Emery High participated in the 35th annual Southeastern Utah Sterling Scholar Award program on March 26. The program was held at Monticello High this year. Daryl and Sally Jack served as the masters of ceremony. The National Anthem was song by Trent Duke the drama and vocal nominee from Monticello High. Debbie Christiansen the president of the San Juan School Board of Education spoke to the scholars.
Christiansen said she was very familiar with the Sterling Scholar program. Six of her seven children chose to participate. One of her older children participated and one of his children was recently looking through his portfolio, the boy remarked, “Dad you did a lot of things.”
“Whether you win or not, you have had a rich and rewarding experience. No experience is ever wasted. If a task is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Don’t give less than your very best. Whether you are a winner, runner-up or don’t place, you’ve learned something. My son entered the visual arts category, and went on to become an optometrist. Now the only painting he does is painting super heroes on the walls in his son’s bedroom. Sterling Scholars, you are only a quarter of the way through your lives, the best is yet to come. The older people in this country are depending on you to make this country the best it can be,” said Christiansen.
Daryl Jack said the Sterling Scholars are a celebration of the talents of these outstanding students. Judging took place where each student was interviewed and the judges evaluated the portfolios prepared by each student.
Bailey Goodwine gave a tribute to parents and teachers. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our parents and teachers. They have inspired us. I am grateful for the Sterling Scholar program. It has given us confidence. Don’t look backwards, look forward there are new doors opening. We can’t do this alone.”
There were special music and dance presentations from the winners in those categories.
Samantha Walker presented in the dance category, Carson Endres presented in the drama and vocal performance category. Jennifer Webb presented in the instrumental arts category.
Robin Willscheidt, the winner in speech and forensics performed a number.
In the English category, Josefina Begay from Whitehorse was the winner with Jessica Swenson from San Juan and Desmarie Hanley from Monument Valley as runners-up.
In the mathematics category, Josh Hess of Emery was the winner with MaKade Maloy from Monticello and Hannah Parker from San Juan-runners up.
In the social science category, Savannah Hurley from Grand was the winner with Anna Bryner from Carbon and Alex Curtis from Emery-runners-up.
In the science category, Lauren Engar from Carbon was the winner with Mishayla Mitchell from Whitehorse and Matt Mecham from Emery-runners-up. In world languages Bailey Rasmussen from Emery was the winner with Joseph Maestas from Carbon the runner-up.
In family and consumer science Leah Brandt was the winner with Aspen Bloomer of Emery and Sommer Hutchinson from Grand as runners-up.
In drama and vocal performance Carsyn Endres was the winner with Alanna Stewart from Carbon and Madelyn Carter from Emery-runners up.
In business and marketing Emily Olsen from Emery was the winner with Jerika Morgan from Carbon and Samuel Pugh from San Juan-runners up.
In instrumental arts Jennifer Webb from San Juan was the winner with Laryssa Guymon from Emery and Arianna Wood from Carbon, runners-up.
In speech and forensics, Robin Willscheidt from Grand was the winner with Kayden Parkins from Emery and Jens Brewer from Monticello-runners-up.
In visual arts Chase Fausett from Emery was the winner with Delaney Manley from Grand and Isabelle Burge from San Juan-runners up.
In computer technology Paige Martinez from Carbon was the winner and Trevor Graham from Emery was the runner-up.
In skilled and technical education, Wyatt Payne from Emery was the winner with James John Marshall from Grand and Parker Lewis from Monticello-runners-up.
In the dance category, Samantha Walker from San Juan was the winner and Brooklin Ewell from Emery and Katie McFarland from Grand the runners-up.
Emery High Sterling Scholars
"Emery High Sterling Scholar nominees compete at Monticello High: Left to right: Laryssa Guymon, Madelyn Carter, Matt Mecham, Aspen Bloomer, Bailey Rasmussen, Brooklin Ewell, Chase Fausett, Wyatt Payne, Alex Curtis, Emily Olsen, Kayden Parkins, Josh Hess and Trevor Graham."