Celebrating Excellence: The Spokane Scholars Banquet

LC students Amanda Nguyen, Noah Dierks, Dashiell Stucke, Lucas Cahow, Claire Lyle, and Ally Page at the 2025 Spokane Scholars banquet

by Claire Lyle

A minimum of five AP scores of 5, a 4.0 GPA, and extraordinary involvement in extracurriculars was the minimum on the evening of April 2nd, at the 33rd annual Spokane Scholars Banquet.  

The Banquet, occurring every year in spring, honored over 170 seniors from across Spokane – each chosen as a standout in their scholarly fields by their schools. These seniors become competitors for some of Spokane’s most prestigious scholarships. This year, in each subject – English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and World Languages – the top five achieving students were awarded one-to-five-thousand-dollar scholarships to support them in their future endeavors. 

LC performed well – seniors Dashiell Stucke and Amanda Nguyen each took home the $4,000 prize in Fine Arts and Science, respectively; Noah Dierks, the $2,000 prize for Math. Look out for all six of LC’s nominees at graduation, where they will be wearing a medal that distinguishes them as a Spokane Scholar.  

Beyond the official results of the Banquet, it was a successful night. Not only where the nominees invited, but also their families; all of the LC administrative team; College and Career Counselor Mrs. Maguire; as well as the LC teachers who served as nominators – Ms. Gomes, Josquin, and McLean, among others. Attendees were served a decadent three course dinner. The address of the night was delivered by the featured speaker, former Spokane Riverkeeper Jerry White, Jr.  

“The river is magic,” White said, “[and it] has many, many lessons to teach all of us. 

“There’s going to be days when you’re going to have the microphone,” he said, “It’s critical that we use our own powers in a way that we’re able to let that power run through us and lift someone else up.” 

Dressed in formal attire, students and staff connected with each other and celebrated the years’ accomplishments. Many could be spotted wearing goggles and arm floaties – the rush of Senior Assassin stops for no scholar. Despite being told to hold their applause, each nominee was met with whoops and cheers of support – from family, friends, teachers, and peers – ensuring each of the 171 students felt the admiration and respect that imbued the night.  

The evening was slightly somber - for students, it marked the impending end of their high school careers; for staff, the end of the chapter for the students they have taught for years. The impending end did nothing to diffuse the joy of the night – of a new chapter, for students and teachers alike. The future was bright.  

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Edited by Mara Bech