One of the most coveted scholarships at Cook County High School is the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation award, which provides full tuition to Lake Superior College in Duluth. Presenting the award was Foundation Director Jean Gardner-Goodno (left) and Foundation Board Member Bill Hansen (right). Receiving the 2014 scholarships were (L-R) Jacob Schroeder, Dakota Marshall, Jonny Jacobsen, Breana Peterson, Parker Slanga. The scholarship was one of more than 20 awards and scholarships presented on Monday, May 19.
The Cook County High School varsity gym was filled with anxious seniors and proud parents and grandparents on Monday, May 19 for the 2014 High School Award Program.
Students earned honors and scholarships for math and science skills, for acting, for robotics and much more. Elementary and Middle School Principal Gwen Carman presented two special awards, to school safety patrol and flag tenders.
Of the crossing guards, Carman said, “They do a really important job. It’s not easy, they go out there rain or shine.” She presented awards to Emily Jacobsen and Jack Viren.
Flag attendants are necessary because the school flag is not lighted. It must be raised and lowered every school day. Sara Carman, Courtney Clyde, Bethany Derscheid and Alex Slanga were called forward to receive flag-embellished awards for fulfilling that duty.
Principal Carman said she had to say an extra thank you to one student who retrieved the flag when it came loose from the pole in recent extreme winds. She noted that the flag flapping inappropriately by one corner troubled every one. Senior Breyer McQuatters was the person who stepped up in the bitter weather to retrieve the flag.
More than 20 community members presented awards to CCHS students, including outgoing Industrial Arts Instructor Sam West, who called forward his Robotics team to be recognized. West said, “I’ve been fortunate to coach Robotics for four years. I’ve enjoyed it. We really came together as a team this year, so everyone deserves recognition.”
Athletic Director and Teacher Pam Taylor presented a number of awards, including the Memorial Blood Centers scholarship to Breana Peterson, who worked diligently to get enough numbers to have a blood drive at the school.
Jean Gardner-Goodno once again presented the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation scholarships, with assistance of Bill Hansen of Tofte, who serves on the foundation board. The full year scholarships to Lake Superior College went to Jonathan Jacobsen, Dakota Marshall, Breana Peterson, Jacob Schroeder and Parker Slanga.
One award—the Horizon Scholarship—also presented to Breana Peterson, represents the way many scholarships came to be. Coach Mitch Dorr presented that award, explaining that it was created by a parent of a Viking basketball player who recognized the benefit his daughter received in sports at CCHS. “He wanted to see that continue and wanted to recognize other athletes,” said Dorr.
Finally the recipients of the Effie Scott Scholarship, which is awarded to the CCHS valedictorian and salutatorian, were called forward. Valedictorian is Anna Carman and salutatorian is Audrey Summers.
Before dismissing students, Principal Adam Nelson asked everyone to applaud for the entire class of 2014. As the clapping died down, Nelson asked for another round for the generous donors of so many scholarships. And finally, he told the seniors to clap for their parents, which they did, quite loudly.
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