VALLEY — A scholarship was awarded in the amount of $1,500 to Steven Valdez at the Monte Vista Senior Awards Night on May 25.  Steven plans to attend Adams State University.

Scholarships were awarded in the amount of $750 to Skylar Philbern and Jasmin Ayala at the Center High School Awards Night on May 15.  Both plan to attend Adams State University.

An annuity was purchased for the Monte Vista School District and the Center School District in 2003. Each year a check is sent for the interest on the funds to be given as a scholarship to students selected by the schools. Kansas City Life Insurance Company is on the hook for a minimum of 20 years and a maximum if either Ray or Colette are living.   

This is the 15th year of the Skeff Scholarships for both schools. Total awards to date are $45,500. The seniors of 2017 were 2 years old when the scholarship started in 2003.

The Skeffs wanted to give the scholarships as a way to express their support for deserving students wanting an education. Ray was a graduate from Center High School and Colette was a graduate from Monte Vista High School.

Caption: Ray and Colette Skeff present a $1,500 scholarship to Steven Valdez at Monte Vista. Courtesy photo