Top Scholars' time to shine

COEUR d’ALENE — Hannah Black had a few words she wanted to share following the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s Top Scholars and Scholarship Breakfast on Tuesday.

“Thank you to the community and sponsors for everything they’ve done to help me and my peers,” the Coeur d’Alene High senior said. “They played a really big role in supporting us and helping us get to where we are today.”

Black was among 70 seniors from area high schools honored at the annual event attended by about 450 people at The Coeur d’Alene Resort. The 90-minute program highlighted the business community’s investment in students.

There was much to celebrate.

"Our business community cares," said Linda Coppess, chamber president and CEO.

This year, 41 local businesses signed on to provide $1,000 scholarships for post-secondary education.

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe matched that $41,000, but didn’t stop there.

It also matched the 70 $1,000 scholarships with $70,000, which meant each student received at least $2,000 in scholarships.

But the tribe still wasn’t done.

Chief Allan, Coeur d'Alene Tribe chairman, announced that as an incentive, the tribe would commit another $1,000 to each of the 70 scholars if they are enrolled in either college or in fall 2024.

That brought the total scholarships to a potential $222,000.

“We believe that education is the great equalizer,” Allan said.

The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber started the scholarship program in the early 1980s, presenting $500 scholarships.

Two years ago, scholarships totaled $5,000. Last year, it rose to $104,000, thanks to 26 $1,000 scholarships donated by businesses to the chamber's annual program. The tribe added $78,000.

This year's total was bigger and better than ever.

“I know with all my heart that we have incredible people here with big hearts,” Coppess said.

Coppess loved the excitement in the room.

“I wish that I could bottle it up and share it with every single person in our community who's not here today,” she said.

She said she was inspired by the support of the scholarship program, and was confident the funds would have an impact.

“It’s so encouraging for me to witness the hopes and dreams of all of you students springing into action,” Coppess said.

Kevin Mahony, a math teacher at Venture High School, was honored as Teacher of the Year.

He urged students to think about the future.

“Don’t forget, no matter where you go from here, all those degrees, all that money you're going to make, are completely worthless if you are not making a difference in the people’s lives around you and the community that you live in,” he said.

Corey Rivera, a Lakeside High student, said he plans to put his head down and focus as he goes on to study business and marketing and urged others to do the same.

“I want all the seniors to never give up,” he said.

Bobby Dorame, Coeur d’Alene High senior, said students did not reach this point on their own, but received support from many people. He urged classmates to reach out and say thank you.

"We would not be here without them," he said.

All students submitted essays as part of the scholarship program.

Seven were also honored with Strength of Character awards and received additional $1,000 scholarship awards.

“I am going to be a first generation student this upcoming fall. I will be the first child out of my siblings to even graduate high school,” wrote Destiny Matt of Lakeside High.

Coppess took an opportunity to urge the crowd to support the Coeur d’Alene School District’s two-year, $25 million-per-year supplemental levy that will go to voters May 16.

“I love this community and as long as I have a breath, I will work to ensure that the future generations of business and community leaders have a rich and well-rounded public education experience like I did,” she said. "I hope you will join me."