CARIBOU, Maine — School is wrapping up and seniors are anxiously awaiting their next steps. Caribou High School seniors Emily Austin and Caragan Haney are already paving the way to their post-secondary goals after being honored as Warner Scholars.
The scholarships are given by Jobs for America’s Graduates in memory of Carolyn Warner, a member of the JAG board of directors for 38 years. The Caribou students are among six nationwide who received the honor. Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship to use towards their post-secondary education.
Dr. ValerieAnn Waldemarson, the Caribou JMG specialist, said that both Austin and Haney are pursuing education in college. Haney will attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle and Austin will attend Husson University.
Waldemarson said she struggles to put into words how proud she is of Haney and Austin.
“I just know these two ladies are going to be movers and shakers in life and will be successful in whatever they pursue. I believe both girls are natural leaders and will do amazing in their education programs in college,” she said.
“While I will be in frequent contact with these students during their post-secondary pursuits, I will miss having them in class every day,” Waldemarson added.
According to the Jobs for America’s Graduates website, since 2009, the Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship Fund has awarded 154 scholarships: 124 for $1,000, and 32 for $2,000, totaling $188,000. The JAG board established the Smith Scholarship Fund and the Smith Scholars Program to recognize the extraordinary leadership and service of Smith as JAG’s president and CEO.
“In 2019, JAG will be awarding scholarships in memory of Carolyn Warner,” Waldemarson said. “Carolyn was the Arizona superintendent of education who recognized the value of the JAG Model and wanted Arizona to be the second state.”
In addition to serving on the board, Warner served for more than 20 years as treasurer and chair of the investment committee, and was keynoter at the annual National Training Seminar for two decades.
Waldemarson says she is proud that of the six Warner Scholarships given nationwide, two went to Caribou JMG students.
