Dolata, Miller receive Knight Citizenship Award scholarships

Since 1974, the Valley City Community Group and its predecessors have awarded this scholarship to a graduating Buckeye High senior residing in Liverpool Township.

The $2,000 scholarship is presented annually by the Valley City Community Group and funded through proceeds from Valley City festivals and events. It is awarded to the student who best exemplifies the ideal Buckeye student – one who demonstrates academic excellence while balancing school activities, helping others and contributing to community projects. This year, two scholarships are being awarded to Buckeye High School seniors Turner Dolata and Claire Miller.

A dedicated community volunteer, Dolata actively supports the Valley City Frog Jump, Buckeye Youth Football and Unified Champions, a sports league serving students with disabilities. Throughout his four years at Buckeye, he has shown leadership both on and off the field as a leader in football and basketball. Committed to giving back, Dolata consistently volunteers his time to support others and strengthen local programs. Following graduation, he plans to pursue degrees in construction management and business management at a college yet to be selected.

A committed student leader and community volunteer, Miller has been an active participant in Buckeye volleyball and a member of the varsity program for three years, while also volunteering and coaching youth volleyball camps. She serves as president of the Buckeye Student Visionary Program’s Student Advisory Panel, where she has helped design a new school building and worked to improve the overall environment for current students. Miller has also participated in the Valley City Frog Jump, sharing the role of Mayor Froggington. Following graduation, she will attend the University of South Carolina to major in civil engineering.

VCCG directors surprised the recipients at their homes on April 15, where they were presented with scholarship checks and plaques recognizing their achievement. Their names will also be added to the Buckeye Academic Showcase. The formal award presentation will take place April 23 during the Buckeye “Night of Excellence” ceremony at Grace Baptist Church in Brunswick.