"Here Comes the Sun"
by Sue Orsen

The Victoria Chamber of Commerce presented scholarships to Victoria youth at a ceremony June 30.  The students, center, l-r:  Sarah Muller, Ben Wiggins, Erik Olson.  Chamber members particularly involved in the award, l-r:  Matt Koivisto, Laura Wood, Darryl Wrolson, Jeff Hartman.

It has been called "a new springtime" as well as "a breath of fresh air."
This generation of young people could indeed be part of the dew that will feed new growth in a society continuing to reach for the sun since its earliest beginnings.
This generation of young people could indeed supply part of the oxygen that will breathe new life into age-old truths which rise to life in the light of a new day. 
Four Victoria graduates each received a $1,000 Victoria scholarship this year.  Three of them were awarded by the Victoria Chamber of Commerce through proceeds from the annual Touch of Bavaria and other fundraising events and activities. 
The fourth, the Eric J. Wilhoit Scholarship, was named in honor of a young man who died in an automobile accident in October, 1996, two years after he graduated from Chaska High School.  He was the son of John and Terry Wilhoit of Victoria.
In meeting the recipients of these scholarships, and speaking with them, one noticed an impressive kindness and maturity, a respectful demeanor and gracious way.  In looking into their bright eyes, one couldn't help but think, "Here Comes the Sun!"
Hints of a new springtime and breath of fresh air are also evident in some of the words of these 18-year-olds.
Sarah Muller:  "My parents taught me that it is very important to be polite to everyone."
Erik Olson:  "A person's friends play a big part in determining who they are."
Ben Wiggins:  "I'm an honest individual who watches out for other people.  I'm a very loyal friend."
Nicole Berger:  "I would tell children to use common sense and don't put your-self in a possibly dangerous situation."
As they are about to set off on a whole new adventure away from home and family, their academic achievement, their good teachers, consideration for others, and especially their good parents will serve them well.
Questions posed to them by
The Victoria Gazette were related to their high school experience, home experience, and thoughts for the future. 

$1,000 Chamber Scholarship
Sarah Muller, 18
1438 - 82nd Street
Victoria, MN 55386
Graduate of Chaska High School.
Parents.  Bob, Financial Manager.  Margaret, Teacher Assistant.
Plans.  University of St. Thomas, MN.  Major in International Business.
#1) Best high school teacher(s).  "I had many great teachers in high school, but my three favorite teachers were Jamie Crannell (Chemistry), Amy Hallberg (German), and Susan Schierts (Language Arts).  Each of these teachers was very passionate about what they taught.  They were very knowledgeable in their subject and very enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge with students."
#2)
Excited/nervous about college.  "I am excited about living on campus, becoming involved in new activities, and meeting new people.  I am nervous about the study workload."
#3)
Envision life at 30.  "At the age of 30 I hope that I will be married and have kids.  I would also like to have a job that would allow me to do a little travel-ing."
#4)
A million dollar gift.  "I would take my family on a trip to Europe, invest some of the money, and give some of the money to charity."
#5)
To young children.  "I would ad-vise young children to remain chemically free.  I think you are distracted from your goals when you become a part of sub-stance abuse."
#6)
Learned in high school.  "To take a step back and enjoy what you are doing because time flies by quicker than you think.  I also learned that it is important to take advantage of opportunities that are outside of your comfort zone."
#7)
Your best qualities.  "I think my best qualities are that I am hardworking, honest, and open-minded."
#8) W
hat others would say.  "I think others would say I am a good listener, friendly, and trustworthy."
#9)
Your parents.  "My parents have taught me to never give up or quit, and that it is very important to be polite to everyone.  I admire that they are very positive and encouraging.  They have always been very supportive."
#10)
Impressive people.  "I am very impressed with Nelson Mandela because he has done so much with his life.  He has become the international sign of the anti-apartheid.  He was the first black presi-dent of South Africa and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993."

Click here to continue Scholarship Story.

Sue@VictoriaGazette.com