The 49th Annual Masonic Outstanding Student Awards Program was held April 29 at the Kenai Central High School Auditorium. Students representing 33 schools from across the Kenai Peninsula and one from Nome were honored for their achievements and dedication.
The goal of this event is to give these students the public recognition they deserve for their dedication to learning, participation in school activities and their strength of character. The Masons hope these Awards will encourage students to become productive, positive members of their communities.
Outstanding Students were each introduced by a school representative, honoring the student. Student awards included a personalized certificate signed by Governor Bill Walker, a one ounce solid silver eagle coin, a book published by the Scottish Rite called, “Dynamic Freedoms” and an individual certificate from the Masonic Lodges of the Kenai Peninsula. The student’s schools were also given an engraved name plate for the Outstanding Student Award Plaque at the school.
The National Sojourners put on a history demonstration with flags used for our country from 1775 to present day. Shriner’s, Mason’s and Star of the North, Chapter of the Eastern Star No. 17 served as ushers, escorting students and their presenters. Ladies of the Shrine provided refreshments.
Scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to 8 graduating high school seniors. Thirty-three of the finest seniors on the Peninsula applied for these scholarships. The applications were submitted to the review committee and awarded based on the Lodge’s established criteria.
Master of Ceremonies was Greg Russell, Secretary of Kenai Lodge No. 11. Invocation was given by VW Bill Roberts, Sterling Lodge No. 22. Kenai Peninsula Borough School District was represented by John Pothast and Mayor Pat Porter represented the City of Kenai. Grand Master Carl J. Lindstrom also joined us from Grand Lodge F & AM of Alaska. Ken Owens and Kennaty Kerley were co-chairmen of the event. John Strother, Master Kenai No.11, VJ Nickolas, Master Seward No. 6 also were among those officiating.
Scholarship Awards
Andrea Bryant, Connections School
Nolan Bunting, Homer High School
Evelyn Burnett, Soldotna High School
Annamarie Cythlook, Soldotna High School
Kayla Haeg, Soldotna High School
Rayne Lie, Nome High School
Jayce Miller, Connections School
Lindsey Wong, Soldotna High School
Outstanding Students of the Year Award Winners
Aurora Borealis Charter School, Alexandra Juliussen
Champman School, Jonathan Bice
Cooper Landing Elementary, Hunter Harrison
Cooper Landing Middle, Linnaea Gossard
Homer Middle School, Kelli Bishop
Homer High School, Sarah “Malina” Fellows
Homer Flex High School, Duncan Hall
West Homer Elementary, Casey Otis
Hope Elementary/High School, River Skaaren
Hope Elementary/High School, Rebecca Wesli Dykstra
K-Beach Elementary, Brock Wilson
Kachemak Selo, Kesnia Reutov
Kenai Alternative High, Kody Vaught
Kenai Central High, Allison Steinbeck
Kenai Middle School, Veronica Budyanu
Mountain View Elementary, Malerie Nunn
Nikiski Middle/High School, Nathan Carstens
Nikiski Middle/High School, Kaitlyn Johnson
Nikiski North Star Elementary, Braedon Porter
Nikolaevsk School, Fedora Mametieff
Ninilchick School, Naomi Hess
Razdolna, Isavra Basargin
Redoubt Elementary, Quinten Cox
River City Academy, Dakota Edin
Seward High School, Mandy Rea
Skyview Middle School, Whitney Benson
Soldotna Elementary, Nathanael Johnson
Soldotna High School, Daisy Alex Nelson
Soldotna Prep, Haley Buckbee
Sterling Elementary, Montana Fischer
Susan B. English School, Aidan Blake Philpot
Tustumena Elementary, Korbin Carter
Masonic Scholarship award winners.
