Preston Lord Memorial Scholarship

(2 available) - $1,000

The Preston Lord Memorial Scholarship was established by his mother, Autumn. Preston was a junior at Combs high school when he attended a Halloween party with friends, where he was brutally attacked, beaten, and died from his injuries two days later. The support and love from his many friends, and the community will never be forgotten. Preston’s ambition for academic excellence and passion for sports made him who he was. 

To illustrate Preston’s life, it was defined by so much more than just the unpredictability and tragedy of his attack. He grew up in the classroom with his mother and knew the power of education. He excelled academically and adopted a continuously learning mind. Preston knew how to help someone who was struggling or lend a hand when needed. He was known for his academic accolades, enthusiasm for sports, and his unwavering love for the Seattle Seahawks and Boston Celtics. Math was where he shined, while he would banter with his friends and keep track of the stats for their fantasy league. He also developed a new interest in sports medicine, which held many possibilities for a future career. 

Additionally, Preston had a creative side and loved to cook. He even dabbled in drama his 6^th grade year, playing the lead in the Lion King as Scar. As he got older, he would make his own dish at Thanksgiving to add to the menu selection. He was multi-faceted and always up for the next step in life. Preston was courageous at life’s challenges. He participated in student council for many years, where he held various leadership titles. He was a part of National Honor Society for a lengthy time, holding additional leadership roles.

Furthermore, Preston was a levelheaded and methodical thinker who didn’t react quickly to things. He took his time and made mindful decisions. Preston was happy with his life, and with the things he had been given. He didn’t expect things to just fall in his lap, he worked for them. Preston had an easygoing demeanor about him, which promoted a positive outlook for so many.

Preston was a young man who brought so much kindness, joy, laughter, and humor into so many lives. Although he never talked much about death with his family, intuition indicates he would want to be supportive of his peers and aide in their successes. Preston’s generosity and love will never be forgotten. Please allow us to honor him and help pave the way for further educational accomplishments. 

Two awards are available to Combs High School Seniors who meet the following criteria:

(1)

Preston Lord Memorial Scholarship- PL5

• 3.8 GPA unweighted or higher
• Enrollment in AP classes preferred
• Long time Combs Student
• Participation/Leadership in extracurricular activities, preferably Stuco and or NHS
• Four-year University acceptance and or LDS mission
• Involvement in athletics preferred
• Three letters of recommendation typically from teachers, counselors, mentors/coaches, work supervisor
• A 500–1000-word essay explaining “What is your Magic Recipe for balancing student life, keeping a positive outlook, maintaining academic achievement, and involvement in extracurricular activities?”

(2)

Preston Lord Perseverance Scholarship

• 2.5 GPA unweighted or higher
• Involvement in athletics/extracurricular activity preferred
• Plans to enroll at a 2-year college, the military, or a trade school
• Long time Combs student preferred
• Involvement in athletics preferred
• A 500-word essay describing “How have you overcome adversity, what challenges did you encounter and how will you continue to remain kind in this world despite your past experiences?” i.e. academic challenges, a single parent home, financial hardships, an injury etc.
• Three letters of recommendation typically from teachers, counselors, mentors/coaches, work supervisor

• Demonstrates an interest and will be majoring in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, and or Environmental Sciences
• 3.0 or above Grade Point Average
• Demonstrates strong character attributes such as teamwork, kindness, generosity and community service

•  Demonstrates an interest and will be majoring in Engineering, Construction
  Management, Architecture, and or Environmental Sciences
• 3.0 or above Grade Point Average
• Demonstrates strong character attributes such as teamwork, kindness, generosity and community service

The Banner Ironwood Medical Staff Scholarship was established in 2018 in memory of Dr. Debra Jamison, a physician colleague, who had a passion for teaching medical students and who devoted her career to elevating the medical profession. The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a degree in health care. 

The Crossroads Future Community Leader Scholarship was established in 2018.  This scholarship is awarded to a Combs High School senior who has demonstrated leadership potential by holding leadership positions in school and/or community organizations and demonstrated a commitment to participating in community service. 

• Currently have a 3.0 or above Grade Point Average
• Have attended CHS for more than 2 semesters
• Be attending an in-state college or university *Preference will be given to students indicating an interest in pursuing a degree in the field of education.*

The Kyle Strong Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 in honor of Kyle Flake. This scholarship is awarded to a Combs High School senior who has met the following criteria:

• Currently have a 2.0 or above Grade Point Average
• Has demonstrated leadership potential through involvement in extracurricular activities such as athletics
• Has demonstrated strong character attributes such as teamwork, kindness, generosity *Preference will be given to students with involvement or achievement in wrestling or football*

• 3.0 minimum Grade Point Average
• Demonstrated strong character attributes such as teamwork, kindness, generosity, and/or community service
• Demonstrated leadership potential through involvement in extracurricular activities such as athletics or other clubs and activities 

The Rural Metro Scholarship was established in 2022. Rural Metro Fire was founded in 1948 and is an American private fire department that provides fire protection and emergency medical services to individual homeowners and commercial businesses in unincorporated locations throughout the United States, primarily under a subscription-based model. Rural Metro Fire evolved in the absence of reliable, professional, fire and emergency service to resident outside of city boundaries.

Founder Lou Witzeman, envisioned an organization serving as a “White Horse” to those in need. For over 75 years, Rural Metro has served as that “White Horse.” Providing protection and care at the most perilous times. This scholarship is awarded to students who embody these characteristics.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating Combs High School Senior who has met the following criteria: 

• Demonstrates an interest and/or will be majoring in Fire Sciences, Fire Management, Emergency Service Response, Human and Group Management, and Leadership and Resource
• 3.0 or above Grade Point Average
• Demonstrates strong character attributes such as teamwork, kindness, generosity and community service.

The Mary Ann Cannella Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 and is awarded to a deserving graduating senior who best exemplifies the characteristics Mary Ann demonstrated while serving the J.O. Combs Unified School District for almost ten years. This scholarship is awarded to a Combs High School senior who has met the following criteria:

• Financial need for any educational expense
• A deserving student displaying a commitment to hard work and character
• Involvement in activities or programs that benefit the school community, such as Coyote Buddies and/or community service
• Exhibits service and leadership while demonstrating all around excellence
• Attended Combs High School all four years *Preference will be given to students who have been impacted by someone with special needs, or who wish to pursue a career working with special needs populations*

The Tyler Hedstrom Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 in honor of Tyler Hedstrom.  The scholarship is awarded to a Combs High School senior who intends to pursue an advanced degree in Education or Music. 

• Completed or is scheduled to complete the final year of a CTE program's coherent sequence prior to graduation
• 2.5 or above Grade Point Average
• Demonstrated strong character attributes such as teamwork, kindness, generosity and community service
• Demonstrated leadership potential through involvement in the CTE program's Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)