2013 Meridian City Scholarship Winners

Recently, seniors from high schools across Meridian donned caps and gowns to accept their hard-earned diplomas. This was a great accomplishment for all and we are excited to see each student set out on their next journey. Many of these students have contributed in a number of ways to the vibrancy and energy of our community through countless hours of community service, all the while balancing their studies and school activities. As a City we express our gratitude to our amazing students by presenting four outstanding graduating high school seniors with $1,000 scholarships to be used at accredited colleges or vocational education programs this fall. These scholarships are funded by the businesses that sponsor the annual State of the City address.

This year’s winners were selected by a panel of Meridian citizens and business leaders based on criteria including service to others, academic merit, and personal growth as a result of community involvement.

Here’s a brief description of each of our 2013 City of Meridian Scholarship winners:

Katherine Fleming is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School. She was president of her school’s National Honor Society and was involved in TRIO, Idaho Drug-Free Youth, the Buddy Walk, Rake Up Meridian, Red Cross blood drives, Backpacks for Kids, and many other community service projects. Katherine is also active with her church’s youth ministry and lent her voice to her school’s varsity choir. She will begin college in the fall and intends to pursue a career in social work.

Melissa Goetz is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School, although she spent the majority of her high school years studying at Renaissance High School. She has been involved in Girl Scouts, 4-H, the Meridian Lions Club, FFA, and the National Honor Society. She excels at horsemanship and will start college this fall to study pre-veterinary sciences.

Mikayla Payne is a 2013 graduate of Renaissance High School. She was active with the Leo Club and National Honor Society, and assisted Boise and Meridian firefighters with fundraising activities for their burn-out funds. Mikayla has coached youth gymnastics for four years, volunteered at an assisted living center, and is currently completing a CNA program. She is graduating from high school with a 2-year associates degree already under her belt and is looking forward to beginning pre-med studies in biology at Idaho State University this fall

Brett Wilder is a 2013 graduate of Meridian High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and served on student council. He is an accomplished pianist and band percussionist. Brett is proud to be part of the 6th generation of his family involved in Idaho agriculture, and has been in 4-H for 11 years and a participant in FFA. He plans to study Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Education.

Please join me in wishing congratulations to our winners and best wishes to all of our graduates!