SANDPOINT — A remarkable young woman experienced a memorable surprise Wednesday morning, courtesy of KREM-2 News and the Spokane Teachers Credit Union. As students filed into the Sandpoint High School gym for an impromptu assembly, the KREM news crew remained out of sight.

Once the bleachers were full, Tom Albertson, SHS principal, turned over the microphone to reporter Laura Papeti, whose appearance caused a murmur of excitement to ripple through the crowd. Papeti briefly explained the Credit 4 Kids program, which is sponsored by the television station and STCU. 

When she announced the award-winning student's name, the crowd went wild, and recipient Emma Weisz hurried across the gym floor. She wore a look of disbelief, her hands to her cheeks in surprise.

Representatives from SCTU awarded Weisz a $500 check made out to her alma mater. She, along with five other award winners from regional high schools, will compete to win a $5,000 grand prize for SHS in her name. 

The Credit 4 Kids Contest seeks to honor outstanding students in public schools throughout Idaho and Washington. During the nomination period, residents of either state may enter the name of a student in grades 7-12, and an independent panel of judges selects individual winners from October through the end of the school year. The panel designates a grand prize winner from the six individual award recipients by May 31, according to STCU.

Although the prize money goes to his or her school, each student receives gift cards totaling $70 in value. During the selection process, judges consider a nominee's character and commitment to the community in terms of activities and volunteerism.

Weisz, vice president of the Honor Flight Club at SHS, volunteers her time to support the Honor Flight Network, which sends veterans to Washington D.C. to visit their respective war memorials. Weisz and her fellow club members also created wreaths they placed at War Memorial Field to honor local veterans.

"I joined to help send veterans to their memorial and honor those who fought for our country. I stayed in this club because of my grandfather. After he saw my name in the newspaper, he told me that he was very proud of me. He told me dozens of stories that even my grandmother never heard before," she said. "I am greatly gratified in my life, because I can give back to my grandfather and other who fought for my rights."

Weisz's parents, Sandy and Gary, were on hand to join the school in celebrating their daughter.

"We are very proud of her," said her father.