Mayor Greg Nickels has presented scholar awards to outstanding middle school students for service to their schools and their communities.

Each student received $500 that can be used for education or donated to a charity. Criteria for selection include overcoming obstacles or meeting challenges, giving back to the community, and maintaining good academic standing. In addition, one of the eighth-grade mayor's scholars will receive the mayor's leadership award, a $2,500 scholarship for a four-year university or community or technical college.

This year's award recipients are, from Madison Middle School, Latisha Evans, eighth grade; Desiree Gross, seventh grade; D'nique Harris-Welch.

From Denny, Manuel Segura Garrido, seventh grade; and Cleressa Brown, eighth grade.

From Holy Rosary, Madison Beiler, seventh grade.