Idaho Falls Mayor’s Scholarship Fund awards record number of scholarships

The Idaho Falls Mayor’s Scholarship Fund awarded more scholarships than ever before Monday night.

In its ninth year, the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund awarded 50 scholarships to area students. In 2013, 32 scholarships were awarded.

The fund was started under former mayor Jared Fuhriman in 2006. For the first time, the torch has been handed to a new mayor.

“Mayor Casper’s going to do a great job, and I have complete confidence with her, as well as with the staff,” said Fuhriman.

Mayor Rebecca Casper was involved with the program from the start, but never imagined it would operate under her.

“It’s humbling and oh-so-satisfying,” said Casper. “I want to use the time that I have in this position to just grow it, and help it become a self-sustaining program.”

The fund awards two types of Scholarships. The Senior Scholarship, worth $1,500, was given to 25 high school seniors. The Mayor’s Promise Scholarship, worth $500, was given to 25 students in grades 8-11, who agree to maintain a college-bound path.

Taylor Gunnel, a senior at Hillcrest High School, won a Senior Scholarship.

“My dream – aviation, is an expensive pursuit,” said Gunnel. “This is going to be extremely helpful, and I plan to use every bit of it.”

Brizeyda Martinez-Sanchez, a sophomore at Skyline High School, won a Mayor’s Promise Scholarship.

“College is a lot of money, and just anything really is a good help,” said Martinez-Sanchez.