ConocoPhillips Alaska is pleased to announce that 28 Alaskans have been awarded ConocoPhillips scholarships totaling $150,000. Twenty scholarships are going to 2015 Alaska high school graduating seniors planning to attend an institution of higher learning, and eight scholarships are being given to 2014 ConocoPhillips Alaska scholarship winners who are completing their first year of full-time post-secondary education.

“Congratulations to these hardworking students! I’m proud that ConocoPhillips is able to play a role in helping these young Alaskans further their education,” said Joe Marushack, president, ConocoPhillips Alaska. “In addition to helping graduating seniors, it was great that this year we were able to provide additional assistance to some of our previous scholarship recipients. I hope these funds help these students’ continue their success in school. A good education is an important investment in the future — not just for the individual, but for our communities, our state and our country.”

Each of the twenty graduating high school senior students will receive $5,000. Each of the eight prior recipients will receive $6,250. The scholarships were awarded in consideration of a variety of factors including service to their community, the applicant’s desire to make a future contribution to Alaska, school activities, achievements and academics. ConocoPhillips received more than 160 applications submitted by students from across Alaska.

Kenai Peninsula $5,000 scholarship winners are Ajiel Basmayor, Ninilchik High, and Jenna Hansen, Nikiski High School. Kenai Peninsula $6,250 scholarship winner is Kathryn Knackstedt, Pacific Lutheran University, Kenai.

The recipients of the KPC Student Union awards were nominated and chosen to receive these honors by the Kenai River Campus student body. The chosen individuals received their awards at the Annual Student Union Spring Barbecue held last May 1 at KRC.

The Life-long Learning Award was awarded to Douglas Norris Jr.

The Full-Time Faculty Award was awarded to Henry Haney.

The Adjunct Faculty Award was awarded to Diann Enderby.

The Outstanding Staff Award was awarded to John Pollock.

The Most Inspirational Student Award was awarded to Jayce Robertson.

A number of Soldotna Whalers wrestling club members ranging in age from 4-18 earned spots on the podium during the recent Alaska USA State Championships. Placewinners included:

Folkstyle — Seth Hutchison, 1st; Brennan Werner, 1st; Ezekiel Miller, 2nd; Gideon Hutchison, 3rd; Bechler Metcalf, 3rd; Trevor Michael, 3rd.

Greco — Seth Hutchison, 1st; Gideon Hutchison, 2nd; Trevor Michael, 2nd; Ezekiel Miller, 2nd; Brennan Werner, 2nd; Bechler Metcalf, 3rd; Scott Michael, 3rd; Hudson Metcalf, 4th; Joshua Corbin, 5th; Myles Evarts, 6th.

Women’s Freestyle — Avery Hart, 1st.

Freestyle — Seth Hutchison, 1st; Brennan Werner, 1st; Travis Howell, 2nd; Gideon Hutchison, 2nd; Zackary Kemp, 2nd; Gunnar Lervig, 2nd; Trevor Michael, 2nd; Ezekiel Miller, 2nd; Jacob Strausbaugh, 2nd; Josh Dickinson, 3rd; Charles Lawson, 3rd; Bechler Metcalf, 3rd; Joshua Corbin, 4th; Agent Fannon, 4th; Jaykob Kemp, 5th; Hudson Metcalf, 5th; Nolan Freeman, 6th; Samuel Strouse, 6th.