The Educational Opportunity Foundation of the Black Forest awarded eight scholarships to local high school seniors, including two Falcon High School girls. The awards banquet was held May 11 at Inglis Hall of La Foret in the Black Forest.The EOF was established in 1965. During its 45-year lifespan, the EOF has awarded $90,000 and more than 200 scholarships. This year, the EOF awarded a total of $12,000 to the eight recipients.Since the money for each scholarship is from community donations, the scholarship is open to any senior in good standing. All applicants must be residents of Black Forest, and the scholarships also are available to home-schooled students and those receiving their GEDs, said Nancy Billiard, secretary of the EOF board of directors.During the awards banquet, Dave Wismer, guest speaker and author of “Shamrock Ranch,” said the EOF strives to “allow people, no matter what their goal or walk of life, to achieve success.”Candidates for the scholarships must write an essay, present letters of recommendation and participate in interviews. Minimum academic requirements and volunteerism are required as well. “These kids are really outside themselves, which is what we’re looking for,” Billiard said.2010 scholarship recipients and their colleges of choice:
- Garth Anders of Pine Creek High School; University of Northern Colorado
- Emily Archuleta of Falcon High School; Pikes Peak Community College
- James Biven of Pine Creek High School; Johnson and Wales University in Denver
- Leah Minnich of Falcon High School; University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
- Taylor Simmons of Lewis-Palmer High School; Colorado University
- Sarah Thomsen of The Classical Academy; Colorado State University
- Katie Volz of Pine Creek High School; University of Wyoming
- Kyle West of Liberty High School; Patrick Henry College, Purcellville, Va.
