Smith-Cotton senior Alisa Sonnik was selected as the recipient of the Sedalia 200 district-level John T. Belcher Scholarship.

A news release says Sonnik will receive $250 and moves on to the regional level of the statewide scholarship program, which is sponsored by the Missouri School Boards Association.

According to the MSBA website (mosba.org), MSBA FutureBuilders “established the scholarship program in memory of John T. Belcher, who was instrumental in developing innovative financing programs for Missouri school districts. The learning environment for thousands of Missouri’s public school students improved as a result of his work.”

Each year, one student in each of MSBA’s 17 regions receives a $1,000 scholarship. From the regional winners, a statewide recipient is selected and awarded an additional $1,500.
Applicants are judged on their academic performance, extracurricular activities and an essay.

Photo: During the January 24 Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education meeting, Smith-Cotton senior Alisa Sonnik was recognized as this year’s recipient of the district-level John T. Belcher Scholarship. With Sonnik are School Board President Diana Nichols, left, and Sedalia School District Foundation President Diedre Esquivel. The Foundation provides the $250 local scholarship. (Courtesy of Sedalia School District 200)