RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Custer High School senior Quinn Lewison is the winner of the 19th annual Rising Star of the West scholarship contest sponsored by KOTA Territory and Monument Health. The four finalists in this year’s contest each delivered four on-air commentaries which were rated by both on-line viewers and a KOTA Territory panel. Lewison was picked as this year’s best by a combination of those groups. She receives a $4,000 college scholarship.
Stevens High School junior Haley Cunningham finished second in this year’s contest and wins a $2,000 scholarship.
Central High School junior Amelia Schaefbauer took third place and a $1,000 scholarship.
Stevens High School senior Euana Matute finished fourth and is the winner of a $500 scholarship.
KOTA Territory TV general manager Chris Gross says, “We’re always thrilled to be able to feature some of the outstanding high school students from here in the Black Hills and help them along financially in their college journey”
“At Monument Health, we recognize the power of investing in our youth, as it not only strengthens our future workforce but also uplifts the very communities we serve,” said Trina Allen, Vice President of Human Resources. “By proudly supporting these invaluable scholarships, we empower our children to pursue their dreams and create a brighter, healthier future for all.”
Lewison joins Ireland Larsen, Melissa Rothe and Amanda Rothe from Douglas, Janesa Bakeberg, Annelise Ewing and Kaitlyn Hemmingson of Spearfish High School, Shad Christman of Lemmon High School, St. Thomas More’s Caila Brennan and Audrey Cope, Lead-Deadwood’s Jordon Barthel, homeschool students Rae McKee of Nemo and Emma Smith of Rapid City, Gavin Brucklacher of Philip, Elliot Hendrix, Noah Storm and Jessica Benson from Stevens High School, Katherine Kvale from Bison and Sierra Hilgenkamp from Wall as winners of the Rising Star of the West scholarship contest.
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