Central Utah Region Sterling Scholars announced

Fifteen winners and 30 runners-up were announced March 12 at the 41st annual Deseret News/KSL Sterling Scholars of Central Utah Awards Program held in Richfield's Sevier Valley Center.

The North Sanpete High School Choir directed by music instructor Tim Kidder, performed the prelude music with accompanist Bandy Jarman. O'Dee Hansen, assistant principal, North Sanpete High School, provided the welcoming message with invocation by Leslie Keisel, North Sanpete School District superintendant. Nan Ault, North Sanpete High's principal, served as master of ceremonies.

Ivyann Oveson, 2012 winner in General Scholarship, gave a tribute to teachers and parents. Linda K. Stokes, director of the State Sterling Scholar Program and Community Coordinator of the LDS Church Foundation, spoke to the group. Student nominees Allan Olsen, Manti; Brooke Finlinson, Delta; and Taylor Purcell, North Sanpete, performed piano solos.

Leah Woodard and Ben Cox of North Sanpete High School hosted the event under the direction of Jason and Mary Okerlunda, co-chairpersons of the Deseret News/KSL Sterling Scholars of Central Utah Committee. The Okerlunds expressed gratitude for the hundreds of people who donate their time, talent and funding to the program. Thanks were also expressed to Jennifer Christensen, Frances Metcalfe, Carli Wright, Richard Chamberlain and Mavanee Loftus.

Four winners were named at North Sanpete High School, with three runners-up. Most other schools had one or two winners with differing numbers of runners up. Delta had the most runners-up — eight — and had one winner.

Names of winners, their schools, parents' names, and runners-up and their schools are listed by category as follow: