The Custer County Foundation held their annual Scholarship Award Ceremony on Sunday, March 20 at the Arnold High School Gymnasium in Arnold. Alicia Hermsmeyer, Board Member and President of the Custer County Foundation, conducted the welcome to the estimated 350 people in attendance. Alicia also introduced the guest speaker, Grace Magill, who grew up in Arnold and graduated from Arnold High School.

“This scholarship ceremony continues to be successful because of our special guests, the donors who travel from places like Kansas City and Lincoln, as well as many from Custer County,” said Lindsay Cook, Executive Director of the Custer County Foundation. “Not only are they in attendance to present their scholarships, but to share great stories about their families and offer words of advice and encouragement. Their presence also gives them an opportunity to meet the students whose lives they are directly impacting.”

Another unique aspect of the ceremony is the element of surprise for the students receiving the scholarships. Until their name is called, they are neither aware of the scholarship they are receiving nor the amount. This anticipation makes the event even more enjoyable.

Cook announced 85 scholarships would be presented to 80 students for a total amount of $118,850 awarded. Scholarships offered through the Foundation are for various fields of study including, nursing, veterinary medicine, journalism, lineman, and cosmetology to name a few. Scholarships are available for four-year and two-year degrees. She went on to explain the selection process and thanked the scholarship committee for their hard work and dedication in selecting the recipients.

Nearly 1,200 applications were received and selecting the recipients was not an easy task, she said. After all the awards were presented, the guidance counselors were thanked for all the assistance they offer the students with the application process. The ceremony closed by inviting attendees to enjoy refreshments and cookies, while thanking those in attendance and wishing the graduates the best of luck as they begin new chapters in their lives.

The Custer County Foundation was established 31 years ago. Since their inception, the Foundation has awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships to Custer County students. If you would like to learn more about establishing a scholarship through the Custer County Foundation please contact the office at 308-872-2232 or custerfoundation@msn.com.