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FARMINGTON, Iowa (AP) — A Farmington high school that's closing its doors has given college scholarships to each of its students.
Harmony High School's graduating class of 21 students each received a $2,900 scholarship in an envelope at the graduation ceremony Sunday, The Hawk Eye (http://bit.ly/1TRLsLI ) reported. Students are allowed to use the scholarship at any school of their choice.
Additionally, juniors and sophomores who didn't graduate will receive more than $2,400 to attend Indian Hills Community College or Southeastern Community College when they complete high school.
Superintendent Kerry Phillips says the scholarships were made possible by two alumni who donated money to the Harmony School District after they died. To this date, they've provided more than 120 scholarships of more than $120,000 total.
Next year, Harmony High School students will attend Van Buren High School in Keosauqua.
"While all graduations are special, this day is memorable as it is the last graduation to take place at Harmony," Phillips said. "This group before you is very resilient and has handled this situation to the best of their ability. I am fully aware it was not easy. The decisions made throughout this process impacted this group more than any other. However, I have seen the self-confidence and resolve these students posses."
Phillips said that the Harmony School Board has also created two scholarship trusts that'll allow future high school graduates in the Harmony area to seek funding to attend the two community colleges.
"When I found out about the scholarship, we didn't know it was coming," said 17-year-old Taylor Diephuis, who will attend Southeastern Community College in the fall. "We knew there was a surprise, but I cried. It was a happy moment. Anything helps, it was a great surprise."
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Information from: The Hawk Eye, http://www.thehawkeye.com
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