U-Hi graduate named a Gates Millennium Scholar

Victoria Benson from University High School was named a Gates Millennium Scholar, joining 28 other Washington students. She is the only student from the Spokane area to receive the award. The scholarships through the Gates Millennium Scholars Program allow the recipients to attend the college or university of their choice without the burden of tuition.

According to program organizers, 1,000 highly motivated, low-income minority students from 46 states and the District of Columbia were awarded scholarships this year in recognition of their high academic achievement and strong leadership skills.

Established in 1999 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with a $1 billion grant, the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program aims to reduce the financial barriers to higher education for students of color.

The program is administered by the United Negro College Fund, in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars and the Organization of Chinese Americans.

To date, 9,050 African-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students have received the Gates award.

Nomination materials for the 2006-07 academic year will be available in the fall at www.gmsp.org.

Student input sought for state quarter design

Washington is among the next group of states to have a commemorative quarter released by the U.S. Mint. A call has gone out to students interested in developing ideas for this state coin during summer break.

From now until July 30 all interested citizens can submit a 100-word description of what they would include on the back of the state quarter.

The public is invited to submit narrative design suggestions online or get more information at www.governor.wa.gov/quarter.

A representative with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Kim Schmanke, is a member of the State Quarter Advisory Commission developing the narrative design concepts and making recommendations to the governor. Schmanke said the commission is seeking a strong participation by Washington schoolchildren.

The state Treasurer’s Office and the state Arts Commission also have received graphic design submissions.

SQAC will select narratives to forward to the governor and to the U.S. Mint, where designers will create pictorial renderings of the narratives for further review. In April SQAC will present up to five design concepts, inviting Washington citizens to participate in a public opinion poll to assist in final recommendations to the governor.

The unveiling for the quarter is set for 2007.

Kiwanis scholarships awarded

Four students are winners of Spokane Valley Kiwanis scholarships.

Jillian Sherrod, Central Valley High School, received $1,500. She is the co-president of Key Club, a National Honor Society member and Chase Youth Award nominee. She also has done community service work, sang in choirs, received “Most Inspirational” awards and was on a national honor roll. She finds time for piano, dance and softball.

Kristin Polley, CVHS, also received $1,500. She is co-president of Key Club, National Honor Society member, Service Club member and part of her school’s High 5 group. Her other involvement includes community service work, singing in choirs, softball, volleyball and track.

Shannon Mickelson, Valley Christian School, was awarded $1,000. She was active in Key Club, Knowledge Bowl, community service, National Honor Society and concert, pop and jazz bands. She also received the Scholastic Achievement Award and Spokane Scholars recognition.

Amanda Kinerson, Barker High School, received a $1,000 award. She organized and established a Key Club, was Key Club President and did extensive community service.

University Elementary receives Character grant

University Elementary School was awarded a grant in May to develop the Character Counts program. Principal Sue Lennick wrote the proposal.

Beginning next fall, the school will run the program promoting six characteristics: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Teachers will model these characteristics and expect that students demonstrate them. The “Character Does Count” grant allows for class material, videos, banners, posters and a curriculum guide. Assemblies will be held for the six characteristics during the school year and students will be recognized.

“Central Valley really promotes increasing student achievement, and student self-discipline is a big component of that,” said Lennick. “The Character Counts program promotes a positive school culture and climate.”