Honoring educational perseverance

A new memorial scholarship has been established in loving memory of a local Hill City man honoring his extraordinary perseverance throughout his educational journey and inspiring others to find an educational pathway that leads to success.
The Go Far Foundation announced the launch of the Spencer Coy Sandven Memorial Perseverance Scholarship July 10 on its Facebook page, stating, “This scholarship isn’t just about grades—it’s about recognizing young people who have overcome challenges, kept moving forward and continue to make a positive impact.”
Created to honor the life and legacy of 21-year-old Spencer Coy Sandven who passed away in February of this year, the scholarship will award $500 annually to a student who has demonstrated the same resilience and perseverance that Spencer had shown while pursuing a nontraditional educational pathway. 
“He didn’t have an easy path in school,” said Spencer’s mother, Nicki Coy Sandven.
Spencer faced educational challenges in public school, turning to homeschooling through Penn Foster to receive his diploma. 
“The look on his face when he got his diploma in the mail, it was priceless,” said Sandven. “He was so proud of himself.” 
“We were too,” she added.
Spencer’s journey taught the family that success is not necessarily measured by following a traditional pathway. 
“Success is found in resilience, in refusing to give up and in believing in yourself even when the road is difficult,” as stated on the scholarship application page. 
The scholarship was created to provide an opportunity for students who have “overcome challenges, embraced their unique journey, and remained committed to their goals. It reflects the belief that there is no single path to success and that every student deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment where they can thrive.”
It is intended to support students pursuing non-traditional education such as certification or licensing programs, trade or technical schools, GED programs, apprenticeships, workforce training, homeschooling or to be used for educational supplies and expenses.
“It doesn’t matter where you start. It’s where you finish,” said Sandven. “If you can’t do that at school, that’s fine. You just need to finish.”
Applicants will be evaluated on a 500-750 word personal essay sharing their personal story, perseverance through challenges and future goals. 
“We are not looking for the best writer,” according to the application page. “We are looking for honesty, resilience, determination and hope.”
Applications are due Sept. 1 with the recipient announced mid-September. 
Sandven hopes the scholarship will keep Spencer’s legacy alive while reminding other students that, “Your journey still matters, and you can do it.”