(Editor’s note: BSSG media release)
BILLINGS – The Big Sky State Games has selected Sam George of Senior High School, Emily Poole of Huntley Project High School, Audrey Sipler of Big Sandy High School, and Jessica Swandal of Billings Central Catholic School as the recipients of the 2019 Big Sky State Games Character Counts! Scholarship. The $500 scholarship winners will be recognized at the 34th Annual Big Sky State Games Opening Ceremonies event Friday, July 19.
The winners were selected based on their character, community involvement, and participation in sports. Character Counts! promotes sportsmanship and fosters good character by teaching, enforcing, advocating, and modeling, the “Six Pillars of Character”: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
High school juniors during the 2018-2019 school year were eligible to apply for the scholarship. Selecting students who are finishing their junior year in high school ensures that the winners may be observed as role models during their senior year.
George competed in the Big Sky State Games 3 v 3 soccer in 2016. He is a member of Billings Senior High Honor Roll and the National Honors Society. Sam has played varsity soccer for three years at Senior High School. He volunteers for the Magic City Classic Soccer tournament and the Montana Cleanup.
Poole has participated in Big Sky State Games Track and Field for ten years, Volleyball for 7 years, and Swimming for one year. Emily volunteers as a volleyball coach, basketball coach, and helps with her high school’s clean-up day. She is involved in volleyball, basketball and track and field at Huntley Project High School. Emily is a part of National Honor Society, Student Council, and is an academic all-state selection.
Sipler has participated in the Big Sky State Games dance competition for six years. She is a member of the Big Sandy Honor Roll, Honor Band, and Academic All-State for cheerleading. Audrey volunteers at the local hospital and teaches dance to young children in her community
Swandal is a nine year Big Sky State Games participant in the Figure Skating competition. She is a coach for the Figure Skating Club in Billings. Jessica is also a cheerleader for Billings Central High School. She volunteers at her church and has been on two missions where she demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities.
