From left, Alfonso Martinez, Reese Stevens and Gus Stogsdill were among the California Scholarship Federation  Life Members.

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley High School seniors were handsomely rewarded inside the Guardian Building of campus during the Dollars for Scholars event on May 29.

More than 50 students were officially recognized for their four years of hard work. Some received numerous scholarships in addition to non-cash recognition awards.

Colored cords with tassels were awarded to those who completed the Pathways programs, including Patient Care, Animal Science, Horticulture, Agriscience and Agricultural Manufacturing.

More than 50 students were recognized at the Gridley High School Senior Awards Night.

A wide variety of scholarships were presented, ranging from memorials such as the Verda Walton Jensen Memorial Scholarship for Sportsmanship, to service organizations, including Gridley Rotary, Lions, Quota, and Knights of Columbus. Some were designated for specific fields of study, such as nursing, athletics or the performing arts. 

Military scholarships and awards were presented by the Army and Marines

Not all scholarships were for college: some were available for those attending trade or vocational schools. For example, the Quota Club had a vocational award of $750 that went to Payton Burresch.

Kaiza Quist and Christian Harshbarger both received the Semper Fidelis music award from the Marine Corps.

Several of the recipients spoke with the Gridley Herald at the end of the program.

“I feel really great and proud of my classmates for coming this far,” said Alfonso Martinez. “I’m going to go to UC Davis.”

Martinez said that he will study biochemistry as a pre-med student.

Kaiza Quist received three different scholarships and the Semper Fidelis music award from the Marine Corps. She plans to attend Brigham Young University-Idaho.

“I’m majoring in psychology and then I’m going to go into the work force in criminal justice,” Quist said.

Taylor Patterson is all smiles after receiving a number of scholarships and recognitions at the Gridley High School Senior Awards Night.

Another recipient of the Semper Fidelis music award, Christian Harshbarger said, “I plan to serve a mission for the LDS church, a two-year mission. Then when I get back home, I plan to attend BYU-Idaho for four years in a psychology degree.  Then I will go into the Police Academy to work as a police officer and hopefully make my way up to detective.”

In addition to the music award, Harshbarger received an academic letter and a fall insert.

Taylor Patterson received Honors recognition, as well as a life membership in the California Scholarship Federation. She is headed first to Butte College, and then plans to transfer to Chico State as a nursing major. Patterson completed several of the Pathways programs, including Patient Care.  Gridley has been Patterson’s home since the Camp Fire. 

Eddie Rodriguez received the Assistant Principal’s award for “the spirit, leadership and enthusiasm that defines the best of Gridley High School,” said Assistant Principal Michael Huyck, and “someone who has left a lasting impact on our school and community.”

Principal Rikki Lee Burresch awards Gus Stogsdill with the Principal’s award.

Huyck said he watched Rodriguez as far back as middle school at Sycamore, when Huyck was there.

“Eddie was my first favorite. Even then, he stood out,” Huyck said.

Rodriguez said that “Mr. Huyck’s guidance has really helped me grow into who I am now.”

In addition to the Assistant Principal’s award, Rodriguez received the Bulldog Scholar Athlete Award and the State Seal of Biliteracy.  Rodriguez said that he wants to become an accountant and specialize in financial analysis.