SMETHPORT — In recognition of their academic achievement and service to the school and community, four juniors at Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School have earned the Bonnie Scholar Award, a scholarship that carries a $20,000 scholarship annually — $80,000 over four years of study at the St. Bonaventure University.
In addition, the students, August Cox, Sabrina Tanner, Celeste Baker and Jenna Gregory, all National Honor Society members, have received certificates of scholarship.
The university has invited these students to schedule a visit to the campus this summer. All Bonnie Scholar Award recipients who visit the campus in person prior to Aug. 31 will receive an SBU t-shirt as a gift.
High schools were invited to nominate up to five students from the junior class who met the following qualifications: maintaining a minimum grade point average of 85, exhibiting involvement in or leadership qualities through school or community activities and desiring to attend a college that fosters the mission represented at St. Bonaventure University.
SBU’s Office of Admissions scholarship committee determined the winners.
These four students represent all four Smethport students nominated by Brian Lawson, guidance counselor.
August is the daughter of Tony and DiAnn Cox. Her extracurricular activities include marching and concert band, golf, mock trial, DECA, student council and statistician for track and field. She is also junior class president and NHS treasurer.
In the community, she volunteers at the McKean County Historical Society’s Old Jail Museum.
Sabrina’s parents are Jack and Nicole Tanner. At school, she participates in basketball, marching, concert and jazz bands and is drum major for the marching band.
Her volunteer activities in the community include altar server at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church and assisting those in need around the community.
Also active in musical groups, Celeste is a member of the concert, marching and jazz bands and represented Smethport at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s District Band. Her other scholastic activities are mock trial, student council, softball, volleyball and Peer Helpers. In the community, Celeste works part-time at Costa’s Supermarket and volunteers with the Smethport Fire Department.
She is the daughter of Brian and Holly Austin.
Jenna is a well-known runner, participating in cross country and track. She is also a member of the student council, choir, DECA and Peer Helpers.
Her parents are Kirk and Holli Gregory.
