Photo: Twelve students awarded Grant McKee and Robert Caldwell Service & Leadership Scholarships
Catholic Charities’ North Star Youth Partnership has awarded 12 Prescott-area students with Grant McKee and Robert Caldwell Service & Leadership Scholarships. Seven students from Tri-City College Prep, four students from Prescott High School, and one from Yavapai College have been awarded a total of $25,000 in scholarships for higher education.
The program is named in recognition of Grant McKee and his cousin, Robert Caldwell, two of the Prescott Hotshot firefighters who perished in the 2013 Yarnell Fire. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program. Since 2014, more than $160,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 86 recipients, including those from this year.
The scholarships are awarded to students who are graduating from high school or community college and exemplify Robert and Grant’s giving spirit. All recipients are participants or group facilitators in the national Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) program, which North Star implemented in Yavapai County in 2008. PAL, a proven national model and evidence-based program, creates a peer-to-peer environment designed to encourage teens by building resiliency and assets through youth leadership, mentoring and community prevention activities. Additionally, all scholarship recipients have an impressive array of high school activities, projects, and accomplishments, as well as their years of PAL program participation.
Cary Taylor, representing the Paul and Patricia Taylor Foundation, has supported the scholarship fund since 2015, in addition to American Legion Post 6 – The Sons of the American Legion in Prescott.
“I am honored to continue supporting the scholarship program. The scholarships are a wonderful way to give back to the community and remember the giving spirit of Grant McKee and Robert Caldwell,” said Cary Taylor.
This year’s Grant McKee and Robert Caldwell Service & Leadership Scholarships are:
Lucas Clements, Prescott High School
Sera Cook, Tri-City College Prep
Megan Dachenhausen, Prescott High School
Carla Garcia, Tri-City College Prep
Darby Hannon, Tri-City College Prep
Sam Helmken, Prescott High School
James Howell, Tri-City College Prep
Sienna Judy, Tri-City College Prep
Ethan Milligan, Prescott High School
Micaela Preciado, Tri-City College Prep
Danika Rolland, Tri-City College Prep
Egan Smith, Yavapai College
“It is very exciting to celebrate a decade of supporting the young leaders of tomorrow. We hope these scholarships allow them to pursue their dreams and follow their own North Star,” said Diane DeLong, senior program manager, Catholic Charities’ North Star Youth Partnership.
Catholic Charities’ North Star Youth Partnership provides support to parents and schools by engaging teens in hands-on learning experiences that promote increased confidence. Programs include community service projects, opportunities to mentor and lead other youth, and exposure to new sports and outdoor recreation, to name a few. Over the past 26 years, North Star has established a strong network of volunteers and partnerships with schools, youth-serving organizations, and businesses in central and northern Arizona to provide youth with this high-quality programming. Integral to the success of the program, these individuals and partnerships enrich and improve the lives of youth in a myriad of ways, and their dedication makes communities stronger.
Photo: Anne Sexton showing off her Youth Advocate of the Year Award with Diane DeLong of North Star Youth Partnership
In addition to the scholarship program, for the past 17 years, North Star has presented its annual Community Youth Advocate of the Year Award to recognize the outstanding contributions made by volunteers who positively impact youth. This year’s Community Youth Advocate award has been presented to Anne Stoxen, a guidance counselor at Tri-City Prep. She was selected in recognition of her dedication to advising and empowering teens to believe in themselves and confidently follow their dreams so they can shape a bright future.
According to Keri Milligan, Principal at Tri-City College Prep, “Anne has been an integral team member at Tri-City College Prep for four years. As the academic counselor, she guides students to great scholarship opportunities and through the twists and turns of college admission. She is known for her warm heart and providing a place for students to talk (and snack!).”
In addition to the support, advisement, and encouragement she provides to teens at Tri-City College Prep, she is also an important part of North Star Youth Partnership’s Priceless Prom Project, and she has volunteered for Teens’ Closet in the past.
For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesAZ.
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About Catholic Charities Community Services: Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities provides care for the vulnerable of all faiths in central and northern Arizona through programs in foster care, early education, affordable housing, veteran services, refugee resettlement, and homeless outreach. Learn more by visiting www.
