On April 29th, Roseville Area High School celebrated its annual Scholarship Night Ceremony where students were awarded more than $83,000 in scholarships to support their future education. The event, organized by Nyesha Brown, honored student success and community donors.
Behind every scholarship is a donor or organization supporting student success. From clubs to memorials, their contributions make a lasting impact in students’ lives. To the students it’s more than financial aid-it’s a recognition of their hard work, future, and character.
Many students won awards for their accomplishments on scholarship night (see list at end of story), this article highlights a sample of them to represent the broader accomplishments of their class.
Owen King (12)
King, the recipient of the “Roseville Football Endzone Club Scholarship”, expressed gratitude for his involvement on the team. He said, “I’ve been a part of the program for 10 years, so [this scholarship] means a lot to me.” King will attend St Olaf College next year. He advises students to apply to as many scholarships as possible and be honest in the application. He stated, “you never know what you might get.”
Sophia Dang (12)
Dang stated she, “will be attending the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) using her Key Club Scholarship.” Dang appreciated the donors, and mentioned, “I would like to thank Kiwanis and the Roseville Key Club for giving me this opportunity!” She will be studying nursing next year.
Dash Title (12)
Title won a scholarship from the Lions Club and said he will also, “be attending the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities).” Title stated, “I will use the money for college housing.” Title made a point to mention, “get them done early,” referring to scholarship applications.
Natalie Horsman(12)
Horsman, also a Key Club Scholarship recipient, will be attending Marquette University. Horsman was supported by advisors along the way, she shared, “thank you to Ms. Padelford and Ms. Poppe for being great!” Her advice to students working toward scholarships next year: “write a good thoughtful essay.”
Som Khadka (12)
Khadka was awarded scholarships from the Little Canada Rec Association, League of Women Voters, and the Mariam Bostrom Memorial. Khadka, planning on studying at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) stated, “[the scholarships awarded] will allow me to attend my college of choice.” He emphasized that, “being your true authentic self,” helps on applications.
Frankie Geffre (12)
Geffre won multiple awards from National Honor Society, B-Dale Club, Robert J. Dahlin, and Education Minnesota. Geffre is headed to Gustavus Adolphus College. Geffre exclaimed, “I’m so grateful…my hard work is paying off.”
Brown, who has been organizing scholarship night for two years, explained the lengthy planning that goes into the night. She said, “the process begins with reaching out to past and new donors to confirm their support. Then we determine how many scholarships are available, and how much will be available.” Brown also, “reaches out to students and their families, letting them know, ‘hey you won a scholarship- come to the ceremony and congratulations’.”
In addition to the planning leading up to the event, Brown highlighted the staff who worked hard while the event took place. She stated, “[I] make sure we have staff on hand for the night- having staff sign up and figuring out what they are going to do. Additionally using our custodial staff and media tech to set up and run the auditorium.”
Despite the difficult logistics-like award amounts changing and keeping on schedule-the night was a success. Brown stated, “what stood out to me the most was how donors created the scholarships and the reasoning behind them. Especially some of the memorial scholarships.”
