Sophia Goedert, MHS alumnae, is the 2021 Meeker Classic scholarship recipient. | COURTESY PHOTO
MEEKER | Each year the “Meeker Classic Memorial Scholarship” is dedicated in honor and memory of exemplary individuals that have been involved with the Meeker Classic, but have now passed away. The recipient of the 2021 Meeker Classic Scholarship is awarded the scholarship this year–the 2021 scholarship is in honor of Connie Theos, local sheep producer and industry advocate.
The Meeker Classic Scholarship is awarded to Meeker High School graduates that continue their education in a two-year trade school, two-year associate degree or four-year college or university. The award is made students in the second year of their studies.
Sophia Goedert has been selected as the 2021 Meeker Classic Scholarship recipient from a field of highly qualified applicants. Her current and past volunteer efforts distinguish Sophia as a worthy recipient of the Meeker Classic Scholarship. Currently, she is studying at George Washington University to receive a BFA in Photojournalism.
An active volunteer while growing up in Meeker – Sophia learned that giving of yourself can make a difference in your life, the lives of others and in your community. Hers was a familiar face at the Meeker Classic–spending countless hours in the concession stand and the art reception.
Sophia remembers her volunteer days at the Meeker Classic, “I started volunteering when I was pretty young, always helping in the back of the concession stand, preparing plates with hamburgers or hot dog buns for the customers. At the time, however, I was too short to reach the window where food and orders would get passed to and from the cooks, so someone who I was working with made me a little step stool out of the crates used to hold food. From there on out, every year I came back, a little step stool would always be made for me until I could finally reach the window or until I started working in the front of the stand taking orders.”
Growing up, Sophia also volunteered for HopeWest in Meeker and served as a guest contributor and intern at the Rio Blanco Herald Times. Taking her rural roots with her to George Washington University, Sophia soon became the Assistant Editor for the Health & Sciences beat at school newspaper, the Hatchet. Looking back, joining the paper was the highlight of her first year in college because it allowed her to grow her journalistic skills, connect with a great group of people and begin making connections within George Washington University.
A gifted photographer with strong interpersonal skills, Sophia leaves her mark in all that she does. Giving to those around her has become second nature. We congratulate Sophia on her accomplishments and wish her well in all her endeavors as she follows her dreams. You can see some of Sophia’s photography work at www.sophiagoedertphotography.com. You will see that she has an uncanny ability to capture the ordinary in everyday life and make it extraordinary.
Goedert is currently attending George Washington University in Washington, D.C. | COURTESY PHOTO
Applicants are awarded based on their community involvement and volunteer activities. The Meeker Classic wants to help build the next generation of volunteers, and we believe this scholarship is a small step towards achieving that goal.
The Meeker Classic thanks all scholarship applicants for their interest in the scholarship program and their belief in the value of volunteering. We admire the commitment and discipline they exhibit in pursuing their educational aspirations. We wish all absolute best in your future endeavors and hope life becomes all you want it to be! The Meeker Classic is proud to award the 2021 scholarship to Sophia Goedert.
Special to the Herald Times
