Scholarship donors and recipients come together for annual Star Night

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Foundation brought together scholarship donors and recipients last week for its annual Star Night event.

The Foundation hosts Star Night each year to celebrate both donor generosity and student excellence. The event also provides an opportunity for donors and their recipients to meet each other and make meaningful connections.

This year, the Foundation awarded nearly $250,000 in scholarships to students. Funds came from various donors and from supporters of the Foundation’s annual Cellarbration! for Education scholarship fundraiser.

Big Bend Veteran Resource Officer and scholarship recipient Jim Leland spoke about the impact those scholarships will have on himself and his fellow students.

“Pursuing higher education isn’t always convenient, and your generosity helps us overcome some of the obstacles in the way,” he said.

Leland shared how he returned to school after being laid off from his previous job. He is now pursuing an Unmanned Systems degree with the goal of owning his own aerial drone business.

Leland said each and every one of his fellow scholarship recipients also have similar hopes of bettering their lives through education. And thanks to the many scholarship donors, they are able to do so.

“None of this would be possible without the support of selfless individuals and organizations going ‘We believe in you and what you represent and will help you along the way,” said Leland. “So thank you for believing in us.”

Attendees also heard from former BBCC Director of Financial Aid Jeremy Iverson that night, who spoke about the importance of seizing opportunities.