By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
Five graduating seniors – four Yukon Millers and one Southwest Covenant Patriot – have earned annual scholarships from the Yukon Chamber of Commerce.
After reviewing applications and essays submitted by 14 students, chamber officials on May 29 announced they awarded $1,000 scholarships to Lois V. Garner, Hattie E. Hughs, Kylie P. Moseley, Cody J. Watson, and David J. DeLoera. Garner, Hughs, Watson, and DeLoera are members of the Yukon High School Class of 2020 while Moseley is a member of the Southwest Covenant Schools’ Class of 2020.
The Yukon Chamber annually awards scholarships to high school seniors enrolling full-time in an accredited college or career technical school. To be eligible, the student must either be employed by a Yukon Chamber member business or be the child/grandchild of a Yukon Chamber member business owner or member’s employee.
These scholarships are funded by various chamber events and activities.
Applicants were asked to write an essay describing how their chosen field of education will help them contribute to their community.
LOIS GARNER: Garner will study psychology/occupational therapy at Southwest Oklahoma State University.
Her goal is a career as an occupational therapist.
Garner has interned for a pediatric therapy center.
“I have the privilege of witnessing countless individuals’ personal victories,” she said. “I’ve seen how the work of the therapists create drastic changes in the lives of the children.
“A major life goal of mine is to make an impact on the world. I have an unwavering persistence to help others and improve their quality of life.”
An AP Scholar, Garner has earned several honors including the American Legion Award and Masonic Student of Today Award. A Leaders of Tomorrow member, she’s been active with the YHS Partners Club and Special Olympics.
HATTIE HUGHS: Hughs will study engineering at Oklahoma State University. Her career goal is to be a civil engineer at OSU.
As a student council and leadership student, Hughs has participated in various community service projects to give back to her community – including Pets & People, Manna Pantry and the Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany.
As a civil engineer, she plans to work for a company or city to help design infrastructure or improve the environment. “I love this career path because it combines my love for serving others and being innovative, Hughs said.
Hughs, who won Oklahoma City Dodgers’ national anthem tryouts in 2018 and 2019, has been named defensive MVP and offensive MVP on the volleyball team, was team captain three years. She’s also earned perfect attendance and students of the quarter awards at Canadian Valley Tech Center.
KYLIE MOSELEY: Moseley will attend Oral Roberts University. Her career goal is to become a speech pathologist, behavioral therapist or occupational therapist.
Moseley has embraced the opportunity work with children in the classroom, workplace and camps.
“I love noticing the children who have trouble with interaction and using creative strategies to connect with them and make them feel comfortable, she said. “It is because of this passion that I want my future occupation to involve working with children.
“I want to play a part in developing the minds of children and impacting their hearts.”
A student council member from 2016-19, Moseley has earned the Diligence Award, Servant’s Heart Award and Patriot Awards in several sports. She also was a member of the Southern Nazarene University Honor Band.
CODY WATSON: Watson will study criminal justice at Missouri Western State University. His career goal is to become a police officer and eventually a detective, then teach and coach after retirement.
Watson has worked with special needs students through the Life and Leisure Class, YHS Partners Club and Special Olympics.
He’s volunteered in the community with sports teams, the local food pantry, Christmas With a Cop, and Santa’s Toy Shoppe.
As he prepares for a law enforcement career, Watson plans to learn more about leadership and management techniques, while developing good judgment and patience.
“I want to be a good role model and whether it’s as a police detective, teacher or coach, I am confident I can make a difference,” Watson said.
DAVID DeLOERA: DeLoera will study biochemistry and the University of Central Oklahoma. His career goal is to become a registered nurse.
“I would like to help not only the clients that I see when I am working in public health, but offer support to those within the community who may not be able to seeking medical attention that they need. This could be due to financial reasons, social reasons or any other reason …”
As an RN, DeLoera said he could help Yukon and its people by helping with their physical and spiritual needs.
DeLoera has been active at YHS with the band, academic team and National Honor Society. He’s also been a student leader at church.
