BONNERS FERRY — It was sweet news all around at the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club’s ice cream social on May 15. 

All attendees received a tasty desert and 13 college students were awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships. The event was well attended, with recipients and their families gathering to celebrate the awards. 

Scholarships ranged from $500 to $1,000 and were awarded by judges. 

Ahead of the event, Rotary asked each recipient four questions to learn more about the students receiving scholarships. 

The questions included: 

• What is your favorite hobby and how does it represent you?  

• What is your strongest skill or strength that has contributed to your success?  

• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?  

• What do you believe is the greatest gift you can provide to your community?  

“Rotarians believe in service above self, and tonight reflects the hard work of our group,” Rotary President Sandy Johnstone said. “Rotarians work tirelessly each year to sponsor community events and fundraisers so they can support various needs and the scholarships being handed out tonight. We are presenting $10,000 in scholarships and cannot wait to hear about the future success of our recipients.” 

Johnstone said the event was special because the club got to honor the 2026 scholarship recipients, noting the Rotary Club was honored to present the awards. Johnstone also thanks the judges for their time and dedication. 

The first scholarship was awarded to Damon Madson, who received $1,000. Madson attends the University of Idaho and is studying accounting. 

Matthew McCabe received a $1,000 scholarship. He plans to attend Boise State University and pursue a career in STEM and computer science.

Garrick Patty received a $500 scholarship. He plans to attend Lewis-Clark State College and study fire service technology. Patty became a volunteer firefighter at age 16 with the Paradise Valley Fire Department and currently serves as a public safety officer for Lewis-Clark State College.

Emma Lucas received a $1,000 scholarship. She plans to continue her education at Liberty University, studying clinical mental health counseling. 

Avery Bayer received a $500 scholarship. She will enter her junior year at Idaho State University, pursuing a degree in elementary education with a minor in special education. Bayer also plays golf and recently competed in the NCAA Big Sky Championships. 

Hailey Dickson was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She plans to attend Lewis-Clark State College to study nursing. 

Joselyn Cartwright received a $500 scholarship. She intends to attend Boise State University to pursue a business degree. 

Gabriel Lewandowski received a $1,000 scholarship. He plans to pursue theology and biblical studies at New St. Andrews or Western Reformed Seminary.

Braylyn Bayer received a $1,000 scholarship. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sports coaching leadership at Weber State University. Bayer is a member of the women’s golf team and recently competed in the NCAA Big Sky Championships. 

Morgan Tye received a $500 scholarship. Tye will be a sophomore at the University of Idaho majoring in architecture with a minor in interior architecture and design. 

Ethan Hubbard received a $500 scholarship. He is currently a senior at BYU-Idaho and is pursuing a degree in automotive engineering technology. 

Sydney Hinthorn was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She attends Boise State University and is pursuing a K-12 physical education and health degree. 

Brooke Petesch received a $500 scholarship. She attends the University of Idaho and is pursuing a degree in recreation, sport and tourism management.