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Midvale Journal

Hillcrest High graduate awarded foundation college scholarship

Aug 29, 2017 09:42AM ● By Jana Klopsch

Hillcrest High’s Danielle Coccimiglio, left, leads the pack during the state cross country meet in October 2016. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

By Julie Slama  |  [email protected]

This fall, Hillcrest High graduate Danielle Coccimiglio may be enrolled in nursing classes at Salt Lake Community College, thanks to the help of the Canyons Education Foundation.

Danielle, who ultimately would like to earn her bachelor’s in nursing, received the Canyons Education Foundation’s $1,000 Bright Star scholarship.

“I love to help people and studying the body interests me,” she said. 

Danielle was one of six students who were awarded scholarships based on their abilities to overcome some difficulties in their lives, said Foundation Officer Laura Barlow.

“We awarded the scholarships to students who we see a difference in their life, whether it’s improving their grades, or overcoming a trial in their lives,” Barlow said. “Many students have a need and through the scholarship, we hope we’re able to help them succeed in their future.”

This is the second year Canyons Education Foundation has awarded scholarships.

Danielle said she was encouraged to apply for the scholarship by school counselors, John Oliver and Nicole Huff.

“I was told I may be a good candidate for this scholarship,” she said. “I’ve been a counselor’s aide and they know about me.”

Danielle has been an honor roll student and a standout runner on the school’s cross country and track teams despite her mother having some health issues and her dad moving away that resulted in her living with her aunt and uncle. 

“They’ve been like my parents, helping to feed me, buy clothes, pay school fees, and my grandparents have been super supportive,” she said.

While being committed to her grades and sports, Danielle has worked part time to pay for her own bills such as a cell phone, health insurance and car insurance. So she knew with college, she could use assistance.

“I expect myself to pay for things for me, so I was really surprised, just thrown off, when I learned I got the scholarship. I am just blown away and appreciative. It’s my first scholarship ever,” she said.

She said that the $1,000 will help her to pay for books and fees to study health sciences.

At her school’s senior awards night, the scholarship information was presented to her in front of her peers. She also was awarded a large cardboard check at the Canyons Education Foundation Spring Gala.

At the gala, other Bright Star winners were recognized — Jennifer Pomeroy, from Alta High; Cassandra Hatcher, from Brighton High; Hailee Thorn, from Corner Canyon High; and Ismael Zarate-Guillen, from Jordan High. Alta High’s Vinnie Vala’au received the Rising Star Scholarship.