The Educational Opportunity Foundation of Black Forest held its annual scholarship awards banquet at LaForet in Black Forest April 23. Nine students were chosen for the awards, and each received a $1,500 scholarship.Nancy Billiard, EOF secretary, said 18 students applied and they were all ìwonderful.î All applicants were Black Forest residents ñ living there is part of the criteria for consideration; service to the community is another. Billiard said the students are then interviewed. ìWe also request tax documentation from the parents; we want to help those kids that need it,î Billiard said.The recipientsí plans for the future run the gamut of career paths. Noah Taube from Falcon High School plans to major in philosophy at Colorado University in Boulder. He would like to become a motivational speaker. Isaac Holt from Discovery Canyon Campus is planning a career in criminal justice, and he has already proven his passion for the field. Holt said through various church groups and meetings he has raised $20,000 for FBI efforts to stop human trafficking. Other recipients are pursuing careers in engineering, pediatric medicine, teaching and ministry.James Stewart, a retired United States Air Force fighter pilot and resident of Colorado Springs, was the guest speaker at the dinner banquet. Stewart is starting a World War II museum near the airport in Colorado Springs. Stewart emphasized the importance of education, especially math, science and technology. ìIn Colorado, we really support the idea that every child should go to college,î he said.Disc jockey Captain Dan from KLite 106.31 emceed the evening. His daughters attended Pine Creek High school and went on to college. His advice: ìBe happy in the work that you do, and you will never work a day in your life. And call your mother at least once a week.î Scholarship recipients for 2013:Lauren Domnik- Pine Creek High SchoolLaura Douthit- Lewis Palmer High SchoolEmma Fisher- home-schooledTaylor Fogg- Pine Creek High SchoolIsaac Holt- Discovery Canyon CampusSteven Murphy- St. Maryís High SchoolAnne Smithey- Rampart High SchoolNoah Taube- Falcon High SchoolJonathan West- Pine Creek High School
