Wolverine Knight Foundation awards $5,000 scholarships to Tolleson seniors

The Wolverine Knight Foundation recognized scholarship recipients from across the Tolleson Union High School District during the district’s April 5 board meeting.

Chris Bennett, assistant principal of athletics, arts and facilities at Sierra Linda High School and treasurer of the Wolverine Knight Foundation, presented the awards and asked foundation members to join recipients at the front of the room. Bennett said the foundation, founded in 1982, expanded scholarships over the last three years to provide two scholarships per school at $5,000 each for use in a student’s first year of postsecondary education.

Bennett said recipients were chosen through a robust application and interview process that emphasized resiliency, empathy, community involvement and plans for postsecondary education. The named recipients announced during the meeting included students from Copper Canyon, Sierra Linda, Sierra Nevada, Tolleson, University High and Westview, among others.

Kimberly Franz, president of the Wolverine Knight Foundation, presented the Doctor Charles A. Landis Scholarship, awarded to a student who demonstrated community service and interest in making a difference. Franz awarded the Landis Scholarship to Julia Solano of Tolleson Union High School.

The board and audience applauded the students and foundation volunteers. The presentation was celebratory; no board action was required.