PARK CITY, UT – On the morning of June 3, the Park City High School Class of 2025 gathered with family, friends, and local leaders at the Eccles Center for the annual Community Scholarship Awards Program. Hosted by PCHS Scholarship Coordinator Pepper Elliott and announced by PCCAPS Director Adrienne Woolley, the ceremony honored more than 100 students with scholarships totaling $225,000, made possible entirely through community contributions.

The event was a powerful reminder of how deeply Park City believes in its youth. Scholarships were presented by families, service organizations, and local businesses, many accompanied by emotional tributes and personal stories.

Among the many moving moments was a speech by PCHS alumni and staff member Holly Huggins, who created a scholarship, “Let’s get Cozy,” in memory of her identical twin sister, who passed away suddenly. 

“When I lost Cozy, I asked, ‘What do I do? How do I honor her?” said Huggins. “Then it occurred to me, memorial benches are just for [behinds]. Scholarships are for people.” 

Huggins added that the student receiving the award, Summer Carter, seemed like “one of the coolest people there is,” and expressed confidence that she would carry forward Cozy’s legacy of kindness and caring about others.

Another poignant moment came from Anna Martinez Williams, a longtime PCHS teacher, who presented the Layla Martinez Memorial Scholarship, honoring her mother’s 35-year career as an educator. The award supports first-generation students pursuing careers in education, law, or social justice. 

“My mom taught hundreds of first graders how to read,” Williams said. “She believed deeply in the power of education.” Williams delivered part of her remarks in Spanish, addressing students directly: “Felicitades chicos. Sigan persiguiendo sus sueños y manteniéndose fieles a ustedes mismos.” (Congratulations, students. Keep pursuing your dreams and staying true to yourselves.)

Layla Martinez Memorial Scholarship recipients include: Lilian Colmenero, Javier Chavez Olivias, Ricardo Sanchez Berudez, Brian Rea Juarez, Gabriela Rodriguez Carreco.

PCHS teacher Michelle Stratton presented Jason Broadway and Forest Summers with the Tanner Stratton Memorial Aviation Scholarship in memory of her son, reminding students of the wonder and passion he had for flight: “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward… for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

The Paul Hewett Memorial Scholarship, awarded in honor of the late Park City Fire Chief, was presented to Morgan Heavrin. The donor noted that the Chief strongly believed in the value of supporting “homegrown” students interested in giving back to their community, especially in public service, such as the Fire Department.

The ceremony also recognized the involvement of the entire Park City community. Christina Miller, of the Park City Rotary Club, explained how their signature fundraiser, “Running of the Balls,” helps fund multiple scholarships.

“We roll 2,000 rubber balls down Main Street, and thanks to this town’s generosity, we get to give $15,000 back to our students,” said Miller.  “It’s service above self, and that’s the spirit of Park City.” 

The Park City Rotary Interact Scholarships were awarded to Rachel Roderick, Sophia Azzarro, Kaitlyn Hoffman, Katherine Costello, Sophia Mueller, and Abigail Bailey.

Alumni scholarships sponsored by all four elementary school PTOs honored the journey from kindergarten to graduation, emphasizing the continuity of support through every step of a student’s education.

As one donor told students, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Don’t waste it.” That spirit of encouragement and community investment echoed through every speech, handshake, and hug, reflected in the proud faces of families and the many supporters who helped guide these students along the way.

The Community Scholarship Awards affirm that, in Park City, the strongest futures are rooted in community.

 

Click here for the full list of students who received a community scholarship.