University Women award scholarships

University Women of Carson Valley annual scholarship awards were presented to three graduating Douglas High School students.

Kiarra DePaz, Sarah Farnham, and Carina Olsen were honored at an awards luncheon where they read their autobiographical essays. They will each receive a $3,000 scholarship.

DePaz has been accepted to Western Nevada College’s nursing program. Her honors and awards include Douglas High School Leadership and student body Vice President and President. She is a member of the National Honor Society. DePaz was honored as Winterfest Homecoming Queen. She is a senior dancer and leader in the All About Dance Competitive Dance Team in which she has received numerous trophies and awards, placing as a national finalist, and being selected for the Dance People Choice Awards. Her advice to incoming students is to be who you want to be, find people who lift you up, and be true to yourself. She recommends that students go to events and meet new students and become involved in student leadership.

Olsen has been accepted to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo majoring in graphic design and communications. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the Dean’s List throughout high school. She will graduate from Douglas High as well as receive her Associates of Arts Degree from WNC in the Jump Start program. Carina has received the Scholastic Arts Award Silver Key and an honorable mention in photography. Her advice to incoming students is to be successful you have to be determined, hardworking, and keep moving forward.

Farnham has been accepted to the University of Nevada Reno majoring in biology and pre-Veterinary science. Sarah says she has been working towards her future goals ever since the Jump Start Program of her Junior high school year. She will graduate from Douglas High as well as receive her Associates of Science Degree from WNC. Her honors include the National Juniors Honor Society and National Honors Society. She received Student of the Month awards all three years in middle school as well as Jump Start Student of the year in 2022. She earned her Greenhand Degree and Chapter Degree in FFA along with the National FFA Organizational Award for Outstanding Leadership. She has been on the Dean’s list at WNC both years she attended. Her long-term goal after completing Veterinary School is to return to the Carson Valley and practice as a small animal veterinarian. Her advice to incoming students is that every day is precious and sometimes you must push through and work harder.

The University Women’s Club has been active in Carson Valley since 1928. Members gather locally each month for a social and informational meeting. Membership is open to women who wish to support students seeking higher education and to participate in learning pursuits for themselves. The annual scholarship awards are financed entirely by private donations from club members. The 2023 committee members are Charlotte Booth, Melanie Boudreau, Kathy Brownlee, and Nancy Raymond.