ST. GEORGE — The St. George Business Alliance (SGBA) recognized St. George resident and Oceanside High School senior Julia Kurr as the first recipient of a $1,000 SGBA scholarship at Oceanside's Awards Night on Thursday evening, May 31. Jake Miller, SGBA Vice President, presented the award on behalf of the SGBA Board of Directors and Scholarship Selection Committee.

Julia was one of seven deserving seniors from St. George who applied for the SGBA scholarship. Selection Committee member Josh McPhail, a teacher at St. George MSU, noted that the committee's decision "focused on the clarity of the students' goals, the strength of their past and present experiences, and the greatest overall need." In selecting Julia for the award, the committee recognized her academic excellence, student leadership and outstanding commitment to the community.

During her years at Oceanside, Julia took courses at the Mid-Coast School of Technology and the University of Maine at Rockland. She is CPR-certified and currently working toward certification as an EMT and CNA.

Most recently, she shadowed a physical and occupational therapist at Pen Bay Medical Center through Trekker's Leap Internship Program. A member of Trekkers since 7th grade, Julia joined its Student Leadership Program in 2016. "I have seen her face tough personal situations with strength, loyalty and respect," noted a Trekkers program manager. "Julia is one of the most impressive young women I have had the privilege of working with. She knows how to dig deep, not give up and make decisions that further her future."

These qualities seem to have helped Julia succeed as an Honor Student, a volunteer, a peer mentor, an athletic team member, and as a responsible, trusted employee working for several area businesses.

Julia plans to attend Southern Maine Community College in South Portland for two years then transfer to a university to complete her Bachelor of Science degree. Her goal is to work in a hospital as a CNA during college and pursue a career in the medical field.

The SGBA is a local non-profit trade association of business owners, professionals, artists, non- profit community organizations and residents working together to promote business and cultural prosperity in St. George. With more than 120 members living and/or doing business in St. George, the SGBA recognizes that education is key to our community's success. The organization is honored to be able to award this scholarship to assist a very deserving St. George student as she begins her first semester of college in the fall of 2018.

For more information, please contact SGBA President Sandra Hall at 372-8589, email SGBA at stgba2012@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.stgeorgebusinessalliance.com.