Sprague-Lamont grads receive scholarships

SPRAGUE - The Sprague-Lamont valedictorian and salutatorian have received a bounty of scholarships.

Valedictorian Alexis Walters Gilchrist said she was very excited over financial advantages awarded her from Whitman College. She received the "Whitworth Bound" scholarship, which covers the entire tuition for four years.

"Adding on to that, I had $13,000 I had to cover, which I'm doing from the other scholarships," Gilchrist said. "It's giving me a good opportunity; coming from below the poverty line, mind you, and being able to go to a private university that has top programs that are just amazing. So that's why I'm so excited."

Salutatorian Jade Rios-Romero received the WUE scholarship from the University of Idaho at about $15,000 per year.

Both Gilchrist and Riso-Romero received the Sprague Alumni Association scholarship for $250; the CPL Justin Robert Clouse Memorial scholarship for $5,000; the Ky and Vella Fox scholarship for $1,000; the Public School Employees scholarship for $200; the You Go Girl Scholarship from Ginny Lathem for $500; and the Burke Melville Memorial Scholarship for $500.

Gilchrist received the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship for $1,000.

Rios-Romero was awarded the William and Flossie Sanborn scholarship at $4,000.

"It was our two girls who were the superstars this year," high school teacher Liz Melville said. "I think they were the only kids who applied for scholarships."