Impacting Futures
The Canyons Education Foundation, works with community leaders and businesses to secure resources to fuel innovation in the classroom and help students realize their dreams. Every year, the Foundation gives away thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving students that have shown improvement or exemplary effort in working toward the goal of post-secondary education. This year’s scholarship winners were chosen for their fortitude and courage in overcoming significant obstacles to achieving their college and career goals.
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2023 Scholarship Recipients
JJ served as a class officer at Alta High School for all four years of his high school experience. He learned the importance of being honest, having strong moral principles and leading with integrity while earning 26 merit badges on his journey to be an Eagle Scout. This required immense hard work, showed dedication towards a goal, and service to others. JJ is a survivor. In July 2022, the Sullivan family was in a horrible car accident that took the life of his grandma. JJ, and other family members, sustained significant injurie. We celebrate JJ’s recovery and accomplishments. Utah Tech University will be his next stop, with a focus on earning a degree in business management or business administration and a technical degree.
Jeremiah ‘JJ’ Sullivan
Alta High School
Ronan started his scholarship essay with this statement: “When I graduate this May, I will be a success story of the Canyons School District.” He struggled at an early age to fit in at school due to autism. He thanks the principals and teachers who believed in him. In middle school, he expanded his world, and found his passion for debate. Debate Coach Acker said due in large part to Ronan’s efforts as a leader, they took a floundering program of five students, occasionally competing, to a fully invested team of 62 that won back-to-back region championships and took second in 6A State. Ronan went from a struggling student to placing in a state debate competition! Coach Acker finds him exceptional in every way as he demonstrates excellent organizational skills, perseverance, compassion for others, and unparalleled leadership. Attending Utah State University in the fall he will graduate with the seal of biliteracy in ASL, six honor cords, a Charger Medallion, and experiences that will shape the rest of his life.
Ronan Spencer
Corner Canyon High School
It is important, as a student, to find a connection in high school. Kenna found a connection that helped chart her path for the future. That connection was her American Sign Language class. The teacher, class peers and the deaf community supported her and helped her realize what she wanted to become -- an American Sign Language interpreter. Kenna got involved in the community, participated in theater, choir, and school clubs. She is graduating with a 3.9 GPA, and has been accepted into Utah Valley University’s Honors College. The Hillcrest ASL teacher wrote that one of Kenna’s greatest characteristics is her dedication. She has really come out of her shell and excelled.
MaKenna (Kenna) Seegmiller
Hillcrest High School
Kate is graduating early at just 16 years old. Looking beyond the limits of the high school social scene, she has set her goals for a successful future and her dream of being a dental hygienist, with the ultimate goal of attending grad school to be a dentist. Making the tough decision to quit competitive volleyball for personal reasons, she focused on her mental health, her job and school. Her teacher wrote that she has a natural aptitude for chemistry and was intent on learning the concepts as well as getting excellent grades. Kate was able to rise above her struggles to find academic success. Kate selected Utah Valley University because of its competitive, rigorous dental hygiene program. We see a bright future ahead as she starts UVU this fall on the journey to bring bright smiles to others.
Kathryn (Kate) Walker
Brighton High School
Rising Star Scholarship WinnerRikka is a student with a great outlook on life. It is rare to not see her smiling. Even when she is shedding tears, she is smiling. Rikka will be a first-generation college student! She will begin her journey at Salt Lake Community College with a goal of giving back to the community by becoming a social worker. Described by her teacher as a creative problem solver and natural leader, Rikka’s dedication to stay on top of classroom expectations and rigor is phenomenal. To get to graduation, Rikka had to overcome many challenges, including being unsheltered and experiencing the foster care system. Rikka learned how to be independent and thrive. These experiences have made her an incredibly caring and compassionate person who refuses to let life’s challenges prevent her from reaching her goals and will be doing something she hadn’t considered possible– going to college. We are proud to award Rikka Benallie our Rising Star Scholarship.
Rikka Benallie
High School
Bright Star Scholarship WinnerAdasia held herself to a higher standard. Others may not have imagined her getting good grades or going to college but she is proving them wrong. Due to an unsafe home environment, Adasia at only six years old, her little sister and mom left their home with only a small bag of clothes. They moved in with her grandmother. Her parents got divorced. The one constant in her life was her mother’s love. Although she didn’t have an ideal childhood, she knew she had potential and would not let her past define her future. Adasia played varsity lacrosse and volleyball, finds time to volunteer, and maintains a 3.95 GPA. She has already earned 17 college credits and has her Certified Nurse Assistant license. She is going to Weber State University to become a registered nurse. As Dr. Seuss would say, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so . . . get on your way!”
Adasia Johnson
Jordan High School
