On the evening of May 1, against a backdrop of lively cornhole games, children cheerfully playing in the lush grassy yard, and the rich magnetic melodies of well-known musician Ryan David Orr, students gathered with their friends and families for a meal “on the house” courtesy of The House restaurant and owners Chris and Michelle Corbin. It was the perfect setting for a community gathering to celebrate the accomplishments of students who have been awarded scholarships to Northland Pioneer College (NPC) from The House restaurant, KGJ Roofing, and the Darrin Reed Foundation for the upcoming 25-26 school year.
A native of the White Mountains, Chris Corbin is passionate about giving back to the community. He is particularly interested in investing in and supporting local students in their pursuit of a college education. This is the fifth consecutive year he and his wife, Michelle, have awarded scholarships to local high school seniors on behalf of The House to continue their studies at NPC. The House restaurant provides scholarships to graduating seniors from Blue Ridge, Show Low, and Snowflake high schools. “Chris’s desire to give back to the community by nurturing the efforts of students and their families is evident,” said Betsyann Wilson, NPC Friends and Family executive director. “His generosity is incredible. In addition to the scholarships, Chris, Michelle, and the staff at The House treat the students, their families, friends, and the other scholarship donors to a complimentary dinner. They refuse to let anyone pay even a penny for the meal. They are true friends to NPC and champions for students, families, and our community,” she said.
In addition to the NPC On The House scholarships, this year Kenny Garvin, owner of KGJ Roofing, also provided a scholarship to a well-deserving NPC student. Garvin has a genuine interest in seeing local students succeed by learning a trade or a skill. “I am all about growing our own,” he said. For him, success is when a student can learn something they love to do, pour their heart and soul into doing it, and successfully create a career working in the community. As such, the KGJ Roofing scholarship covers the cost for a student to attend NPC in a career or technical education field. The generous scholarship of $3,000 ($1,500 each semester) is awarded to a graduating senior from any of the following area high schools: Alchesay, Blue Ridge, Holbrook, Mogollon, Round Valley, Saint Johns, Show Low, Snowflake, or Winslow. It covers tuition, books, and fees for students interested in pursuing careers in fields like automotive technology, welding, behavioral health, law enforcement, industrial technology, nursing, paramedicine, business, and more.
Joining the effort, the Darrin Reed Foundation also awarded scholarships to NPC students during the awards ceremony. Founded in memory of the late Show Low Police Officer Darrin L. Reed, the non-profit has a longstanding tradition of giving back to the community. Each year, the foundation awards at least seven scholarships, totaling $18,000 or more, to local students. Since 2017, the foundation has awarded over $97,000 to students from across the White Mountains. The foundation also supports local first responders with funding that they can access in critical instances to assist people in their times of need and to ensure that local agencies have the tools and knowledge required to protect our communities.
Taking home the NPC On The House scholarships were awardees, Korbyn Greenwood of Show Low High School, Blue Ridge High School senior Alexander Judd, and Salvador Kreuger of Snowflake High School.
Korbyn Greenwood is a dedicated student with a passion for helping others and is on a clear path to become a registered travel nurse. Since the age of 14, he has worked full-time while attending high school, where he also played baseball. He is studying in NPC’s Medical Assisting program, where he hopes to earn national certifications in medical assisting and phlebotomy. This determined Show Low High School senior is also a certified CNA. He plans to continue his studies at NPC and enter NPC’s nursing program.
Fellow NPC On The House recipient Alexander Judd is also on a mission to provide support to others through a career in nursing. A senior at Blue Ridge High School, he has already built a strong foundation as a member of Health Occupation Students of America. He also participated in three years of soccer, two years of wrestling, and four years of track. He has held leadership roles in Civil Air Patrol, served as FBLA vice president, and participated in the Young Guns youth shooting program. Judd plans to begin his Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at NPC and then transfer to a university to earn his BSN.
For scholarship recipient Salvador Kreuger, it’s all about leading with heart, faith, and determination. Adopted at birth and raised in a close-knit, faith-filled home, Salvador’s life experiences inspired his dream of becoming a nurse. He is a senior at Snowflake High School and a proud member of the National Honor Society, the jazz band, and his soccer team. He plans to start NPC’s nursing program this fall to earn his LNA certification. In addition to his academic efforts, he works as a certified personal trainer and runs a small clothing business to help cover costs for clinical supplies, scrubs, lab kits, and transportation between campuses.
In a happy coincidence, a former NPC On The House scholarship recipient, Serena Lopez, was also enjoying dinner at The House on May 1. She was a recipient of the NPC On The House scholarship in 2022 and is currently enrolled in NPC’s nursing program. This year, she is also one of the awardees of the White Mountain Woman’s Club (WMWC) scholarships to NPC, which are awarded through NPC Friends and Family. The $4,000 WMWC scholarship will help her through her second year of NPC’s nursing program. She took time to say a few words. “Without the extra support of these scholarships, going to school would not have been possible,” she said. “When they say it takes a village, it’s true. I am so grateful to be a part of the family here at The House, at NPC, and in the loving embrace of this community,” she said. “For me, having the support of all of you is what drives me to succeed.”
The inaugural KGJ Roofing scholarship went to John “Jack” Harris of Holbrook. Harris is currently studying welding at NPC, and with the support of KGJ Roofing, he is building a brighter future for himself and his family. Harris discovered his passion for hands-on work during a summer job as a plumber’s apprentice, but quickly realized that real skills come from training, not just watching. That realization led him to NPC’s Welding program, where he’s thriving academically, never scoring below 90%. He drives to class daily in a truck he rebuilt himself after the engine failed and supports his education through savings and pet-sitting. The scholarship from KGJ Roofing will help him cover his second year of welding courses and allow him to keep building a future defined by hard work, skill, and community. His beloved faith fellowship mentors, Ted and Patty Pate, accepted the scholarship award on his behalf.
The Darrin Reed Foundation presented scholarships to NPC students Dylan Drake and Lacie Davis. Dylan is attending NPC’s fire science program while Lacie is pursuing a degree in paramedicine from NPC. Both are dedicated to serving others and are eager to do important work in the community as first responders.
“Students like these, who show dedication, passion, and promise, and friends of the community like Chris and Michelle, Kenny, everyone at the Darrin Reed Foundation, and the White Mountain Woman’s Club are what community is truly all about,” said Wilson. “Seeing the students’ appreciation and excitement, and their proud families, friends, professors, high school teachers, and mentors, is special. It is all due to the generosity and kindness of these fantastic scholarship donors and organizations.” She continued, “Their desire to enrich the communities they serve by providing the gift of education will have an impact for years to come.”
For more photos from the event, visit www.npc.edu/photos.
