Seniors soak up a bonanza in scholarships

Esko students, from kindergarteners to the senior class, have a lot to be proud of, according to school principals and superintendent Aaron Fischer.

High school principal Greg Hexum reported to the Esko school board at its meeting Monday that high school seniors have received over $2.5 million in scholarships to pursue secondary education after graduation.

According to Hexum, more than $170,000 in local scholarships were awarded at the annual Esko Educational Foundation’s scholarship night. The remaining scholarships, totalling about $2.5 million, were awarded to individual students through the college or university that they are attending next fall.

Seven students were awarded the Alworth Foundation Scholarship, notable for its award of $20,000 a year for four years. It’s the most students in one district to receive the scholarships, Hexum said.

“Education pays, particularly at Esko High School,” Hexum told the board. With all 104 seniors on track to graduate, he reported feelings of pride for every student.

Esko Winterquist elementary principal Brian Harker reported to the board that students dove head first into “Kindness Day” May 9. Harker told the board that the event was a hit with students and that he hopes to see kindness being spread by students every day. (See front page story.)

In other business, Fischer reported Esko parents are facing challenges with day care availability for their children. According to Fischer, many private daycare providers in the area are reducing numbers or closing due to staffing shortages. Board members also reported hearing concerns from parents about availability of before- and after-school care for children, along with care during the day for younger children.

Fischer and the school board decided to explore the need further and see if there are possibilities of expanding the current Growing with Love day care that partners with the district. In the past, the board has chosen to not expand the program due to issues finding staff, needing more physical space, and not wanting to take business away from the other local providers.

Also Monday, Esko baseball head coach Ben Haugen gave a presentation to the school board on a potential “spring training” trip to Florida for the varsity and JV teams over spring break next year. Haugen is working with a company that would help coordinate the trip, including fundraising, flights and hotels, and organizing games and practices while in Florida. Haugen hopes the trip could take place every three years. The school board will review the policies on out-of-state trips and check the other trips that high school groups take over spring break to make sure there are no conflicts.

The school board meets on the second Monday of every month.