Women Honoring Women awards local scholarships

Women Honoring Women recently awarded scholarships to four Bonner County area residents who are pursuing their post-secondary education. With so many qualified candidates who applied, it was not an easy choice.

“As an organization that honors women 65 years of age and older who possess vision, a love of learning, a commitment to their community, leadership qualities, provide inspiration and show grace, we feel it is important to also do what we can to encourage the younger women in Bonner County to pursue an education and support them on that journey,” said scholarship committee chairperson Marlene Rorke.

This year, the scholarship awards were given to two graduating seniors and two women who were continuing their post-secondary education.

Soncirey Mitchell, a 2018 graduate of Sandpoint High School, received one of the scholarships and plans to attend Chapman University in California. An avid writer, Soncirey will pursue her degree in creative writing with the hope of one day becoming a novelist or screen writer.

Another Bonner County resident, Kaylee Taylor, also received a scholarship. Kaylee is a 2018 graduate of Priest River Lamanna High School and will attend North Idaho College to pursue an associate’s degree in criminal justice. She plans to continue her education at the University of Idaho where she will pursue a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice. Her long-term plan is to attend law school. Kaylee expressed gratitude in a note to Women Honoring Women for awarding her this scholarship.

“Thank you all for recognizing me for this incredible scholarship in the midst of starting my new and much anticipated journey. I appreciate every piece of it…Thank you to the women recognized (as Women of Wisdom) for being great examples set forth to others to be reminded to always live their life with grace and wisdom. It is because of women like you that allow me to push forth to achieve my goals every day with integrity and dignity.”

Also receiving a scholarship are Lauren Sfeir, a 2017 graduate of Sandpoint High School, who is entering her sophomore year at Whitworth University and Samantha Brown who is attending California State at Fullerton.

For many students, scholarships received can make the difference in deciding not only which college to attend, but in some cases whether or not they will actually pursue post-secondary education. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients.