Fair announces 2017 scholarship recipients

The Alaska State Fair received so many worthy scholarship applications this year that the committee tasked with awarding the stipends increased the payout, according to a press release from the organization.

“The Fair originally planned to award seven scholarships totaling $7,000 (which was up significantly from the $4,250 awarded last year),” according to the release. “But after reviewing the applications, the scholarship committee unanimously approved an increase to nine scholarships totaling $8,000.”

The 2017 scholarship recipients include:

• First place - $2,500: Annie Kessler of Colony High School

•Second place - $1,500: Summer Putman of Juneau-Douglas High School

• Third place - $1,000: Lily Anna Sessom of Colony High school

• Honorable mention - $500: John F. Jones of IDEA

• Honorable mention - $500: Ruby Woodings of Palmer High School

• Honorable mention - $500: Alexa Barfield of Palmer High School

• Honorable mention - $500: Fisher Dill of Frank A. Degnan High School

• Honorable mention - $500: Micah L. Johnson of IDEA

• Honorable mention - $500: McKenna Dinkel of Mat-Su Central Homeschool

“The Fair received a total of 40 applications this year from students all over the state. While not everyone could receive a scholarship, all applicants did get two free admissions to the 2017 fair,” according to the release.

Fair scholarships are open to all Alaska junior and senior high school students who plan to attend college or vocational school. Applicants submit a cover letter, extracurricular resume, letter of recommendation, photo and an essay or creative project. The fair will make a call for 2018 scholarship applications early next year.