NIC student receives prestigious national scholarship

North Idaho College student Heather Lewis walked into her physics class just like on any other day. But before her instructor began the day’s lesson, a large group burst into the classroom.

First came North Idaho College interim President Priscilla Bell and Vice President for Student Services Eric Murray, followed by several other administrators and members of the faculty and staff.

But it wasn’t until Lewis saw her father and sister enter that she knew this must have something to do with her. But she still didn’t know what the group had gathered that day last month to tell her.

It turns out the news was worth all the commotion.

Bell told Lewis that she had been selected as a recipient of a Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Those scholarships are designed to help high-achieving community college students with financial need transfer to four-year schools.

Lewis, of Pinehurst, was one of 51 students selected across the country and the only recipient from Idaho.

“This award speaks highly of Heather’s academic ability and the quality of education available at NIC,” said Murray.

“Through her efforts, she has attained one of the highest monetary honors a student can receive. The dedication of her faculty and her hard work have given her the opportunity to gain the finest possible education,” Murray said.

Lewis was nominated in January by a committee of NIC administrators and instructors.

Lewis will receive $30,000 over three years to use at a four-year college or university of her choice.