Allegiance Family Foundation Scholarship Recipients

This program was a great success in 2008. We hope to renew our partnership with the Allegiance soon. Check back for more information.

Five 2008 graduates from Missoula area high schools each received a $500 college scholarship from the Allegiance Family Foundation.  The Missoula Education Foundation is pleased to have partnered with Allegiance in helping to recognize these wonderful students.

Kali Shay Bennett, the daughter of Rick and Judy Bennett, is a 2008 graduate of Frenchtown High School.  Throughout her four years at Frenchtown High, Kali played softball and volleyball and also was a member of student council and the homecoming committee.  She served as senior class president and pep club president for one year.  For three years, she has volunteered at Dickey Lake Bible Camp.  Kali plans to attend the University of Montana and earn a degree in business. 

Alisa Rae Dvarishkis is the daughter of Dorcie and Mark Dvarishkis of Missoula and a 2008 graduate of Big Sky High School.   Alisa played on Big Sky's varsity soccer team for three years and was a member of the varsity track team for four years.  She sang in both the Treble and Aesirian choirs.  She volunteered as a church school teacher for seven years at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and helped to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House and the Missoula Food Bank.  In the fall, Alisa will continue her education in the Honors College at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. 

Taylor Orion Nordby, a 2008 graduate of Hellgate High School, is the son of Lisa Shull and Mark Nordby of Missoula.  From his freshman through senior years, Taylor played basketball, football and baseball at Hellgate and served as captain of the basketball and football teams.  For three years, he has played baseball in the Missoula Mavericks American Legion Baseball Program.  Taylor plans to attend the University of Montana in the fall. 

Zachary David Thiessen is the son of Elizabeth and Ron Thiessen of Missoula and a 2008 graduate of Sentinel High School.  Throughout high school, Zachary's favorite activity was theater: he was involved in 17 productions at Sentinel and served as president of the thespian troupe in his senior year.  He participated in speech and debate for three years and won the state competition for the "Memorized Public Address" event.  He also served as president of the senior class and the National Honor Society and volunteered for three years as a coach with the Missoula Youth Track program.  Zachary plans to major in theater at the University of Montana and hopes to pursue a career in acting. 

Canyon Parcell, a 2008 graduate of  Seeley-Swan High School, is the son of Robert and Danni Parcell of Condon.  During high school, Canyon participated in football, basketball,and track and also served as a referee for grade-school football and basketball games and assisted with field events at elementary-school track meets.  He  was involved in student government, band, and drama as well.  Canyon will continue his education at Dickinson State University in North Dakota, competing in football and track as he pursues a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. 

Congratulations to these five scholarship recipients, and thanks to Allegiance for making these awards possible!