Pair awarded MCC scholarships

The Memorial Community Center and Preschool took particular pride this year in announcing that the MCC Scholarships will be awarded to Clark Fork High School graduates, Ellie Kiebert and Sophie McMahon.

Kiebert and McMahon began their education journey at Memorial Community Center’s Preschool. "Watching these students progress and grow into such extraordinary young women with such promising futures has been exciting and rewarding to the community," MCC's Carolyn Speelmon said. "Each of these recipients worked diligently and purposefully during their studies. Their volunteer work and their own determination have earned them this award. It is with great enthusiasm that we honor these young women."

Located in Hope, Memorial Community Center is a non-profit community center and preschool. Funds for the MCC Scholarships are donated by community members and raised at annual events. Although the COVID-19 pandemic halted many fundraising events to support the MCC programs this year, it was very important to the board that these outstanding young women be rewarded for their efforts in school and community, Speelmon said.

Ellie Kiebert, Clark Fork High School, will be attending Spokane Falls Community College, where she will major in natural resource management while playing volleyball for the SFCC Sasquatch. She will transfer to University of Idaho after two years to pursue a degree in natural resource conservation and hopes to become an outdoor educator in national park.

Kiebert is an outdoor enthusiast and is excited to continue to use this passion to learn more and pass on what she’ll learn to others. She has spent many hours working and volunteering in the community, including at Memorial Community Center. Her favorite community center event is Mardi Gras "because everyone gets up to dance without a care in the world."

Sophie McMahon, Clark Fork High School, will be attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, where she will be a member of Fairhaven College, a smaller liberal arts college within the larger university, where she hopes to pursue a degree concentrating on special education and social justice. McMahon is curiosity driven and has always been interested in learning about the lives of those who are different than her. She loves finding ways to serve others and I know we’ve experienced this in the many hours that she has volunteered at MCC. She is always willing to lend a helping hand with a big smile on her face

"The Memorial Community Center and Preschool celebrates these fine young women as they head out for their next adventures in life," Speelmon said. "In an effort to continue this scholarship program as well as the many valuable programs, MCC invites you to contribute by mailing your tax deductible donations to: MCC, PO Box 405, Hope, ID 83836 or donate directly at www.memorialcommunitycenter.com . For more information about the Memorial Community Center and Preschool, please visit www.memorialcommunintycenter.com or call 208-264-5481.