MHS Sterling Scholars attend region competition

On March 12, the Sterling Scholars of Morgan High School attended this year's Northeast Region Utah competition. The event took place at Utah Valley University (UVU) and was sponsored by Deseret News, KSL, UVU, and the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. The Co-Chairs were Rhonda Butcher from North Summit and local teacher and Sterling Scholar advisor Carol Pentz.

After weeks of anticipation, practice interviews and other preparation, the Sterling Scholars finally boarded the bus that would take them to Orem, Utah. Interviews took place at regular intervals throughout the day and students brought a change of casual clothes to wear. During their spare time, students were invited to explore the UVU campus and enjoy the activities that the university has to offer: from a food court, to bowling and video games, the Scholars had plenty to do to occupy themselves while they waited for the results. The Scholars were fed lunch earlier in the day and attended a banquet previous to the closing ceremony. 

The closing ceremony began at 7 p.m. and the opening speaker of the evening was Greg Maughan, the Superintendent of South Summit School District and Northeastern Utah Educational Services (NUES) Board Chair. “Living in a world where knowledge is a beacon of progress,” said Maughan, “our Sterling Scholar program plays a pivotal role in shaping the future by fostering a culture of excellence and inspiring the pursuit of knowledge.” Briefly, the audience was addressed by a representative of UVU who provided insight on scholarship opportunities. Following, Mike Wagner, MC Coordinator and a member of the Northeast Utah Region Sterling Scholar Committee, introduced the Master of Ceremonies for the evening: Chelsea Fairbourn. Fairbourn is a prominent figure in sports and entertainment. She is known for her  appearances on KSL-TV and her role representing BYU as an in-arena host. Additionally, she is a former Morgan High School student body president and Sterling Scholar. At the ceremony, all Sterling Scholars were given a medal of participation to serve as a memento to the amazing experience. The winners and runners up received a certificate folder, a cash prize, and a scholarship for a participating Utah school of their choice. 

The livestream broadcast is available for viewing at the following link: 

https://www.youtube.com/live/hzv5Y1GcvSk?feature=shared

 Allison Rowser

Ally, daughter of Cole and Jenny Rowser, is the Sterling Scholar of Agricultural Science. Rowser has always been interested and involved in agriculture and especially loves horses. She loves being able to help her dad and grandpa on their small farm, as well as spending time riding her horses and competing in rodeos. After graduation, Rowser plans to attend college and pursue a degree in Education. She would also like to spend time abroad, serving with the International Language Program. After college, Rowser's goal is to be a teacher, teaching agricultural classes at the high school level.

 Asher Johanson

Asher, son of Jordan Johanson and Jessica Tran, is the Sterling Scholar and runner-up in Mathematics. He has been interested in this category ever since he was little and takes his studies very seriously. “I enjoy watching videos about interesting math topics and finding patterns in nature that follow mathematical rules,” said Johanson on the subject. He remembers doing mathletes in 8th grade and staying after school on Wednesdays to learn more advanced math with Mrs. Hurlbut. In the future, he would like to find a career that allows him to apply his mathematical knowledge. “I may try to become a computer engineer or a physicist,” Johanson said.

 Austyn Rudd

Austyn, son of Jason and Cassie Rudd, is the Sterling Scholar of Skilled & Technical Science. During his junior year, he began taking courses at Davis Tech as an electrical apprentice. “I worked at Dees Tire changing tires for a year-and-a-half and l have been working for J&J Electric for the last 10 months,” Rudd said. After High School, he would like to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Once he returns, it is his dream to continue being an electrician.

 Brielle Sill

Brielle, daughter of Benjamin and Natalie Sill is this school year's General Sterling Scholar. Sill has been involved in many extracurricular activities including swim team, mountain bike, Science Olympiad, and various service projects. In addition, she is a member of CNA and a participant in world travel. Sill is one of the school’s National Honor Society (NHS) presidents as well as one of the captains for the Morgan High Swim Team. Sill had the opportunity to serve as the co-chair of the school-wide blood drive this year. After graduation, Sill plans to attend college and potentially become a doctor. 

 Chloee Clark

Chloee, daughter of Bruce and Jennifer Clark, is the Sterling Scholar and winner in Family and Consumer Science. Clark is a member of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She has hosted many youth camps for kids in her community to help them learn more about nutrition and where their food comes from. Clark also served as the Adopt-a-Cow representative for Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and Montana. Clark plans to attend Brigham Young University and major in Family Studies, but her ultimate goal is to be a great mother and a contributing member of society. 

 Ethan Ryan Hoffmann

Ethan, son of Ryan and Shawnee Hoffmann, is the Sterling Scholar and winner in the English category. Hoffmann is a two-year member of the Teen Author Boot Camp (TABC) and is currently a writer for the Morgan County News. In addition, he has participated in the Americorps organization as a reading tutor. After graduating, Hoffmann would like to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following this, he would like to attend college at Weber State University, majoring in either English, Creative Writing, or Journalism. He is an aspiring author and journalist, but he is also considering a career in the educational field. 

 Gwendolyn Hadley

Gwen, daughter of Brent and Rebecca Hadley, is the Sterling Scholar of the Visual Arts. Hadley has been interested in art her entire life and she is constantly honing her skills. “I draw a lot in my free time,” Hadley said. “I make an effort to sketch every single day and draw whenever I feel inspired.” Last summer, Hadley did a garbage cleanup on the Weber River. “It was very fulfilling to put effort into a cause that I genuinely cared about,” said Hadley. After graduation, Hadley hopes to earn a degree in art education at Utah State or Weber State, eventually becoming an art teacher.

 Ilana Felt

Ilana, daughter of Eugene and Mylynn Felt, is the Sterling Scholar of Speech, Theatre Arts, and Forensics. She fell in love with the stage at an early age and has pursued her passion ever since. “I regularly watch a multitude of productions and shows and compare myself to the actors I see on stage. I then try to think of what they do well and how I can incorporate their techniques to improve my own skill.” Felt will be going to Weber State to major in communications with a minor in criminal justice. Afterward, she would like to tackle law school, ultimately finding a career in either family or estate law.

 Isabella Shannon Lenthe

Isabella, daughter of Mark and Shannon Lenthe, is the Sterling Scholar of Dance. Education and dance have always been a huge part of Lenthe's life. She has taken multiple college classes through high school as well as through the Early College Program at Weber State. After Lenthe completes her RN at Weber State, she will continue on to receive her BSN while working as either a labor and delivery or an aesthetic nurse. Once she has her Nurse Practitioner license, she would like to become a certified NP injector and open her own practice in the state of Utah. 

 Levi Bennet

Levi, son of Joel and Jessica Bennet, is the Sterling Scholar of Instrumental Music. Bennet has found interest in this category since he started playing his trumpet in fifth grade and joined the Morgan School District's band program. Bennet took private trumpet lessons for a year to help grow his skills. Bennet has been the lead trumpet since fifth grade and he loves playing with the band. He is also part of the band council. After graduation, Bennet is planning on going to the University of Utah and starting his own longboarding business.

 Lillian Tatton

Lillian, daughter of Randen and Antonia Tatton, is the Sterling Scholar of Business and Marketing. During her junior year, Tatton joined the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and competed in Agricultural Sales. “Through my experience competing, I gained a passion for sales and business,” said Tatton. Outside of school, Tatton practices sales pitches for FFA competitions. She also used her time showing livestock to advance in sales. According to Tatton, “The real-life application of my learning was very powerful and provided me with the base of my college fund.” After graduation, Tatton plans to attend college.

 Londyn Elmer

Londyn, daughter of Philip and Rebecca Elmer, is the Sterling Scholar and winner in Science. She discovered her love for science at the beginning of high school. “When I find a new scientific topic that interests me, I like to do as much research as possible to learn more about it and how it can help society,” said Elmer. After graduation, she is planning to attend college and pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. Elmer would like her future career to be focused on finding new, innovative ways to help people live longer, better, and happier lives.

 Madeline Croft

Madeline, daughter of Jed and Shana Croft, is the Sterling Scholar of Social Science. Her freshman year sparked an interest in the social science category. She has taken various courses throughout high school which fed her interest. “I have completed hundreds of hours of service for my community,” Croft said. “As well as participated in extracurricular activities like mountain bike team captain, academic decathlon, governing youth council, and many more.” After graduation, Croft is planning to attend the University of Utah and is considering a future career in psychiatry or psychology.

 Rebekah Cornelius

Rebekah, daughter of Dustin and Audrey Cornelius, is the Sterling Scholar and runner-up in Computer Technology. She discovered her interest in this category from a book titled 'The Cuckoo's Egg' by Cliff Stoll. “It was recommended to me by my dad, and I loved how nerdy and creative the main character was,” said Cornelius. Cornelius has participated in competitions with a collegiate team at the national level and she has competed at the International Science and Engineering Fair. In college, Cornelius is planning on majoring in computer security or computer engineering. She hopes to go into a related career. 

 Tyler Hancock

Tyler, son of Mark and Jennifer Hancock, is the Sterling Scholar and runner-up in Vocal Performance. Hancock has been shooting for this category since he was a Sophomore. Hancock takes voice lessons and is currently an assistant director for the Mountain Green Elementary School musical “Finding Nemo - Kids.” He has also participated in Utah’s Solo/ensemble festivals as a tenor soloist, competing at both region and state levels and receiving superior ratings. After graduation, Hancock plans to serve a two-year mission for T he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before pursuing finance and vocal performance at BYU.