SUP Scholarship Winners
SOME 2009 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Zachary Baucom
Highland High School
This young man has excelled in almost every way possible during his high school years – in church activity, scouting, sports, and leadership – but it hasn’t been easy. Though he always wanted to follow his brother’s success in football, he grew to be tall, skinny, awkward – and discouraged. Parents and coaches encouraged him to persist, and he finally found success. But just when his sports career seemed to be dawning, he was injured and faced a future of supporting others from the sidelines. He discovered that holding fast to his faith in God and serving in every possible way made him a contributor to the success of others, and a better and more successful person.
Alexander Bennett
Layton High School
Alexander was adopted from his home in India and has had to reach deeply into his inner strengths to overcome the strange challenges of his new culture and his new religious faith. His life in the United States has been made richer through learning to love and serve other people whose needs may be greater than his own. Scouting has taught him to set and strive for worthwhile goals. Working part time has taught him to value independence. He is dertermined to use his college opportunities to prepare for a future in the foreign services.
Brianna Camarillo
Horizonte Instruction & Training Center
At age fifteen Brianna discovered she was expecting a child. This forced upon her some major decisions. Abortion was not an option to this faithful Catholic girl, nor was dropping out of school. Instead, she called upon her reserves of faith in God, courage, and determination to succeed, and found that she could overcome every obstacle. She also knew that her family had always been there to support her in every need and would never let her down. She has prepared herself for the college education she knows are essential to her success and is building a future for herself and child in the free country she loves so much.
Jonathan Cannon
Highland High School
At birth Jonathan had a condition called Distal Arthrogryposis, which all his life has limited his ability to do anything with his hands. Many surgeries caused lots of missed school and the need to work extra hard to catch up. He found this “extra hard” necessity was with him in everything he wanted to do. Even catching a ball required learning special skills and methods. But he persisted and also learned to play the piano. Best of all, he learned to succeed very well in all his endeavors, through unusual determination, faith and integrity and blessings from On HIgh.
Samantha Casey
Layton High School
We will let Samantha tell part of her own story, one which other teens often face. “My biggest challenge was depression. In the seventh grade, my friends turned their backs on me and my only friend moved away. I gave in and wallowed in complete misery, [which continued through the] eighth and ninth grades. Finally I looked at myself, didn’t like what I saw and decided I had to change. I was shy, not confidant, a little heavy and didn’t have any friends. I decided to set some goals for myself, go to work and now I have achieved my goals. Now I am happy. Damantha credits encouragement from teachers, belief in service, generosity with others, faith in God and pure determination for her happy and successful “new life.”
Ashley Critchfield
Mountain View High School
Because her father abandoned the family, and her mother was not a significant part of her life, Ashley grew up in over fifteen locations with friends and occasional relatives, before moving to her own apartment. She had to support herself almost entirely from an early age and moved from school to school but never gave up her quest for success. She has worked full time while attending high school, and dealt with loneliness, ill health and even lack of proper food and clothing. But her high school counselor attests to her determination to succeed, and calls her “a Survivor” who will make a difference for others in need. She has proven her ability to succeed in school and will attend the University of Utah this Fall.
Bryson Cutler
Layton High School
During his ninth grade year in school, Bryson suffered a severe illness and missed much school. His frustration with this situation created anger and blame against his family and friends. He became ashamed that his parents were financially challenged. “I became violent and raged at the world.” But he at length put himself into counselling and began learning to control anger (which is still a big challenge because the same conditions continue). He learned to focus on major scouting and church-oriented goals and to make choices that would benefit both himself and others. School leadership and community service have resulted and he feels that “my future and the future of my children is now much brighter.”
Kathleen Escalera
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
Family is very important in the life of Kathleen. But there have been many sorrowful family deaths to mar their happiness. An uncle died of drugs; an uncle and an aunt died from too much drinking; a favorite two year old cousin died of cancer. All this has been so very hard on this young woman, who tries to be friendly to everyone, honest and trustworthy and faithful in all things expected of her. Through it all, she is determined to succeed in school and make her life and that of those around her better. With her scholarship, we know she will reach her goals.
Emily Hammerle
Layton High School
“I don’t come from the “American Dream” family. Hate, guilt and lack of compassion have been driving forces in my extended family. My mother is my best friend. I have a dream for my future. . . .” These are the words of this wonderfully successful young woman who learned to work, provide service to others and have the courage and determination to overcome all obstacles. When Emily was three months old her sister developed a serious cancer, which finally overcame her after eight years of struggle. Emily, a brother and her mother had spent countless hours nurturing her before she died. Emily credits the hard times of her life with developing deep within her the faith in God that has made her able to face her future with enthusiasm.
Jack Heaton
Provo High School
One of eight children in his family, Jack had to learn self reliance while his father was unemployed for several years. He often wondered about the big questions in life and was reluctant to follow his parents’ counsel to attend church. But doing so faithfully taught him strong values, good character and how to be a leader. He has learned to greatly value his parents and his family and knows that higher education is a must. He will attend the BYU with the aid of his SUP scholarship.
Blanca Hernandez
Horizonte Instruction & Training Center
In somewhat broken English, Blanca describes her lonely and troubled youth as she dealt with discrimination, experimenting with drugs, trouble with the law and an early pregnancy. With her patient mother’s encouragement she finally made the changes and set the goals that enabled her to complete high school. She will be the first in her family to attend college, where she plans to prepare for a teaching career, and to provide a good life for her son. She values honesty, hard work and service to others. She will be a success in life!
Kathleen Hollister
Horizonte Instruction & Training Center
Kathleen, like so many others, grew up in a home broken by divorce, for which she felt partially at fault. She was relentlesly teased in grade school because of her thick glasses and was called a “wierdo” for trying hard to get good grades. Her private, but deeply sincere, manner of worshiping God was ridiculed. Through personal adversity and the support of her family members she developed a determination to succeed in high school and to attend college. She found that she could accomplish her goals through courage and hard work. She is now ready to begin her next challenging experience, on her own at college.
Hollie King
Davis High School
Hollie King’s mother died of cancer when Hollie was eight years old. Her father subsequently was twice unsuccesfully married, experiences which again brought difficulties into Hollie’s life.
Through these trials, she found strength in friends who also suffered adversity, and in God who inspired her with faith to succeed. She found satisfaction in working to make others happy, and used her talents to serve in high school leadership positions, musical productions and athletics. Her school advisor rates her as one of the most outstanding people she has known – absolutely dependable, fair and kind to everyone, cheerful and filled with integrity.
Heather Marie Lopez
Mountain View High School
Heather’s father died when she was eleven years old and her mother had to struggle to hold the family together financially. While Mom attended school to prepare for better employment, Heather was left in charge of her older, Autistic, sister and three younger sisters. During many hours at home with them, she learned to play the piano, violin, bass, cello and guitar. Some sacrifice of normal high school activities was required, except for participating with the track team. She has learned that the trials of her life have brought her strength and other blessings. Her counselor admires her maturity and strong moral character.
Nephi Makya
Horizonte Instructional & Training Center
Nephi had to overcome a sometimes out of control temper, which led him into fighting and other trouble. He decided that skipping school was getting him nowhere and that he had to graduate from high school and be educated in order to get ahead in life. With his family and his church to help him as his most important allies, his determination and hard work have paid off, and he is on his way to a successful career, filled with personal integrity and service to others.
Andrew Martin
Timpview High School
Physical challenges have been a relentless companion of Andrew’s since birth. He lived his early life in a plastic body brace, supported by metal rods. Surgeries to fuse ten vertebrae occurred at age eleven, and other surgeries surgically created thumbs and missing fingers on his shortened forearms and enabled him to learn to write and play the piano. These severe challenges have helped him understand the needs of others as he has served as an intern in a hospital newborn intensive care unit. He plans a career as a pediatric doctor, starting with his enrollment at BYU this Fall.
Cory McGee
Cedar Ridge (Alternative) High School – Richfield
Cory could be called a very average student, but an exceptional person. He has served as the student body president and has been active in other extra-curricular activities, while concentrating on his first love and the plans for a career in welding. His grandfather introduced him to this skill, and he has recently won first place in state competition. Cory will represent Utah at the national welding competition in St. Louis. He has lived an exemplary life, free of bad habits and abusive substances. He is anxious to make his single mother proud of him and is determined to further his leadership skills and to be a patriotic citizen of this country. We wish him well and know that he will succeed.
Shawna Meldrum
Provo High School
In 2006, titanium rods bolted to her spine replaced the plastic brace Shawna had lived in for many years. Her determination to compete in high school track, which developed during long periods of enforced bedrest, led her to walk, swim and ride a stationary bike until, finally, by modifying her running style, she was able to participate and earn her letter with the track team. She gives great credit to her mother, whose patient help has helped so much to earn her success. Her high school counselor says there is no one more willing to reach out and help others. With her determination, she has succeeded in high school and will succeed in her studies at Utah Valley University.
Jovani Morales
Independence (Alternative) High School – Provo
Having to help earn the family living caused stress in her young life, and even required Jovani to miss high school for one year. But she made up the work and gained her first big objective – to graduate. Her main motivation to achieve in life has been her desire to set an example of determination for her little sister and others in her family, even when life seems scary. Her student advisor says Jovani has a natural desire to help others and can always be counted on to assist any who are trying to succeed. She will find success at Mountainland Applied Technology College, with the aid of her SUP scholarship.
Markie Rogers
Bear River High School
Markie Rogers was born on October 30, 1990 with a bi-lateral cleft lip. From birth until age eight, Markie underwent surgery every year. Extensive dental work and oral surgery continued for years after that.
In her words, “As a young girl at school, kids would ask me why my mouth looked like it did. My mom told me to tell them that I was born with a cleft lip and it was being fixed. Today as a senior at Bear River High School, I feel my birth defect has made me a stronger and better person. I feel that I am more understanding of others’ feelings and problems.”
Markie has been an outstanding student through her high school years, and was a varsity cheerleader this year. She is an active member of the LDS Church, and also involved in sports, high school club activities and in community service.
Allison Schmann
Timpview High School
It was a huge shock to have her mother taken in death during a family vacation. This loss taught her how much she had depended on the time and effort she had received from her mother. Then the remarriage of her father brought major legal and other adjustments. But she was taught a great lesson in having to rely on the Savior, where she learned that life’s severe challenges can become the greatest blessings. She learned faith and persistence which helped her cope with a sister’s needs, who battles with Chrone’s disease. Allison looks forward to becoming a student at Brigham Young University-Hawaii.
Mary Story
Springville High School
Mary is the youngest of six children – all victims of a traumatic divorce of her parents, and a custody battle that led to her being reared in many different homes and in many challenging situations. Through these trials, she has become a dependable support during her mother’s serious health problems, but has also been a needed resource for her siblings and even for her grandparents. Her ethic of service to others was described by her high school principle: “Mary chose her assignment [as a work-intern] at the Oakridge school because of opportunities to provide genuine service for young people with severe developmental disabilities. Mary was always looking for ways to help and show compassion for other students. She has what it takes. . . .” She will attend BYU-Idaho.
Felix Vivanco
Box Elder High School
Felix Vivanco was born and raised in a suburb of Santiago, Chile. As he grew up he remembers his parents talking about moving to “La Tierra de Opportunidad,” the land of opportunity. They wanted Felix and his little sister to have a chance to be whatever they wanted to be in life. When Felix was age 7 his family moved to the United States.
In Felix’s own words, “We didn't realize how hard it would be to leave everything and everyone we knew and loved behind. I didn’t know the language and didn’t have any friends and didn’t know the culture.”
Felix’s father worked at a cherry picking plant for only $5 an hour. There were many hard times for the whole family as they made the difficult adjustment to their new country.
Felix has learned English, and played on the Box Elder High School football team. In his senior year, Felix has served as Diversity President in Student Government, a position in which he felt a responsibility for all of the students at his school who were from other countries or minority backgrounds. He has also been involved in school clubs and service activities, and has worked to help other students from different backgrounds to become involved with these activities as well. With the help of his SUP scholarship, he will attend the University of Utah and hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon.
Tanisia Wilson
Orem High School
Tanisia could have given up, but didn’t. Her parents’ divorce left her with a loss of trust for others and resulted in serious abuse. Instead of giving in to failure, Tanisia tells others of her experiences and hardships to help them through their own trials. “Through abuse, I got beat down and hurt by those I loved. It gave me the choice to rise or fall, run away or grow up – and I grew up.” Her school counselor says “Tanisia is very ambitious and outgoing. She goes beyond what is required academically and is very talented in music and sports. She is a fun and uplifting person to be around.” Tanisia will make a success of her life, and will succeed at Westminster College.
Some 2008 Scholarship Winners
Silvia Alonzo
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
Silvia and her nine brothers and sisters grew up in a family notable for their many divorces. She has never met her father. Yet she says, “Family to me is one of the most important things in life.” Despite much discouragement, the need for hard work and many other challenges holding her back, she feels that adversity has been part of the great determination she now has to succeed.
After being on a failure track in the ninth grade, she gradually began to see a vision of better things. “My friends were all ditching school, drinking and getting into trouble. It was hard for me to stop messing around with them and go back to school, but I did it because I wanted to turn my life around. I now know for sure that I don't want to live my life like I used to three years ago. I see life in a better way now. When I get up every morning, sunshine greets me with motivation and the strength to go through another day, and I feel like it will be alright.”
Silvia's high school counselor describes her as an inspiration to her friends and classmates. “She is a role model for others who are facing tough times.” With her grades improved from failure to very high, and by overcoming every obstacle in her way, she has qualified for an SUP college scholarship, and will begin her studies for a medical career. Silvia Alonzo will be one of Tomorrow's Pioneers!
Hannah Atkisson
Timpview High School, Provo, Utah
As Hannah grew up in rural Missouri , she was the only LDS member in her high school and was often pressured to drink alcohol, take drugs and break the law of chastity. She knew she would have to work especially hard to abide the values she was taught as she attended early morning seminary. She enjoyed sports and music and assisted in in directing the choir in the local elementary school. But one day her world turned upside down when, early in her junior year, her father fell from a tree and broke his neck. During the many months of hospital treatment, her mother had to be the bread winner, and Hannah found herself as the oldest child caring for her siblings. This was a hard year, but Hannah remembered the faith and hardships of the Pioneers, and their example helped her gain strength for her own trials.
The following year her parents decided to move to Utah. Hannah was faced with the choice of completing high school in familiar surroundings or going to a new school – a scary thing for her. But her prayers and faith were rewarded when the family was showered with many miracles that made the move possible. A handicap-accessible house was found and her mother got a very good job. Hannah believes that she will always be blessed if she perseveres in faith and obedience, just as the early Pioneers did. She will study at Southern Utah University.
Colton Blair
West Side High School
Colton is graduating from West Side HIgh School with a 3.75 GPA. He is a young man of character and an outstanding student. He has demonstrated leadership qualities and is one of the top students in his class.
He has been active in football, basketball, track, choir, and took an active part in the school musical. He is very involved with the FFA and has been part of the parliamentary procedures team for the past few years. He is an Eagle Scout.
Growing up in a rural setting has provided him many opportunities to work since he was young and has developed a strong work ethic. He has kept a part-time job throughout the school year. Those who work with him have always been able to rely upon him for his honesty and integrity. He has the reputation of doing what he says he will do. He treats others with kindness and respect.
Colton and other family members dealt with a long and serious illness experienced by their father. A blood disorder resulted in the destruction of one of the father's lungs. Then complications from that illness caused a serious stroke and resulted in the loss of his job. During these trials, Colton 's whole family worked together and now feel the adversity has strengthened them, made them more caring for each other and realizing how much their family means. Their father has continued to be their example of never giving up. Colton says he has learned to be frugal with his money, to value his education and to appreciate the gift of life.
Ramses Beltran
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
Ramses is a native of Mexico who came to the United States with his mother and sister to seek a better life. His loyalty for his native country is undiminished, but he appreciates the improved opportunities he has found in his adopted country. A devoted Catholic, he tries hard to be completely honest and dependable in every promise. He feels that his family is the most important thing in his life.
Ramses finally recognized that his failure pattern during his high school years was leading only to disappointment. He has worked hard at part time jobs, but during his last year of school devoted his energy to success also in preparing for college. Straight A's were the result! One teacher describes him now as, “Incredibly mature. He is clearly going to succeed at whatever he tries.” With help from his SUP college scholarship, he plans to study Astronomy, and will be the first one in his family ever to graduate from college.
Lacee Bradford
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
Lacee Bradford has needed lots of encouragement from teachers in her alternative high school to change her lack of success in school, and her life's prospects from failure to success. But she has become a great example of determination to succeed. When she became a single mother at an early age, statistics seemed to make her prospects grim. Now she says, “I am over the top determined to succeed. I will complete my dreams and become what I have always wanted to be, no matter what. I am determined to succeed to prove the statistics wrong. Whoever said it would be easy? Nothing is easy! I am a very hard worker and determined to complete my dreams, no matter how hard I have to work to get there.”
Lacee's life now revolves around her family. “I love my beautiful son that God gave me, and I would not trade my family for anything. I'm thankful for their support.” Also with the devoted help of the staff in the Young Parent Program Lacee has finished her high school work with very high grades, has volunteered extensively to help others and has set her sights on gaining the necessary skills to earn a good livelihood. She says, “I can make it!” We know she will.
Jazmin Carvente
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
At one point in her young life when Jazmin had lost faith in herself, her older brother made her realize that she could succeed. Her mother demonstrated the same confidence in her, so now Jazmin thinks one's family is the best thing in her life, and she would do anything for them. She also has learned to love her new country, the USA , and wants to give in return for the chance to have her dreams and her parents' dreams come true. It was very hard and very lonesome when the family had to separate ten years ago, with her mother and two children coming to America while the others of her extended family stayed behind. But she knows her father is happy in knowing of her better life and her plans now to attend college.
One of her teachers says Jazmin's greatest attribute is her helpfulness – to teachers, to other students and to anyone needing her. She realizes that her much greater success at her alternative high school has come because of the helpfulness of others, as well as her own personal determination, and now she wants to give help to others in return. Her goals as she attends the Salt Lake Community College and then the University of Utah are to study the sciences and prepare for a career as a pathologist.
Martin Chairez
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
Ever since his family lost their life's savings and other valuables a year ago to a night-time burglary, Martin has given most of his 36 hours per week wages to his father to help the family recover. Even before that, he was actively supporting family needs, while his father was partially disabled from diabetes. This effort, while still struggling to turn his academic career around, has required a kind of dedication and commitment that is unusual for a teenager. His latest school grades are mostly A's, way above earlier results in his regular high school.
This determination to succeed will surely result in Martin surpassing the education record of his grandparents, who had the opportunity only to go to third grade, and his parents who made it to sixth grade. No other family member has graduated from high school nor gone to college. Some have told him he would never receive a college scholarship and could not succeed in college, studying law. He plans to prove them wrong on both counts!
Payton L. Clark
Richfield High School
Payton Clark's story is different. As with many other high achievers, he has an outstanding scholastic record and has distinguished himself in extra-curricular high school activities. He has been a student leader and an active athlete. He has partially supported himself with part-time work. But through sheer determination, he has also extended his own life expectancy from perhaps twenty-five years to a normal age. During his sophomore year, Payton decided to change his genetically induced and “morbidly overweight” 285 pounds to a healthy 175 pounds. His condition had caused him serious depression and he was considering suicide. Many told him this much weight loss would be impossible. But for Payton nothing was impossible, just very difficult. In just two years he achieved his goal, and his life became rich and abundant.
“I have always been a very determined worker.... [The doubts of others] gave me more motivation, and proved I can do anything I set my mind to.” Payton decided to graduate from high school with a college associate degree -- and he graduated with honors this spring from high school and also from Snow College. Though this young man is not of the dominant local religion, he has a strong faith in God and values his supportive family. A neighboring LDS bishop describes him as having the moral fiber, integrity and modesty that we need in our youth of today. Furthermore, Payton is now determined “to help out anyone that is in need of a helping hand – I know what it is like to be down, and sometimes all a person needs is a ‘Hi – how are you doing?'”
Olivia Fifita
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
“I love my family to death. Words cannot explain how much I love them. I thank the Lord for them every day. They forgive me for my past, accept me for who I am today and believe in my future plans. My brothers and sister were there for me when I was in my darkest day and didn't know what to do, to dry my tears and tell me everything was going to be alright.” In addition to family, Olivia loves the Lord and prays always for His help through the rough times. She has been through what seemed to her as very rough times, but looks at these trials as helping her become an independent woman.
The main reason that Olivia plans on pursuing a legal or law enforcement career is to give back to her community by helping others, especially those who are in need. With this kind of goal, she has been able to raise her school grades during the past year and one half, from mostly failures to very high successes. She has become the first of her family of eight to graduate from high school. With successes behind her, and the recommendation of many who admire her courage and capacity, the SUP has been pleased to award a college scholarship to the Salt Lake Community College. She will succeed, and will do it in good ways!
Angie Fuentas ( name altered for privacy)
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
It would seem that every year is getting better for Angie. But she has had to come a long way. Her deep faith in God has been vital to her: “When I am having a hard time and feel like all I can do is give up, I pray to God for help to get through it, and I truly believe He has helped me tremendously.” Angie has a mother, but has been raised by her sister because her mother has been addicted with cocaine and heroin for most of the seventeen years of Angie's life. “I wish I could say I know my mom, but I can't. But that does not keep me from loving her with all my heart.” Angie has also grown up without a father in the home.
High school was not fun for most of the time. Grades were poor and success was meager. At age fourteen, to help her cope with an additional challenge, she was enrolled in the single parent preparation program. It too is hard. “I still manage to get up every morning to take care of myself and daughter. I do all I can to stay on the right path, even though most of the time I feel like giving up.” However, Angie's school principal cannot say enough about this young lady, who has never given up, but “has transformed herself from a person who initially struggled in high school to an individual exuding confidence.... In completion of class work she submits work far beyond the minimum requirement. She has been on the Honor Roll and the Dean's List. She has been an active volunteer and participant in numerous community service projects.... Her greatest skills are helping other people work through their problems.... She wishes to some day become a social worker or a juvenile probation officer.... I do not doubt she will be successful.”
Angie herself says, “I am going to go somewhere and be somebody one day no matter how much people try to bring me down. Even though I have lived a hard life, I wouldn't change any part of it, because that life has made me the person I am today, and I know I am a good person.” We know that too, Angie, and congratulate you on your SUP scholarship, which will help you get started at the Salt Lake Community College. You are truly a winner!
Emaline Granger (Name altered for privacy)
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
Emaline Granger has overcome a very difficult and unsettled childhood and youth. Her mother was gone a lot from the home with the burden of supporting her family, both before and after their divorce because of a husband who was always on the move and mostly without work, having extensive troubles with the law. Emaline grew up with a fear of men and fear for her own future. Not one of her family has graduated from high school. Her own success in school was minimal and irregular until she got on a good success track at Horizonte. But then she came to realize that “I can pass all my classes and graduate. I will move on and make something of myself. I want a nice home, a decent job for my own family and for my children. I know I will get where I want to be.”
Her school teachers agree, and have been impressed with her determination and drive to succeed. “She is a sweet, compassionate and kind person. She is always willing to help out. She steps into leadership roles with ease and demonstrates maturity for her age.” Emaline wants to serve with Family Services, especially with the Elderly. Her recent school work has proven that she can succeed, and those who know her know she can. She will break out of a difficult and less successful family pattern and truly become one of “Tomorrow's Pioneers.”
Phillip Harris
Sky View High School
Phillip is graduating from Sky View High School with a GPA of 3.84 and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is pleasant, very likable, and is widely respected by all who know him. He has been the Student Body President this past year and has proved to be a natural leader and demonstrates skill beyond his years. He has succeeded in creating a cohesive group of leaders who have accomplished much. He treats others in a warm and caring manner and goes out of his way to be of assistance whenever he can.
Phillip knows the value of service and takes the initiative to give back to his community. He has strong moral opinions and actively lobbies to make his community a safer place to live. He is an advocate for special needs students and actively participates in his community youth council. He is versatile and strong in many areas and has excellent perspective and balance in his life. He has a well-developed value system and a high moral code.
Phillip is a member of Honor Band, an Eagle Scout and has been involved in considerable service oriented projects and is also employed.
When eight years old, Phillip's mother died unexpectedly and shortly afterwards, his baby brother passed away. About the same time, he was diagnosed with a Ewing Sarcoma (brain tumor). He underwent chemotherapy treatments, which necessitated him being isolated from most people for it caused problems with his immune system. This illness required that he miss considerable school over a period of several years. He utilized the services of the " Home School Teacher" provided by the school district during this time so he could continue his education.
Katrina Jimenez (Name altered for privacy)
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
Katrina was raised by her grandmother and aunt because of her mother's addiction. Now that she has her own son, she tries to devote all her extra time to him, “because I know how it feels to not have my mother around when I needed her the most.” She is trying hard now to set an example to her younger brother by going on to college and making the most of her life. Other members of her big family have dropped out of school without graduating, and none have attended college. Having her own child has given Katrina the determination “to be successful, no matter what it takes. I want him to look at me and see that his mother has tried to give him the best life possible by going to school.”
Her school social worker says, “Katie is one of the most resilient young women that I have known. She has continuously enrolled in school while working thirty hours per week to support herself and son. She has no outside financial support for college, so will value [scholarship assistance] very highly.” Katie says, “I grew up in a family that didn't have much, and that has made me a strong person. A lot of people use that as an excuse. They think because they grew up in the ghetto, it is their way of life to be a law breaker or an addict. I say, Why not become somebody, and say you did it even though you had a hard life?” Katie, lots of people are pulling for you and know you will succeed!
Maria Johnson (Name altered for privacy)
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
A quick review of Maria's grades in high school and her extra curricular activities would suggest she is simply another high honor student. But recently, when her world turned upside down, the stresses she has always endured nearly overcame her. She was in the hospital for a long time following an auto accident, which finally claimed the life of another of her family. The financial and emotional problems this brought were immense. But as she struggled at Horizonte to restore her grades in school and to graduate, while working full-time at a day care center, she realized she had “the will power to overcome any obstacles put in my path.”
Maria is an only child, the daughter of a teen-age mother and a father who has spent much time in prison. Extended family members have been less than inspirational to her. Some have over-dosed on drugs. She will be the first to graduate from high school. But nevertheless, Maria's mother successfully instilled in her a love for her family, which now extends to all others who need her help. “When it comes to helping someone in need, I am right there. I love helping others.” Maria plans to attend the Salt Lake Community College and become a nurse. Those who know her have no doubt she will succeed.
Susanna Kioa
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
Susanna is the perfect example of a student who has turned her life around.” So says her lead teacher at Horizonte. She admits to having made some poor personal choices and educational decisions during her early high school years. And, for whatever reasons, she nurtured a lasting, deep feeling that throughout her life she has been ridiculed and mocked by others around her. This led to much difficulty in recognizing her own self-worth. But it also led to her developing a strong determination to succeed – “I really wanted others to know that I could do it, especially by myself.”
Instead of giving in to the temptation to drop out of school, Susanna immersed herself in service and competitive activities. The list is long: math and science competitions, mentoring program, rocket competition, art contest, teacher's aide, spelling bees, conflict resolution and many other challenging and uplifting things. Her grades improved and her self-confidence grew. She discovered personal qualities she could build upon in art, writing, interpersonal skills and leadership. She even developed interest and skill in small engines and auto mechanics. Says her counselor, “Susanna is on the right track and she likes where she is in life right now.” Early pioneers struggled too, and with her SUP scholarship to the Salt Lake Community College Susanna will keep building herself and helping others.
Justin Kennard
Independence High School, Orem, Utah
At the age of five years, Justin Kennard was placed in a State of Utah “group home.” Although he was adopted into a family at eight years old, he has lived in group homes all during high school. His dearly beloved sister died at nine years of age, taking with her his closest family tie and a vital anchor to his life. It was a blow that challenged him more than any other during his life. But during the week she died, he learned in church that he would see her again. He determined then to strive to build his faith and to keep his faith in God, so he might be with Him and with his family again some day.
Justin says he has always had the determination to succeed and make something of his life, and in the process, to help others who might need him. With that attitude, and the Pioneer spirit burning within him, and with funds from his SUP scholarship, Justin will succeed at Mountainland Applied Technology College.
Whitney Lee
South Sevier High School
To all who knew her, except those who knew her best, Whitney was a “ordinary” high performing student and student leader. She excelled at nearly everything she tried. One leader said, “Her capabilities are multitude, and I believe she could accomplish anything that she sets her mind to.” What was not so apparent was that Whitney's accomplishments occurred in spite of a life-long neurological disorder, which caused severe weakness in her arms and legs and required leg braces to support her. Nevertheless, she never required nor expected special treatment or lessened expectations from teachers or peers. She simply proceeded to live abundantly and achieve in outstanding ways.
Whitney has been recognized as a class officer, a Future Business leader of America , a talented dramatist, a member of the yearbook staff and a Sterling Scholar. No one is surprised that her grade point average is an almost-perfect 3.9. She is bright, enthusiastic and always willing to help. She is faithful in her church duties and is anxiously involved in civic duties, as a good citizen should be. Whitney will make a difference in her world!
Courtney LeRoy
Provo High School, Provo, Utah
Courtney was abandoned by his parents when he was thirteen years old and since has lived in six foster homes, doing part time work to take care of himself -- doing “whatever it took to make it.”” His best friend and current room mate was also abandoned. Since one's family can be anyone who cares for you unconditionally, this friend is now his closest “family member.” The two have always been there for each other, and would do anything to help one another. As he made his way, Courtney learned that if you want something bad enough, it's always within your grasp. Using this motto, he hopes someday to start his own non-profit physical therapy clinic.
Courtney feels that God has a purpose in everything. His faith and good health have been his resources as he has entered competitions locally and statewide, and will soon present his business plan in international competition in Atlanta Georgia. As he attends Utah Valley University this summer and fall, he plans to run for student government. Courtney has learned to overcome every difficulty, and will be one of Tomorrow's Pioneers!
Selemaia Maka
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
The eleventh grade was especially troubling – a failure, in fact. That was bad; but the good thing was that Selemaia didn't give up, as he was tempted to do. His twelfth grade scores proved that he has what it takes to overcome difficulty and be a success! One teacher says, “Selemaia is a true ‘turn around kid'. He has transformed this year, and is maturing into a student who wants to succeed in life. He has his eye set on becoming an automotive technician or an electrical engineer.” His single mother, who has worked hard to support her three children, will be proud of her son, as he becomes the first to graduate from high school, and moves on to the University of Utah.
Hard work and service to others are two things that stand out as this young man moves forward. “I make good use of my time. I'm focused on my work till I am done. Then I help somebody with their job. When I am done with that I find something to do. I like helping other people that need my help.” At one point when he was discouraged with life, “I thought to myself, this is not the life for me. I need to do something better with my life. That's when I got into Horizonte. I was not afraid of raising my hand. I wanted to go to school all the time, and when the weekend comes, I want the weekend to end already.” This winning attitude has earned Selemaia an SUP scholarship to help him move farther along his road to success.
Juan Melchor
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
Since age five, Juan has had a dream. Despite many difficulties in growing through his teen years without either parent (his heroes), he has never lost sight of his dream to do worthwhile things and to help others around him. Juan's father returned to Mexico when his son was in the sixth grade, but left him with good memories and the advice to be a hard worker. Later, when his grandmother was very ill in Mexico , Juan's mother asked for his advice. Although it was heart breaking to lose his mother, Juan told her to return to Mexico to help. She never came back, and Juan would live with his sister from then on. But his love for his parents has never died. Part of his dream is to show his parents and his sister his appreciation for all they have done for him.
Juan has worked hard to achieve. “When it comes to work, I am very serious and do my job 100% of the time.” At age 17 he is a supervisor at a fast food restaurant. At school, in the words of his counselor and friend, he is “an exceptionally dedicated student who plays a vital role in the life of the Horizonte High School. His work ethic is exemplary. With the barest minimum of guidance he takes on projects and activities with the rigor of a student who is capable of taking on any challenge in life. Juan's ‘school of hard knocks' has molded him into a mature and determined student.” Starting soon at the Salt Lake Community College , he will continue his dream of someday having a career to help children. Perhaps he could become an educator himself, or a plastic surgeon. In any case, those who know him expect Juan to be “a pillar of the community.”
Aubrinn Nielsen
Jordan High School
Aubrinn's story is a story of finding strength through adversity. Her parents, after a stormy and unsettled marriage, were divorced while their two daughters were still young. Aubrinn and her sister were caught in the crossfire of a custody battle, which Aubrinn describes as “a horrible and scary time.... The only way I got through this time was by my faith and trust in God.” Over time, she developed a habit of working very hard, to distract her from her troubles, and tried hard to find some good in everything around her. “This trial was a great thing [for me] because it made me a better person than I could ever be [otherwise], and helped me grow closer to God.” Her trials also made her grateful for the freedoms of the great country she, and we, live in.
This young lady has held several youth leadership positions in her church and has also been serving six hours each week helping physically and mentally challenged persons. She “looks forward to more challenges... because I love to learn new things and help people on their way.” Aubrinn will be one of Tomorrow's Pioneers!
Grant Patty
Sky View High School
Grant is completing his schooling at Sky View High School with a GPA of 3.30. He demonstrates characteristics that illustrate his personal and moral character. His fellow students respect him because of his honesty and sincerity. He demonstrates the ability to think and reason as he makes appropriate comments in the classroom. The decisions he makes are based on his beliefs and convictions.
In 2003, Grant was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). He was unable to exert himself enough to even climb the stairs. This disease caused such symptoms as dizziness, weakness, joint and muscle aches, inability to concentrate, insomnia, weakened immune system and very low stamina. Often, he would be unable to sleep and was always tired. From the eighth grade on, Grant missed many days of school, sometimes able to attend only one-half days. But he supplemented his class work with on-line classes. His final two years of high school have been better, uninterrupted by bad health, and have made it possible for him to achieve his high over-all GPA record. Grant will always be a winner.
Mario Edwardo Perez
Horizonte Instruction and Training Center
After Mario's father was killed while the family lived in Mexico , his mother and three children found their way to the United States. Mario, at about age eleven, immediately took his place as the effective head of the household when his mother was often ill. He has always worked, often full time, to help keep the family rent paid and food provided, while he attended school. One of his teachers, who has known him for years, describes him as having “a superb work ethic and knowledge of the construction industry,” in which he has worked. In school he learned the wood working trade quickly and became an expert carpenter. He is “the kind of young man that I would look for as an employee. He learns quickly and well, and is qualified to take on any job that is placed before him.”
The harsh requirements of his early years led to school grades in the low middle range, including some failures. But as he has prepared lately for college, his almost-straight- A's have revealed his true potential. With a little help from his SUP scholarship he will find a way to achieve his “dream career” of auto mechanics. And the world will be better because of this Pioneer of Tomorrow.
Stevie Marie Robinson
Provo High School, Provo, Utah
Stevie came in a wheelchair to receive her SUP scholarship, having just been released from another bout in the hospital. Her severe asthma and some other injuries resulted in her needing to re-focus her love of Volleyball to choir, school and a part time job. Math had been difficult in school, but rather than getting by with the minimum, she forced herself to take difficult courses and use tutor s and study groups to help her through. Because her own troubles had taught her compassion for others, she was asked to help mentor a class of disabled students in seminary. Her part time employment in an assisted living home gives her the opportunity to help the elderly who need physical and emotional assistance.
Stevie has ancestors on both sides of her family who crossed the Plains, and suffered many trials as they helped build the West. She wants to honor them by becoming one of Tomorrow's Pioneers, as she realizes her dream to graduate from College of Eastern Utah as a professional nurse.
Jesse Spackman
Preston High School
Jessie is graduating from Preston High School with a 4.0 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society and has been a leader of the Academic Decathlon Team. He is an outstanding young man, one that strive to do his best in all that he undertakes. He tries to excel and challenge himself and is admired by his classmates for his work ethic and intelligence. He also treats others with fairness and encourages them to be the best person they can be. His high moral character is very admirable as he is honest and forthright, standing up for what he believes.
Jesse has MS. This major illness, probably inherited through his family, and some severe complications that have followed, have created challenges all during his high school years. Major back surgery during the ninth grade was followed by more surgery later to repair problems in his rib cage. But all this has never prevented Jesse from achieving his goals. His severe condition will continue through out Jesses' life, but will never cause him to lose his courage or fail to achieve what he sets out to do. He is one of Tomorrow's Pioneers.”
Anna Tingey
Highland High School
In 1984 Anna's father was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis. He had been a participant and a fan in many sports and was a successful provider for the family. But by the time Anna was born all this had changed. The whole family rallied to make ends meet, and developed a closeness and loyalty to each other that has carried them through every rough time. Anna held her father's hand as he passed away four years ago, and still feels his influence in her life. This experience of her youth has left a mark on Anna – a mark of compassion and love for others who are having trying times.
Service to others in “Operation Smile,” and working as a day care assistant and tutoring students at an elementary school have been a pleasure. She has developed an inner strength that is an inspiration to others. Although her father's long illness left the family with thin finances, she smiles and moves on through every assignment without complaint. She hopes to learn more about the field of Interior Design during her studies at the University of Utah. She is a delightful, remarkable girl.
Jeremy Vasquez
Horizonte Instructional and Training Center
“I remember the first time I lied I got my mouth washed out with soap. I couldn't eat for two days. But I learned never to lie.” Jeremy's life since then has been one marked by obedience to the moral laws, as well as the laws of the land. He was taught integrity, courage and determination to succeed. He says, “Having a determination to succeed is like having a fire that cannot be put out by anything.”
Jeremy's high school life has been marked by up and down grades, but these went to the bottom during his sophomore year at East High School. As he re-oriented himself at Horizonte, he got things together again and won the admiration of his teachers and the friendship of other students. His grades during his twelfth year were nearly straight A. He developed a deep feeling for literature, and enjoys reading aloud in his “exceptional reading voice,” as described by a teacher. Jeremy also enjoyed reading beyond class assignments, which have led him into many delightful discoveries from the world around him. Jeremy Vasquez has developed an inner motivation that his high school leaders feel will take him to unusual heights in his future life.
Isaac Nathaniel Workman
Timpview High School, Provo, Utah
Isaac lived his early life in Long Island , near New York City. He learned to love and appreciate his adoptive family, but when they moved to Utah he faced his biggest challenge in life. Unlike people in New York , his new neighbors and classmates in Provo proved intolerant of his black skin. He had to learn to walk away from bullies, to ignore insults which hurt more than a punch, and to develop outgoing social skills in his effort to make friends. These challenges helped him confront the bad in life and appreciate the good, and to create for himself his own positive outcomes.
As an officer in the Aaronic Priesthood, Isaac has resisted pressures to lower his standards, has become an Eagle Scout and has learned of others, such as Native Americans on reservations, who have great problems in their own lives. He plans to study the sciences at Brigham Young University and has a goal of attaining his PhD, as a means of helping impoverished people have access to pure water and sanitation. He wants to be a Modern Pioneer in helping build a better life for others.
Nathaly Zurita
Provo High School, Provo, Utah
Nathaly was born in Cochabamba , Bolivia , and lived happily with her family in a small house and little to eat. Her uncle, who lived in the USA helped them enter a visa lottery, which, with faith, they won and were invited to immigrate. They needed $1,000 to qualify and had been encouraged to lie about their finances. But with faith and their prayers, somehow the money was made available and soon they found themselves in Utah. None of the family spoke English, but keeping together as they always had, they overcame every difficulty.
Nathaly credits her family for teaching her the Pioneer ideals that have given her the determination to succeed. She strives to get the best grades she can, to practice hard and dance hard with her team, and be a leader. Her parents taught her to provide service -- she tries to do at least one act of service every day. “Those pioneer values will help me become the person I am supposed to be.” With the help of her SUP scholarship, Natalie will enroll at Brigham Young University.