COEUR d’ALENE - As a parent, Chief Allan knows the cost of higher education. He knows of the hard work it takes to succeed.

So during the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s annual Top Scholars Upbeat Breakfast on Tuesday at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Allan, chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, made what he called a spur of the moment decision.

“Everybody that got a scholarship today for $1,000, we’re going to bump that up another $1,000, so everybody is getting $2,000,” Allan announced. His comment was followed by a standing ovation from the crowd of about 350.

That meant the tribe was pitching in another $52,000 for 52 of the area’s top high school grads - on top of its commitment to match 26 $1,000 scholarship donated to the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber Education Committee’s annual scholarship program.

“We’re all in the business of helping people,” Allan said afterward. “That’s why I did it.”

The 90-minute program put the spotlight on education and the business community’s investment in students.

The Top Scholars Program recognizes top seniors from Coeur d’Alene area high schools. Each year, local businesses sign up to provide $1,000 scholarships that are awarded to high school seniors for post-secondary education.

Scholarships increased from a total of $5,000 last year to $104,000.

Students were blown away.

“It’s so incredible to see how much our community values us as students and how invested they are in our future,” said Ava Munyer of Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy.

She said students appreciate the acts of “pure generosity and pure kindness” of all the sponsors.

“Celebrating students, celebrating education. I hope that will never end in this community,” Munyer said. “I hope it continues to grow.”

Vanessa Dimberg of Lake City High School said she’s looking to attend North Idaho College and has found it’s expensive. The scholarship funds will make a big difference.

“It’s amazing,” she said.

Amy Wise, a fourth-grade teacher at Atlas Elementary School, was named the chamber’s Teacher of the Year and gave a brief talk. She called on students to be compassionate, strive for excellence and share their talents.

“Go forth and conquer and remember that conquer means serve,” she said.

Rocky Owens, chair of the chamber’s education committee, said the students have unlimited potential.

“Doesn’t the future look bright?” he said.

Joey Maben of Lake City High School said she and fellow grads appreciate educators who make learning fun and meaningful.

“Thank you for believing in us and investing in our future,” she said.

Mayah Reitze of Coeur d’Alene High School said she's been thinking about how lucky the students are to be raised in “such a special place.”

She said teachers and administrators “worked tirelessly to help us succeed. They navigated politics and pandemics to help us feel a sense of stability.

“We live in a community that truly values and cares about us,” she said.

Linda Coppess, CEO/president of the CDA Regional Chamber, said she was “blown away by the generosity of our businesses."

At one point, Coppess asked students and teachers to stand.

“These people standing before you, they need our help,” she said.

A strong education system is a must to create a talented future workforce so businesses already here can thrive and more businesses will come so students can work and live in their hometown, Coppess said.

“Without it we will all feel the impact," she said. "Not just today, but in our future. Every one of us has the power to help.”

Cole Jaworski of Coeur d’Alene High said he's pleased to be among those honored.

“It instills a lot of pride that I’m from this community and they want to invest in us," he said. “It shows the community has a lot of faith in us."