Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Batt Salutes Blue-Collar Education, Hands Out 7 Vocational Scholarships

Associated Press

Gov. Phil Batt wants everyone to understand that he’s a strong believer in vocational education.

That’s why he has dedicated proceeds from the annual Governor’s Cup golf tournament to vocational scholarships.

At a vocational education conference in Boise on Tuesday, Batt announced the names of seven students who will receive scholarships for vocational education.

“I wanted to send a strong and clear message that we value their education and we encourage them to continue their efforts to become skilled, productive contributors to Idaho’s work force,” the governor said.

Batt said high school students must see the point of their education and realize what they need to succeed in the job market.

He said everyone has heard criticism that education should be more than just preparing a worker for a job.

“What I hear instead is that the worker of tomorrow has to be creative, attentive, open to new ideas and new ways of doing things and above all, ready to learn and re-learn and learn again over the course of a lifetime,” the governor said.

“That description applies to the philosophy professor as well as the plumber - and it is a description that many of you in this room have been offering up for years and years,” Batt said. “I don’t think that will happen until each student sees a point to his or her education.”

Scholarship winners announced by the governor:

Jennifer Woodruff, graduate of Bishop Kelly High School, Boise, who will study practical nursing at Boise State University.

Derek Wakefield, Cambridge High, who will study agriculture, farm and ranch management at College of Southern Idaho.

Travis Hanks, Minico High, who will study electrical mechanical drafting at Idaho State University.

Jacob Lewis, graduate of Blackfoot High, who will study automotive service at Ricks College.

Michael Calkins, Lapwai High, who will study business at Lewis-Clark State College.

Christopher Lewis, Kellogg High, who will study electronics at North Idaho College.

Sheri Sanders, Centennial High, who will study horticulture at Ricks College.