Sterling Scholars compete at USU Eastern

By PATSY STODDARD Editor

The Sterling Scholar competition was held at USU Eastern on March 18. Students from Emery, Grand, San Juan, Monticello, White Horse, Monument Valley, Navajo Mountain and Carbon participated.
The Carbon High drum line welcomed all of the participants. The nominees were led into the program by their respective high school principals.
Mark and Patrice Holyoak served as masters of ceremony for the event. Chancellor of USU-Eastern Joe Peterson welcomed everyone to the event.
He said the Sterling Scholars is one of the great and inspiring events they hold at the college each year. He stressed the importance of learning new things and the physical reaction that learning brings as you come to new understanding of something. He described learning new things as being addicting. He is addicted to the joy of learning which is why he’s still in college. He never wanted to leave. He said the judges mentioned to him the high caliber of those students they talked to during the interview process. Each Sterling Scholar prepared a portfolio of their accomplishments and they were interviewed by the judges.
Carbon Superintendent Steve Carlsen addressed the audience. Carbon School District was the host school for this year’s program. He recognized all the superintendents for the great job they do. He described the Sterling Scholars as being the best of the best. They are part of something great. “We celebrate young people who have done great things and take advantage of opportunities. They are an example of the American Dream. He said these students are very involved in everything. He thanked the parents for the support and opportunities they have given their students. He encouraged the students to reach for the stars and maybe they will be the one that cures AIDS and disease, maybe they will be a force for economic development in our area, maybe they will be the next president. The new president of Brigham Young University is a Carbon High graduate and his mother still lives in the community. “Thank you for giving hope to the American Dream,” said Superintendent Carlsen.
There are 12 categories in the Sterling Scholars program. The Holyoaks announced the nominees in each category. Then the runner-ups and winners were announced. In the mathematics category the runners up were Ryan Cano from Carbon, Kira Simpson from San Juan and the winner was Arianna Reay of Monticello.
In the speech and drama category the runner ups were Brendon Henderson from Grand, Koy Nielson from San Juan and the winner was Tanner Petersen of Emery High.
In the family and consumer science category the runner up was Sarah Stalpes of Grand and Nolten Bowsley of Monument Valley. The winner was Nick Kiahtipes of Carbon.
In the social science category Tyler Herrera of Carbon was a runner-up. Jessica Valdez of Grand was a runner up and Sarah Roberts of Emery High was the winner.
In the Science category Micah Daniels of San Juan was a runner-up and Deanna Irvin of Grand was a runner up. Annika Hansen of Carbon was the winner.
In the music category Michael Blake of San Juan was a runner-up and Aapree Sheeran of Monticello was a runner-up. The winner was Giovanna Chiara of Carbon.
In the English category Becca Farnsworth of Grand was a runner-up and Emily Royer of San Juan was a runner-up. The winner in the English category was Alexis Heugly of Carbon.
In the trade and technology category the runner up was Sheldon Lewis of Monticello and Jacob Francis of Grand. The winner was Jacey Bruno of Carbon.
In business and marketing, Tyler Kay of Emery was a runner-up and Tyrel Pemberton of San Juan. The winner in business and marketing was Katie Gilson of Carbon.
In visual arts, Kassidee Oakeson of Emery was a runner-up and Skyler Winder of Carbon was a runner-up. Justin Cresswell of Grand was the winner in visual arts.
In the foreign language the runner-up was Makayla Leiataua of Monticello and Joseph Sheikh of Carbon. The winner in foreign language was Brittney MacDonald of San Juan.
In the general scholarship category, Drexler Tanner of Emery was a runner-up and Whitney Gagon of Carbon was a runner-up. Adam Jenkinson from Grand was the winner in the general scholarship.
Tanner Petersen the speech and drama winner did a dramatic selection for the audience. Giovanna Chiara the Music winner played a trombone selection.
Whitney Gagon of Carbon High gave a tribute to parents and teachers.
She said parents and teachers have always been there for them helping them preparing for the future. Parents have been a stable voice and have led by example. “Parents pick us up and dust us off when we fall. They set us back on our feet with unconditional love. They have been counselors and mentors. They have listened to us in times of distress. We honor you for the wonderful people you are. Thanks for giving us your guidance,” said Gagon.
The sterling scholars have been offered scholarships from all of the colleges and universities in Utah. They also received plaques and cash awards. Emery Telcom donated a tablet to each of the winners. The winners were escorted by Carbon High students.
The scholarship committee expressed their thanks to the judges of the event.