Three deserving athletes receive 2020 Kootenai River Run Scholarship
By Jillian Chandler
Like so many other wonderful events that the community looks forward to during the summer months, the annual Kootenai River Run has been canceled for 2020. And though that news brings disappointment to so many, there is some exciting news to brighten spirits. Each year, the Kootenai River Run awards $1,000 scholarships to two deserving student athletes. Last year, Shelman Realty became a sponsor, partnering with the Kootenai River Run and contributing an additional $1,500 through the Shelman Realty Kootenai River Run Scholarship.
“We didn’t have a qualified candidate in 2019 to accept the new scholarship Shelman Realty offered,” says Paul Bonnell, “so we’re especially excited to have three deserving students this year who can all be rewarded for their excellence in cross country and track and field as well, as being stewards of this community.”
The 2020 scholarship recipients include Austin Donn, Serenity Fahey and Abigail Gorton.
“We could not be more proud of these three and their high school careers,” says Tyler Warner, Bonners Ferry High School’s cross-country coach. “We knew going into this year that choosing scholarships out of this class would be difficult, and we’re so happy that Shelman Realty was able to step in and help us support three deserving individuals.”
Austin plans to attend North Idaho College starting this fall, where he has been accepted into the welding program. Machining and design are also of interest to him.
Serenity, who participated in band, completed college classes through North Idaho College’s Bonners Ferry Center and competed in the Distinguished Young Women, will be attending Lewis Clark State College, where she will be studying nursing.
Abigail will be joining Serenity in the nursing program at Lewis Clark State College. In addition to her studies, Abigail will be competing in cross country and track for LCSC.
“They work hard, do the little things well, listen, encourage and always give their best in the classroom and in racing,” affirms Warner. “They are good athletes but even better people. BFHS distance running is in a better place for their participation these last four years, and we know they’ll go on to greater things in their post-secondary education.”
Though there will be no Kootenai River Run this year, Jim Cadnum, race director, is already looking forward to next year’s event. “Next year’s race is going to be our best one yet,” he says. “We plan to advertise early and increase our participation by offering an even higher level of the fun our race has become known for.” This includes bands along the course, merchant discounts in the race bags and fantastic prizes donated by generous local business owners. And, he adds, they’ve got a few surprises in the works that they can’t disclose just yet. You can find Kootenai River Run on Facebook for up-to-date details on the 2021 run, as well as other helpful information.
Congratulations Austin, Serenity and Abigail. And best wishes on your next adventure.