This summer, four very intelligent and motivated students from San Juan High School were accepted into BYU’s “Summer Of Academic Refinement,” or SOAR program! They are Jeannie Kirk, Cassi Hosler, Kimber Mitchell and Paige Benally.

 SOAR is open to juniors in the San Juan School District.  The cost of the program this year was $225 for five days at Brigham Young University.  The students participated in ACT preparation, a ropes course, financial aid information, banquet and dance, among other activities. They met other students from all over the United States.

For juniors to be eligible to apply for SOAR, they must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and be a U.S. citizen.  All four young women felt that SOAR was a very positive and worthwhile experience.  

Cassi said, “SOAR was awesome!  I was given the chance to experience and interact with many different kids from many different cultures.  I was able to somewhat ‘taste’ the life of a real college student.  It was a great opportunity and I will never forget the dance!”

Jeannie is the daughter of Ron and Katy Kirk, Cassi is the daughter of Bret and Pam Hosler, and Kimber’s parents are Ike and LouNell Chamberlain all of Blanding; and Paige is the daughter of Davis and Elsie Benally of Montezuma Creek.

Juniors interested in applying for SOAR should see their school counselor.