Student receives scholarships

As one door in life closes, another is about to open for Laura Harris.

Harris, who recently graduated from Green River High School, now has her sights set on attending college and pursing her goals.

In the fall, Harris is planning on going to the University of Utah to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business and art.

She would then like to obtain a master’s degree in ceramics from Alfred University: School of Art and Design in New York.

Harris has visions of working for a corporation during the day; and possibly selling her ceramics online as a side business. At least, that’s the plan for now. Harris knows all to well that plans can change.

For those who know Harris’ ceramic skills, her choice to pursue an art degree is not surprising.

“I just went to state art and received a scholarship there,” Harris said.

Harris submitted 20 pieces of functional ceramics in the Wyoming Art Show. Some of those pieces included, jars, vases, bowls, cups and plates.

“Out of the 20 I took, 14 got ribbons, so that was good,” Harris said. 

She then submitted the ceramics in the Green River High School art show. At this show three of the six that did not receive awards at state, were given ribbons at the high school’s art show.

Ceramic making was something that did not come easy for Harris. During her freshman year, she took a pottery class.

“I was not good at it,” she said. “I was probably the worst in the class.”

She said her teacher Shane Steiss continued to push her to take more classes.

“He’s definitely a role model,” she said. “He definitely helped me get to where I am today.”

During her sophomore year, Harris took advanced pottery.

“It was really difficult my sophomore year,” Harris said. “My work really wasn’t great that year.”

Her junior year wasn’t the best either, however, during her senior year, Harris started to excel at ceramics.

“I really love it, but it was definitely a struggle at the beginning,” she said.

Scholarships 

Not only has Harris obtained scholarships through the University of Utah, but she has also earned a couple of pretty prestigious scholarships.

Harris received a $1,000 Wyoming Art scholarship at the Wyoming Art Competition.

She will receive also receive a $1,000 Prudential Spirit of the Community scholarship. Only two students from each state were selected for this scholarship. Harris stood out for all of her community service and volunteer work.

According to Prudential’s website http://spirit.prudential.com, “(Harris) has helped raise a great deal of money to grant wishes for dozens of sick children in her state, makes blankets for newborns in foster care, and does chores for veterans who need help. Laura was born with a heart defect and was not expected to live to see her 10th birthday. But thanks to experimental surgery, Laura is not only alive, but has dedicated herself to helping others.”

After Harris’s brother returned home with a traumatic brain injury, she decided to help veterans, too, the website states. She urges veterans who need help to contact her. She has planted flowers for them, mowed lawns, cleaned houses, cooked meals and simply visited with those who are lonely.

Another scholarship Harris received was for $22,000 over her four years of college from the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.

“These annual awards recognize exceptional leaders as new members – all with a commitment to philanthropy and higher education – who have overcome significant personal challenges to achieve success.

Students who receive the Horatio Alger scholarship are recognized for their admirable commitment to continue their education and serve their communities despite facing great adversity,” a media release from the association states.

Harris went to Washington D.C., to meet the other 106 national scholars and members of the association.

“It was an amazing honor. I’m not going to lie,” Harris said. “The coolest part wasn’t the money or the gifts we received, it was the people we met.”

Harris said she felt like she had made some real connections with people and will probably remain in contact with them.

“Once you’re in, it’s like a lifelong membership,” Harris said.

She said some of the stories recipients shared were hard to image.

For example, one recipient was homeless most of his life, yet managed to obtain good grades and be a real inspiration at his school.

Harris said compared to him, she just felt like a normal person, however, she also had to face many adversities in her life, including numerous health problems when she was a child.

She also had a relative who struggled with alcoholism and one that struggled with depression. 

Despite this, Harris continued to excel in her education when she was home schooled; and when she attended public schools.

With all of the scholarships Harris has received, her first year of college is covered. 

“It’s just nice because of our financial difficulties at home I won’t have to worry too much about it,” Harris said.

Harris is has 11 siblings and money can get tight at times. Harris is happy about the scholarships, but still humble.

“It was really just and honor to be a part of these organizations,” she said.