Johnny Bench honors two Sisters students

Sisters High School students Christina Holler and Slater Smith attended The Center Foundation's annual scholarship dinner where they received junior scholarships for $1,500 each sponsored respectively by the WHH Foundation and Carrera Motors. Keynote speaker, Johnny Bench, handed out the awards.

"Bantering with Johnny Bench was fun," said Slater. "He has a great sense of humor."

Johnny Bench, an eight-time Golden Glove winner, National League and World Series MVP winner and 1989 Hall of Fame recipient, is involved in altruistic causes and is a regular speaker around the country.

Tickets to the dinner were offered to the public to help with scholarship funding. Nineteen high school juniors and seniors from various schools in Central Oregon received scholarships totaling $42,500 from area businesses, foundations and the community.

Christina Holler has attained a 3.7 GPA, is a musician who plays three instruments, has performed in various play productions and has been a theater student-director. She participates in the Oregon Association of Student Councils and is a volunteer student counselor for the middle school. She competes with the SHS equestrian team, is a Drill Team State Champion and holds the Canadian Flags district record.

Slater Smith has a 3.85 GPA and has lettered in academics, soccer, basketball, track and is a team member on SHS's district champion lacrosse and soccer teams. Slater has volunteered at the grade school as an art mentor, at Habitat for Humanity and for SOAR. He's been awarded the Americana Songwriting Camp scholarship and has received the Scholastic Gold Key art award.