Bay Area Kiwanis Club has awarded $2,000 scholarships to 13 local students. 38 applications were received from area high school graduates and graduates-to-be. The scholarship committee is made up of two Kiwanis club members, one Oregon Community Foundation representative and two members from the community at large. Two applications came from Powers High School, seven from North Bend High School, thirteen from Marshfield High School, six from Bandon High School, four from Myrtle Point High School and six from Coquille High School. The awards went to Rebecca Ambrose, a 2002 graduate from Powers; Grant Goodwin a 2016 graduate of North Bend High; and Grant Crim, a 2015 graduate (second award from the club) and 2016 graduate Nancy Ferrer, both from Coquille. Bandon students awarded scholarships are Autumn Moss-Strong and Austin Carrero, both 2016 graduates; 2014 graduate Hope Richert (second award); and 2013 graduate Angeline Brown (third award). Marshfield High School recipients are Cheyenne McNeely, a 2016 graduate; 2009 graduate Diana Avila; Jacob Mcavoy (second award) and Kara Wood, both 2013 graduates; and Timothy Mansfield a 1987 graduate(second award). Eligible candidates for the scholarships are graduating seniors or former graduates from a Coos County High School as well as GED and home schooled graduates. They must have applied to, been accepted by, or attained eligibility to attend a two-year or four-year accredited educational institution, vocational/technical school, or graduate program. The scholarship awards are made possible thanks to community support at fund raisers including the Wave Young annual Salmon BBQ, the annual Bandon Crossings Golf Scramble, holiday See’s Candy sales, and the Blackberry Arts Festival. Generous contributions to the club’s Oregon Community Foundation managed fund and gifts from the F. Willis Smith fund also support the scholarship fund. In addition to scholarships, Bay Area Kiwanis sponsor an annual shoe giveaway for kids in need, Marshfield and North Bend Key Clubs, OSAA annual Boys and Girls 3A Championship Basketball teams, and other events that benefit youth in our community. The club meets Thursdays at noon at Coos Bay Kozy Kitchen.
