13 win Port Orchard Kiwanis scholarships

The Kiwanis Club of Port Orchard recently awarded $26,500 in scholarships to 13 South Kitsap High School graduating seniors.

Winners were: Breanna Leigh Viergutz, Zachary Daniel Morris, Elora Bagcal, Abigale M. Davis, Bradyn Leroy Melton, Han Lin, Jessica April Doyle, Ripley Elberfeld, Serenity Jamia Gainey, Marissa Nicole Jackman, Evan Pierce Moe, Kenadee Simpson and Andrew James Smith.

The club is involved in other projects and community service programs that assist children locally and worldwide including:•The Kindergarten Reading Program began at Sunnyslope Elementary in 1993 and operates in nine out of 10 elementary schools in the school district.

•Terrific Kids has operated since 2002 and all 10 elementary schools participate. Students are recognized for outstanding citizenship and awarded with a certificate, pencil, magnet and “Proud Parent of a Terrific Kid” bumper sticker.

•The Library Reading Project sponsors all third-grade students with the opportunity to visit the Kitsap Regional Library for a behind-the-scenes tour. Each student learns how to use the library and leaves with a library card.

•Students of the Month are recognized from the three middle schools, South Kitsap and Discovery high schools and Explorer Academy. High-achieving students are invited to lunch with their families and given cash awards.

•Bike Helmets have been provided several thousand helmets to children up to age 11 during summer months at the Port Orchard Farmers Market.

•The Builders Club was formed in 1999 and is made up of 15 to 20 Cedar Heights Middle School students who provide over 200 hours of community service annually.

For details go to kiwanisclubofportorchard.org