One of the highlights of the Cook County High School Awards and Scholarships Program on Monday, May 18 was the announcement of the recipients of the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation scholarships. Eight CCHS graduates received full tuition scholarships to Lake Superior College in Duluth. Presenting the scholarships were Joan Gardner Goodno (left) and Foundation Board Member Bill Hansen (right). Receiving scholarships were (L-R, front) Nicholas Wiegele, Raynee Wolke. (L-R, back) Jamie Wick, Mikala Schliep, Elizabeth O’Phelan, Josie Freeberg, Aaron Brietsprecher, Zackary Anderson.
The Cook County High School gym was filled with excited students, parents and community members for the May 18 Awards and Scholarship Program. Over 40 different scholarships and awards were presented to CCHS students.
High School Principal Adam Nelson welcomed everyone and announced that an amazing $40,000 was being given to 2015 graduates in local scholarships alone, from organizations such as the Grand Marais Lion and Lioness Club, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce, the Masonic Lodge, Cook County RidgeRiders Snowmobile Club and many more. Even more amazing, Principal Nelson said is that other scholarships from outside Cook County, such as the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, total over $200,000.
Students were called forward to accept a variety of awards. The audience got to cheer for the Robotics, Knowledge Bowl and Envirothon teams; for the Borealis Chorale; the President’s Education Gold and Silver Award winners, the Polar League Academic All Conference winners and more.
The Cook County High School Awards and Scholarship Program was held Monday, May 18. In addition to scholarships granted to members of the Class of 2015, a number of underclassmen were honored, such as Kyle Nelson who was recognized for his help with daily announcements and in the office. He was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his job as Flag Attendant. Every day, no matter the weather, Kyle and teacher Paul Muus raise and lower the flag at the school, carefully folding it in the proper manner. Kyle received a big cheer from the audience.
Eric Thomas Emerging Artist Award
There were a few new scholarships this year, including the Grand Marais Art Colony Eric Thomas Emerging Artist Award. Art Colony Director Amy Demmer and Leah Thomas, Eric Thomas’s sister, presented the award, which is awarded to a sophomore or junior and provides tuition and cost of materials for a young Cook County artist to attend a Grand Marais Art Colony class of their choice. This award celebrates the memory of Eric Thomas, Cook County Class of 1975, and his generosity, love of the North Shore and appreciation of fine art.
Demmer and Thomas were pleased to present the award to Isabel Wahlers, the first winner of this annual scholarship. Demmer said Isabel was selected for her “artistic originality, motivation, and potential.”
Lunke “Make a Difference” Scholarship
A new scholarship for graduating seniors had been established by Orvis and Donna Lunke of Grand Marais to recognize and encourage a CCHS student who has made a difference. Donna Lunke said this is the first annual award that will be given to seniors going on to study one of the “trade crafts”—construction, automotive, cosmetology and so on.
Above: Graduates received the Honor Cords they will wear at commencement exercises on Saturday, May 30. (L-R) Valedictorian Andrew Thompson; High Honor grads Libby Zafft and Brenna Hay and Salutatorian Melanie Stoddard. Left middle: Donna and Orvis Lunke presented a new scholarship this year, the “Make a Difference” award. The inaugural scholarship was presented to Emma Olfson. Lower left: Another new award, the Eric Thomas Emerging Artist Award, is given to a sophomore or junior and provides full tuition for a class at the Grand Marais Art Colony. Isabel Wahlers was the first recipient of the award. (L-R) Art Colony Director Amy Demmer, Isabel, Leah Thomas.
The Lunkes called Emma Olfson forward to be the first person to receive the Lunke “Make a Difference” scholarship. Orvis Lunke congratulated Emma, who will be going to school for interior design and presented a check for $500.
Donna Lunke gave an additional surprise with the presentation of a lovely gold heart necklace noting that Emma had a “heart of gold.” Donna added that there is also a diamond to represent the sparkle Emma shares with everyone.
With a few tears and a big hug, Emma accepted the award.
Devil Track Lake Homeowners Association
Another new scholarship, sponsored by the Devil Track Lake Homeowners Association, was awarded this year. Teacher Mitch Dorr called forward the first recipient, Morgan Mixdorf to accept the $500 scholarship.
Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation honors eight graduates
Joan Gardner-Goodno of the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation was on hand with foundation board member Bill Hansen. Gardner-Goodno noted that Lloyd K. Johnson understood that knowledge is power and he established the scholarship to give back to the people of Cook County. She said since the scholarship was established in 2008, 28 scholarships have been granted to students on the North Shore.
Hansen had the honor of calling forward the recipients of full-tuition scholarships to Lake Superior College. Overjoyed to accept the award were Zachary Anderson, Aaron Breitsprecher, Josie Freeberg, Elizabeth O’Phelan, Mikala Schliep, Jamie Wick, Nick Wiegele, and Raynee Wolke.
There was thunderous, appreciative applause for the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, which has so generously supported Cook County students in their post-secondary education.
Valedictorian/ Salutatorian announced
Principal Adam Nelson called forward High Honor and Honor Graduates to receive the Honor Cords they will wear at commencement exercises on Saturday, May 30 at 3 p.m. in the high school gym.
High Honor graduates— students with a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher—are Brenna Hay, Libby Zafft, Valedictorian Andrew Thompson, and Salutatorian Melanie Stoddard. Honor graduates— with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 – 3.79—are Britta Andress, Kaylee Cronberg, Andrew Farley, Richard Furlong III, Danielle Hansen, Aubry Lewis, Ava McMillan, Morgan Mixdorf, Elizabeth O’Phelan, Carolina Palmer, Mikala Schliep, Jami Sjogren and Lauren Thompson
Congratulations to all of them, and to all of the graduates and students on another successful year at Cook County High School.
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