Central Utah Sterling Scholars honored

On April 13, one hundred twenty eight top scholars came together to compete in the thirty-ninth annual Deseret News/KSL 5 Television Sterling Scholar Awards Program of Central Utah. These outstanding scholars competed in fifteen categories for cash awards and scholarships. North Sevier, North Sanpete, South Sevier, Gunnison Valley, Richfield, Piute, Delta, Millard, Juab, Tintic, Manti and Wayne high schools were each represented at the competition. Winners and runners-up were honored that evening at an awards ceremony for their excellence in scholarship, leadership, citizenship and community service.

The program began with Principal George Henry, Manti High, welcoming those in attendance. Larry Smith, Board Member, South Sanpete School District, offered the invocation. Ken Beazer, Athletic Director of Southern Utah University, was Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Prelude music was by Manti High School Music Department under the direction of Ron Litteral. A special tribute to teachers was given by Eric Lyman, the 2010 General Scholarship winners from North Sevier High. Cameron Chappell, Wayne High, Samuel Christensen, Richfield High, Ashlie Deardon, Millard High and Kaylea Drake, Juab High, performed musical numbers. Manti High School was the host of this year's event.

The following institutions of higher learning provided judges: Brigham Young University, Snow College, Southern Utah University, Utah Valley University and USU Extension. Winners and Runners-up receive cash awards, certificates and pins.

The Central Utah program is one of five regional Sterling Scholar programs that cover Utah. These regional programs are patterned after, though not directly administered by, the Deseret News – KSL 5 Television Wasatch Front program started in 1962 to publically recognize accomplishments of high school students.

Winners and runners-up:

Agriculture Science: Winner: Jacob Olsen, Manti High, parents Jay and Tawny Olsen. Runners-up: Caden Burrell, Gunnison Valley High, parents Jesse and Lisa Burrell; and Ashlie Scott, North Sevier, parents Roger Scott and Kelly and Jennifer Quarnberg.

Business & Marketing: Winner: Alexis Dalton, Piute High, parents Joe and Stacy Dalton. Runners-up: Micklane Farmer, South Sevier High, parents Randy and Claudia Farmer; and Celeste Mickelson, Juab High, parents Jens and Jacqueline Mickelson.

Computer and Information Technology: Winner: Logan McPhail, Millard High, parents Brian and Angela McPhail. Runners-up: Drew Adams, Juab High, parents Cody and Allison Adams; and Devan Roper, Delta High, parents Wesley and Michelle Roper.