On the evening of May 1, against a backdrop of lively cornhole games, children cheerfully playing in the lush grassy yard, and the rich magnetic melodies of well-known musician Ryan David Orr, students gathered with their friends and families for a meal “on the house” courtesy of The House restaurant and owners Chris and Michelle Corbin.
It was the perfect setting for a community gathering to celebrate the accomplishments of students who have been awarded scholarships to Northland Pioneer College (NPC) from The House restaurant, KGJ Roofing, and the Darrin Reed Foundation for the upcoming 25-26 school year.
The House restaurant provides scholarships to graduating seniors from Blue Ridge, Show Low, and Snowflake high schools. “Chris’s desire to give back to the community by nurturing the efforts of students and their families is evident,” said Betsyann Wilson, NPC Friends and Family executive director. “His generosity is incredible. In addition to the scholarships, Chris, Michelle, and the staff at The House treat the students, their families, friends, and the other scholarship donors to a complimentary dinner. They refuse to let anyone pay even a penny for the meal. They are true friends to NPC and champions for students, families, and our community,” she said.
In addition to the NPC On The House scholarships, this year Kenny Garvin, owner of KGJ Roofing, also provided a scholarship to a well-deserving NPC student. Garvin has a genuine interest in seeing local students succeed by learning a trade or a skill. “I am all about growing our own,” he said. As such, the KGJ Roofing scholarship covers the cost for a student to attend NPC in a career or technical education field. The generous scholarship of $3,000 ($1,500 each semester) is awarded to a graduating senior from any of the following area high schools: Holbrook, Winslow, Snowflake, Alchesay, Blue Ridge, Mogollon, Round Valley, Saint Johns or Show Low. It covers tuition, books, and fees for students interested in pursuing careers in fields like automotive technology, welding, behavioral health, law enforcement, industrial technology, nursing, paramedicine, business, and more.
Joining the effort, the Darrin Reed Foundation also awarded scholarships to NPC students during the awards ceremony. Founded in memory of the late Show Low Police Officer Darrin L. Reed, the non-profit has a longstanding tradition of giving back to the community. Each year, the foundation awards at least seven scholarships, totaling $18,000 or more, to local students. Since 2017, the foundation has awarded over $97,000 to students from across the White Mountains. The foundation also supports local first responders with funding that they can access in critical instances to assist people in their times of need and to ensure that local agencies have the tools and knowledge required to protect our communities.
Taking home the NPC On The House scholarships were awardees, Salvador Kreuger of Snowflake High School, Korbyn Greenwood of Show Low High School, and Blue Ridge High School senior Alexander Judd.
For scholarship recipient Salvador Kreuger, it’s all about leading with heart, faith and determination. Adopted at birth and raised in a close-knit, faith-filled home, Salvador’s life experiences inspired his dream of becoming a nurse. He is a senior at Snowflake High School and a proud member of the National Honor Society, the jazz band and his soccer team. He plans to start NPC’s nursing program this fall to earn his LNA certification. In addition to his academic efforts, he works as a certified personal trainer and runs a small clothing business to help cover costs for clinical supplies, scrubs, lab kits, and transportation between campuses.
The inaugural KGJ Roofing scholarship went to John “Jack” Harris of Winslow. Harris is currently studying welding at NPC, and with the support of KGJ Roofing, he is building a brighter future for himself and his family. Harris discovered his passion for hands-on work during a summer job as a plumber’s apprentice, but quickly realized that real skills come from training, not just watching. That realization led him to NPC’s welding program, where he’s thriving academically, never scoring below 90%. He drives to class daily in a truck he rebuilt himself after the engine failed and supports his education through savings and pet-sitting. The scholarship from KGJ Roofing will help him cover his second year of welding courses and allow him to keep building a future defined by hard work, skill, and community. His beloved faith fellowship mentors, Ted and Patty Pate, accepted the scholarship award on his behalf.
The Darrin Reed Foundation presented scholarships to NPC students Dylan Drake and Lacie Davis. Dylan is attending NPC’s fire science program while Lacie is pursuing a degree in paramedicine from NPC. Both are dedicated to serving others and are eager to do important work in the community as first responders.
“Students like these, who show dedication, passion, and promise, and friends of the community like Chris and Michelle, Kenny, everyone at the Darrin Reed Foundation, and the White Mountain Woman’s Club are what community is truly all about,” said Wilson. Seeing the students’ appreciation and excitement, and their proud families, friends, professors, high school teachers, and mentors, is special. It is all due to the generosity and kindness of these fantastic scholarship donors and organizations.” She continued, “Their desire to enrich the communities they serve by providing the gift of education will have an impact for years to come.”
