Live music filled the air as the sun slowly set against a backdrop of lively cornhole games and guests relaxing and enjoying the yard at The House, a popular eatery in Show Low on the evening of May 16. It was the perfect setting for a family meal and gathering to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s NPC On The House Scholarship recipients.
Chris and Michelle Corbin, owners of The House restaurant recognized four students for their academic accomplishments by providing generous scholarships of $2,200 ($1,100 each semester) to local high school seniors who will attend Northland Pioneer College (NPC). This is the fourth year in a row that the Corbins, in partnership with NPC Friends and Family, the nonprofit organization that supports NPC students, have provided the scholarships “On The House.” Chris Corbin, a native of the White Mountains, is particularly interested in investing in and supporting local students in their pursuit of a college education. The House provides these much-needed scholarships to graduating seniors from Blue Ridge, Show Low, and Snowflake high schools each year. “Chris’s desire to give back to the community by nurturing the efforts of students and their families is evident,” said Betsyann Wilson, NPC Friends and Family executive director. “Every year, in addition to providing generous scholarships, Chris and Michelle and the staff at The House treat the students, their families and friends, and NPC to a complimentary dinner at The House restaurant. They refuse to accept even one cent towards the event. It’s incredible. They are true friends to NPC and champions for students and families in our community,” she said.
Kami Ellsworth of Blue Ridge High School is one of this year’s NPC On The House winners. Ellsworth graduated in the top 10% of her class this spring and was ranked the 15th highest academically out of 160 graduating seniors. Having taken the opportunity to complete dual enrollment classes at NPC during her high school career, Ellsworth is well on her way to earning her associate’s degree in business. She plans to continue her studies and hopes to graduate from NPC next spring. She wants to own a wedding and event-planning business one day. Ellsworth has three younger siblings and with limited family financial resources, will have to pay for her education on her own. On top of juggling her studies, she works part-time at the Hallmark store in Pinetop to save every penny she can. This summer, in addition to taking courses at NPC, she plans to work at Pinetop Country Club as a server and save money for her education expenses. “This scholarship means so much to me and will keep me on track with my education at NPC without going into debt,” she said.
Fellow NPC On The House scholarship awardee Trevor Klein is also a 2024 graduate of Blue Ridge High School. Klein is studying to become a lawyer and wants to focus on elder law. He feels that he can best serve others by advocating for the rights of those who may be unable to do so due to their age. He plans to study business at NPC on a pre-law pathway, attain his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, and then attend law school at the University of Michigan. Klein has been involved in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) student group at the national competitive level and is an avid chess player. “I am grateful to Chris Corbin and The House Restaurant for the scholarship they so generously gave me,” he said. “I’d also like to thank Betsyann Wilson from NPC Friends and Family for helping me with the whole process. It was kind of a rollercoaster and she is really good with communication. I appreciate her help. I plan to make the most of what I am given, pursue my passion for law, and take every opportunity that allows me to mold myself into a better person,” he said.
For Kenli Gardner of Snowflake High School, the NPC On The House Scholarship is her ticket to becoming a radiologist. Gardner happened across the field of radiology unexpectedly. She was never interested in the medical field, but after seeing a video on ultrasound technology, she decided it looked like a good career path. She immediately began to plan her future. She set out to take as many dual enrollment classes through NPC as she could during her senior year to prep for an Associate of Science degree at NPC. Upon completion, she hopes to enroll in Gateway Community College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Radiology Technology program. She also plans to get certified for mammography. “The NPC On The House Scholarship will enable me to achieve my goals and further my education,” she said.
Show Low High School’s NPC On The House scholarship recipient is Brynlynn Lang. Lang is also a planner. “I have put a lot of time and effort into my future and my education to set myself up for success,” she said. After researching schools and programs around the state, she decided NPC was the place to pursue her passion for caring for others. With the help of the NPC On The House Scholarship, Lang will begin taking the prerequisites for NPC’s nursing program this summer and fall. “I have always doubted myself and never thought I would be able to do something like nursing,” she said. “But I have chosen to trust myself and my hard work and passion for helping others. This scholarship will help me focus on my education, so I am not stressed and overworked trying to pay for college.”
“Students like these, who show enthusiasm, dedication, and promise, and friends like Chris and Michelle, who so tangibly demonstrate their belief in them by providing these terrific scholarships, are truly what community is all about,” said Wilson. “The student’s excitement and appreciation were a heartwarming testimony to the support of their families, the backing of their high school teachers, NPC professors, and staff, and particularly to the kindness and generosity of the Corbins and The House restaurant, whose desire to give back to the communities they serve will continue to enrich local students for years to come.”
