The third annual Spring Gala of the Canyons Education Foundation at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium was a “Jaws”-sized success.

The Foundation raised some $52,000 for college scholarships, teacher-innovation grants, student-health initiatives, and the CSD Foundation endowment.

In addition, the Foundation’s first-ever scholarships for soon-to-be-graduates of CSD schools were announced at the Thursday, April 30 gala, which featured an inspiring keynote from New England Patriot and Super Bowl Champ Sealver Siliga. ABC4 anchor and reporter Emily Clark also served as the emcee for the evening. 

In all, the Foundation awarded $8,500 to seven students who have faced unique challenges in their drive to complete their high school educations and pursue a college degree. 

The recipient of the inaugural Canyons Education Foundation $2,500 “Rising Star” college scholarship is Carlos Rivas, a senior at Jordan High. Rivas, who is a member of Jordan’s Latinos in Action, accepted the big check and a gift bag at the gala. Rivas came to the United States from his native El Salvador just four years ago and yet is on track to graduate in a few weeks. 

Students from Alta, Brighton, Corner Canyon, Hillcrest, Jordan and Entrada were chosen to receive $1,000 “Bright Star” scholarship awards.  They are: 

• Alta – Heather Asay
• Brighton – Laura Thackeray
• Corner Canyon – McKenzie Curtis
• Hillcrest – Alex Marin
• Jordan – Erica Keddington
• Entrada – Taylor Simpson

“We wanted to help students who have overcome challenges and obstacles to earn their high school diplomas,” said Brad Snow, President of the Board of the Canyons Education Foundation. “We wanted to help the students who had to learn a new language at the same time they learned their multiplication tables. We wanted to help the students who are the first in their families to graduate from high school.  In short, we wanted to help those who needed help the very most.”

The Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization made up of volunteer business and community leaders that complements and supports Canyons District’s mission of making sure every student graduates college- and career-ready.

See the District’s Facebook page for a photo album of the night’s festivities.