a game.
Andie Sonnen, Homer High School, $2,000
Bill and Liz Johnson Teacher Education Scholarship: Bill and Liz Johnson both served as teachers and mentors to many students in the community. They were always willing to help give a leg up to any student willing to work hard. The Bill and Liz Johnson Teacher Education Scholarship Fund celebrates their memories, and their love of teaching by providing support to students choosing education as a career.
Elan Carroll, Homer High School, $1,000
Diane Wambach “Shoot for the Stars” Scholarship: This scholarship was established in memory of Diane Wambach by her family to encourage and support young adults who have overcome adversity and want to pursue their educational and career goals. Diane Wambach believed in people’s dreams and always encouraged her own children to shoot for the stars. The fund provides for an annual award to support college or technical training program.
Briea Gregory, Homer High School, $1,000
Anastacia Dorvall, Nikolaevsk School, $500
