Twelve El Dorado High School seniors, all Summa Cum Laude graduates, were presented Myrrl Houck Memorial Scholarships at a reception Thursday, May 4, at the EHS library.
The honorees were: Gibson Baker, Adam Cavallaro, Logan Clark, Chloe Coiner, Jillian George, Jerica George, Abigail Hutchins, Brooklyn Jahn, Aodhfionn Mora-Bruce, Macy Parsons, Michael Riddle, and Kaydence Voyles.
Students received awards amounting to $600 each, producing a total of $204,790 in scholarships which have been granted to 657 students since the Houck scholarship program started in 1960.
EHS Counselor Megan Sturm opened with a tribute to the students, noting that Summa Cum Laude is the highest academic recognition given at El Dorado High School, requiring that the students complete the school’s most rigorous course work. These classes include Honors English all four years; three math credits, one being above Algebra 2; three science credits including Chemistry and Physics; and two years of the same foreign language.
“Besides having an impeccable academic record,” Sturm said, “these twelve seniors are also leaders in our school and community. Together they have had 40 leadership roles and have accumulated over 700 hours of community service. They have participated in 10 of the 13 sports offered at the high school. Eight of the 12 have represented our Fine Arts department through Band, Drumline, and/or the school musical. All have been involved in multiple clubs and organizations such as National Honor Society, Scholars Bowl, GSA, KAY, and FCCLA.”
EHS Principal Erin Nichols congratulated the students and their parents, mentioning that they had taken “the road less traveled” in their educational pursuits, and wished them good luck in their future endeavors.
On behalf of the Houck Scholarship Committee, Kansas Senator Mike Fagg added his praise and presented highlights from Houck’s life, explained how the scholarships came about and how they are maintained, and introduced other members of the Myrrl Houck Committee who were in attendance: Rod Blackburn, Miles Erpelding, Jan Pippig, and Janice Shaffer.
The Myrrl Houck Memorial Scholarship fund is a 501(c)3 organization. Managed by Partners in Education (PIE), all contributions are welcome and will help guarantee the future support of the Houck scholarship. For more information, contact PIE (through El Dorado USD 490) at 322-4800.
2023 Myrrl Houck Scholarship Winners pose with the popular EHS librarian’s portrait.
Back Row (L-R): Abigail Hutchins, Michael Riddle, Adam Cavallaro, Aodhfionn Mora-Bruce, Chloe Coiner, Gibby Baker, Kaydence Voyles
Front Row (L-R): Logan Clark, Jerica George, Macy Parsons, Jillian George, Brooklyn Jahn