The Bull Dog Alumni Association was proud to award scholarships to two deserving students in 2013.
The Samuel P. Simmermaker Journalism & Communications Scholarship,named as a tribute to Mr. Simmermaker, is a nonrenewable award of $1,000 open to all Columbus North High School seniors planning to pursue a college degree in journalism or communications. Students receiving the award must meet a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (4.0 scale).
The 2013 Simmermaker Scholarship recipient, Erika Espinoza (‘13), spent all four of her high school years involved with journalism, gaining both exposure and leadership skills throughout the experience. This fall, Espinoza will use her scholarship to attend Ball State University to study journalism and graphic design.
“My biggest hope is to work for a Spanish magazine,” Espinoza said. “I want to be the voice of people who have a story to share.”
The John Johnson Studio Productions Scholarship, honoring Mr. Johnson (CNHS ’88), is 
a nonrenewable award of $1,000 open to all Columbus North High School seniors in good standing who have been employed during (minimum) one year at the CNHS Auditorium or worked in a leadership position in production work on a CNHS show, and plans on attending a 2-year or 4-year accredited college in any major. Students receiving the award must meet a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (4.0 scale).
Mr. Johnson has directed theater productions at CNHS since 1999. He provides both leadership and devotion for the behind-the-scenes stage work at the Judson Erne Auditorium.
The 2013 Johnson Scholarship recipient, Patrick Angle (’13), is a long time participant in the Columbus North High School theater program. This fall, Patrick will attend the University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts program.
— By Natalie Bush, Columbus North High School, Class of 2010