Student Awards & Scholarships
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2023 Scholarship Recipients
Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship Winners
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For many years, the Bonhomme Lions Club have donated funds for scholarships to SSD students. The organization selects students who have demonstrated strong character, high academic achievement, and participation in community service.
Scholarship applications will be reviewed and recipients determined by the Bonhomme Lions Scholarship Committee. The scholarship recipients each typically receive $1,000 to be used toward education expenses at the recipient's chosen college, university, or post-secondary program. The scholarship amounts will depend on funds available.
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Sara Brooks
Sara Brooks
With a 4.3 GPA at Bayless High School, Sara has excelled in biomedical science and advanced math through coursework coordinated by Project Lead the Way. Her desire to pursue a degree in biotechnology and eventually work in a medical laboratory led her to participate in activities sponsored by HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and the Young Scientist Program. Last summer, she was a lab intern for a graduate student who was conducting cancer research. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a community volunteer, and a past participant in the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy. She plans to attend the University of Missouri - St. Louis and its honors college.
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Liam Cassidy
Liam Cassidy
Liam will begin pursuing his dream of working in the media industry at Lindenwood University this fall. The Parkway Central senior will pursue a degree in cinema arts, which he has been preparing himself to do by writing, producing, and editing his own material using iMovie. With consistent support from his SSD teachers and counselor, Liam has developed a strong work ethic and determination to succeed, which earned him two Spirit of Central awards! In addition to meeting the demands of school, he has held part-time jobs, volunteered for community service projects, and helped with Special Olympics activities.
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Holly Connor
Holly Connor
Holly will be inducted into the National Honor Society on the same day she graduates from Clayton High School this year. She is already a member of the National and International Thespian Societies and was inducted into the Honors Thespian Society in 2020. She was most recently accepted into the TriM Music Society for students in orchestra, band, and choir. This fall, she will study musical performance with an emphasis in voice at Webster University, where she will get supports for her visual impairment and a para who is an upperclassman.
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Austin Sidenstricker
Austin Sidenstricker
Austin is a Parkway South High School and South Tech student who has earned many I-CAR (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) certificates. He aims to earn an automotive professional collision repair technology associate degree from Ranken Technical College. His passion is restoring cars and motorcycles, and he hopes to eventually own his own restoration business. He is also a Boy Scouts of America - Eagle Scout and a PSH Spirit of ‘76 Marching Band member.
James E. Westbury Memorial Board of Education Scholarship
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The SSD Board of Education and other donors provide funds for scholarships each year to SSD students who plan to attend a college, university, or post-secondary program. These scholarships are named in memory of James E. Westbury, who served on the SSD Board for many years and dedicated his life to the education of students throughout the St. Louis region.
Scholarships are awarded to the students who best demonstrate the ability to define a goal and are preparing to achieve that goal.
Recipients of this scholarship will be selected by members of the SSD Board. In most years, two students are selected for scholarships in the amount of $2,000.
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Spencer Thompson
Spencer Thompson
Electrical devices have fascinated Spencer since he was a young child. He has always loved figuring out how things work and fixing them, making them like new. So it’s no surprise his career goal is to become an electrician. He plans to attend Ranken Technical College, possibly enrolling in the dual associate’s degree program. He has been working as a jiu-jitsu coach at the Gracie Humaita facility in Weldon Spring to prepare for the adult world. He also has received several awards as a high school student, including the Winners’ Circle Award and the Marquette Marvelous Mustang Award.
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Amelia Alonzo
Amelia Alonzo
Amelia aspires to become a teacher of the French language. She plans to attend Truman State University and hopes to study abroad. To prepare herself for a career in education, she has been working with children in the Early Childhood Education Program at South Technical High School, leading first-year students through orientation and character lessons, conducting a fundraiser for wells in Mozambique, participating in the Rotary Youth leadership Academy, interning in her church, and serving as cultural director for the French National Honors Society. She is also a National Honors Society member and plays field hockey for her school team.
Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship
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Established in 2008, the Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a qualifying SSD student each year. The scholarship was established in memory of Allison Marie Haake, a former SSD teacher assistant. Allison was an inspirational young woman who, at an early age, knew she wanted to make a career of working with children.
Scholarship applications will be reviewed and a recipient determined by the Allison Haake family. The scholarship recipient will receive $2,500 to be used toward expenses at the recipient's chosen college, university, or post-secondary program.
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Emily Butler
Emily Butler
Realizing she has an innate ability to connect with children, Emily plans to become an elementary teacher. She knows from personal experience the value of a good tutor, having achieved a 4.0 GPA with help from tutors. She now enjoys coaching other students to help them achieve their learning goals. Her work experience as a camp counselor, combined with the guidance she received at several presentations by the Maryville University Department of Education, has convinced her to continue on her path.