Every year, students receive monetary support through community scholarships. Different organizations, companies and individuals award students anywhere from $250 to $2,000 in hopes of helping further their education.

“It was really cool to be recognized because all my school accomplishment, honors, and extra-curricular added up,” said senior Faye Smith. Getting a scholarship is honestly the most honorable feeling because people are putting their money toward my education.”

Smith earned five scholarships totaling around $7,500. She plans to use this money to pay for her education at Kansas State University – anywhere from tuition to housing to books.

“You should be really happy for yourself that you accomplished all of that and you received awards like that. It’s such an honor to receive a scholarship.”

In a ceremony lasting two hours, the community recognized students for achievements in all areas, including academics, sports, leadership and trade skills. National Honors Society students, Kansas Honors Scholars and Kansas Board of Regents students were also recognized.

“It feels so good [to be recognized],” Smith said. “They think that I am good enough to give their money to and I think that’s really cool.”