Several local businesses, organizations and individuals gave scholarships to many graduates of Virgin Valley High School at the annual Awards Night held on Tuesday, May 24.
The scholarship awards began with the Foundation for Rural Education and Development giving a scholarship to Madison Bowler.
The Southern Nevada School Counselors’ Scholarship was given to Allie Singer.
Lindsay Sumpter received the award from Walmart.
Ronald McDonald House Charities gave a scholarship to Andrea Hermosillo, and the Professional Firefighters of Nevada gave one to Blake Leavitt.
Nevada Energy Powerful Partnership gave two scholarships, one to Madison Bowler and the other to Aisha Tso.
The Robert E. and Helen J. Brown Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Rebecca McGregor, and the Sherman Bennett Reading Award given for the most Accelerated Reading Points was given to Charlotte Brooks by Matthew Bennett.
The Hale and Vera Woods Memorial award was presented by Val Woods to Challis Barnum.
Challis Barnum, Julia Anne Biasi, Brandon Cohen, Nikki Hafen and Whitnee Heath were given scholarships by ACE Hardware.
Trade West Construction gave scholarships to Kyler Hughes, Jordan Leavitt, Emilee Rappleye, Michael Seery and Jessica Sullivan.
Joe and Dixie Bowler awarded scholarships to Veronica Acosta, Challis Barnum, Julia Anne Biasi, Madison Bowler, Christian Brotherson, Jazmin Calderon, Austin Cook, Sarai DeLeon, Matthew Devore, Carmina Erickson, Joshua Faught, Amberlyn Flint, Nikole Hafen, Colton Jensen, Cameron Jensen, Ricardo Lara, Blake Leavitt, Jordan Leavitt, Laura Macias, Emily Martinez, Rachel Morris, Jacquelyn Navarro, Gabriella Paongo, Ehrin Pollock, Kristofor Reber, Kyle Reber, Jesus Saldana, Tanner Tichenor and Janelle Weythman.
Carole Paetsch, A.C.E. Chairman of the Exchange Club of Mesquite, presented the A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) award to two students who have overcome adversity, are doing well in school, are graduating, and going on to college or other higher education. This year the Exchange Club awards went to Lindsey Sumpter and Jimmy Magoon.
Heritage Electric gave a scholarship to Daniel Gleave, and the Kent Anderson Scholarship went to Carmina Erickson.
The Lloyd Draayer Memorial/Spirit of Sportsmanship Scholarship was given to Christian Brotherson,
McDonalds gave a scholarship to Andrea Hermosillo, and Mesa View Physical Therapy gave a scholarship to Richard Vidal.
Gwen Olsen awarded the Mesquite Arts Council awards to Aisho Tso and Jennifer Mendez. She gave the Kathren Myers Memorial to Kris Reber. She also presented the Laura Lilienthal Memorial Award, which is co-sponsored by Bill Lilienthal, to Charlotte Brooks.
Mesquite Dental gave a scholarship to Jessica Sullivan.
Mesquite Elks Lodge presented awards to Madison Bowler, Karli Montague and Aisha Tso.
Dave Newfell gave the Mesquite Fire Fighter’s Association scholarship to Julia Anne Biasi.
Jim Abbott, representing the Lions Club, presented a scholarship award to Madison Bowler.
Overton Power gave scholarships to Julia Anne Biasi, Jon Cameron Jensen, Jordan Leavitt, Sadie Leavitt and Jennifer Mendez.
The Joan Bacso Philanthropic Educational Organization Chapter Scholarship was given by Carol Lungrin to Kari Hadland.
The Primex Plastics award went to Magen Robbins.
Claudia Leavitt gave the Roy and Claudia Leavitt Family award to Blake Leavitt.
Varsity Softball Scholarships were given to Gabby Paongo, Maddie Bowler, Nikki Hafen and Karen Dorado.
Valley Leavitt Insurance awarded scholarships to Christian Brotherson, Daniel Gleave, Jordan Leavitt, Sadie Leavitt, McKay Magoon and Ehrin Pollock.
Mesquite Sunrise Rotary Clubgave scholarships to Madison Bowler and Karli Montague.
Several students also received scholarships from various colleges and universities.
Dixie State College awarded Good Neighbor Waivers of $7,344 a year to Matthew Devore, Whitnee Heath, Kyer Hughes, Robert Lilly, Mean Robbins, Michael Seery and Allie Singer.
Brigham Young University gave the M. Anthony Burns award of $5,339 to Jazmin Calderon and Gabriela Paongo.
Southern Utah University gave the following awards and amounts: $30,208 to Anne Biasi; $5,339 to Jazmine Calderon; $19,300 to Matt Devore; the Alumni Scholarship of $38,600 to Nikki Hafen; $30,208 to Payden Knight; $19,280 to Ryan Krull; $5,900 to Jennifer Mendez; $30,208 to Ehrin Pollock; and $30,208 to Jessica Sullivan.
Northern Arizona University gave Karli Montague a scholarship worth $27,348.
Utah State gave Lindsey Sumpter the Aggie Need Based $10,000 award and Blake Leavitt the Dean’s Scholarship worth $30,000.
Westminster College gave Aisha Tso the Dean’s Scholarship for $52,000.
John Cabot University gave Charlotte Brooks the JCU Presidential worth $38,000.
New York University awarded a $72,000 scholarship to Karli Montague.
Boston University also offered Karli Montague $3,500.
University of Utah awarded a full-ride to Rachel Morris worth $120,000.
Treasure Valley Community College gave a $2,000 baseball award to Brandt Eaton.
University of Nevada, Reno offered Blake Leavitt the Presidential Scholarship worth $20,000.
Leavitt was also given $11,000 by Ohio State, $4,000 by the University of Iowa, the George Beadle Scholarship for $54,000 by the University of Nebraska, and an Academic award worth $20, 000 by West Virginia University.