Newest class of Sun Scholars recognized at annual ceremony

"I'm honored tonight to receive a Sun Scholar award for an area I'm really passionate about," said Kasey Fry.

Fry was just one out of 46 area high school seniors honored by The Sun newspaper at the Sun Scholar awards for academic excellence on Tuesday.

The Sun Scholar awards recognize students who have a passion and a dedication to pursue excellence in the subjects that interest them. The program allows teachers and counselors from area schools to nominate students whom they feel have demonstrated excellence in their subjects.

The seven categories the students can be nominated for are: math, social studies, science, career-technical, language arts, arts and foreign languages.

Fry is a Yuma High School student who received her award in the technical field. She plans to attend Arizona Western College, where she will obtain an associate degree in biology and pursue a career as a veterinarian.

Ashley Rae LaBar is a student at Kofa High School and received an award in the language arts category. She plans to attend the University of Arizona to pursue a nursing degree. "I'm pretty excited and I will be able to go pursue my passion for healing and helping people," she said.

Nathan Krueger goes to Calvary Baptist High and received his award in the math category. He plans to become an orthodontist and said he likes math because, "It's like a puzzle and there is only one answer."

Lorena Valle is an Antelope Union High School student, who received her award in the science category. She plans to attend Arizona State University and get a degree in psychology. "I want to get a degree in psychology and work with abused children," she said. "And make a difference in this world."

Frankie Cole is the mother of Martin Cole who attends San Pasqual Valley High School. He received an award in the social science category and wants to pursue a career as a television camera operator.

Frankie said that she was surprised and very excited when she heard that her son would receive the Sun Scholar award. "It's really great that kids are recognized (for something) besides sports or music. (Excellence in) academics (can) really make a difference for careers."

"I feel very honored that I received this award," said Cole. And as far as his job in television he said, "I see it as a career I can pursue and (at the same time) I can help the community with it."


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Jennifer Lovell can be reached at jlovell@yumasun.com or 539-6849.