Changes include new name, nonprofit status, and scholarships available to the Skyview class of 2024

VANCOUVER – In the Fall of 2020, a group of area residents came together to form a scholarship program that would raise funds and provide scholarships for graduating Skyview seniors as they pursued a college education. The impetus to create the program came from Tom May after he viewed the help and support his daughter, Payton May, experienced as a transfer student at Skyview. 

Having moved from the Seattle area in 2017, Tom and his wife, Debra, were extremely impressed by the inclusive nature of the school. After a productive three years at Skyview, Payton graduated in 2020 and is now a student at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles studying broadcast journalism.

The Mays, along with a number of their close friends, decided to give back to the school by starting a scholarship fund for Storm seniors. With support from Skyview Principal Andy Meyer, the program began as a committee of the Skyview Boosters and in their first three years, they’ve provided over $45,000 in scholarship dollars.

From the beginning, the May family had a lot of help. Original committee members Diane Berg, Rick and Jennifer Taylor, Mike Ripley, and Rik Shiiki all supported the scholarship program through generous contributions of time, energy, and money. In 2023, the program noted two important changes: First, they added three new members, Paul Scarpelli, Sheri Backous and Lukas Bardue. Secondly, encouraged by their initial success, the group recently formed their own 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization called the Storm Nation Foundation.

To kick off their new name and non-profit status, the Storm Nation Foundation announced it will provide $25,000 in scholarships to the 2024 Skyview class, with awards worth $5,000 each given to the outstanding student in the Arts, Leadership, Overall Achievement, Academic Achievement and Excellence in STEM classes.

Donation ’24 campaign kicks off the foundation’s fund-raising efforts for next year

With the change in status, the foundation is increasing their fund-raising efforts. Until now, the group’s primary source of funding has been their board of directors. As a new, non-profit organization working towards long-term viability, the foundation understands the importance of growing their supporter base and increasing donations from throughout Clark County. If you went to Skyview, have a child attending Skyview, or simply believe in supporting the local community and our future leaders, please donate to the Storm Nation Foundation.

To donate, click the link below or scan the QR code. https://bit.ly/StormNationDonation-PayPal

Award details

The Jennifer Frost Taylor Outstanding Student in the Arts Scholarship – Awarded to a member of the 2023 senior class who has participated and excelled in classes or clubs, or other activities related to “the arts” while attending Skyview High School. (Jennifer Frost Taylor was one of the original supporters of the scholarship program. She passed in early 2023 and the committee renamed this scholarship to honor her commitment to the program).

The Outstanding Student in the area of Leadership Scholarship – Awarded to a member of the 2024 senior class who has shown outstanding leadership ability in school clubs, activities and/or athletics. This student will have demonstrated leadership while modeling characteristics consistent with the Storm culture.

The Payton May family Outstanding Student in Overall Excellence – Funded by the family of Payton May, a 2020 graduate who transferred to Skyview in 2017 as a sophomore and went on to achieve success in personal, scholastic and community endeavors. Awarded to a graduating member of the 2024 senior class who participated at a high level in numerous activities at the school while continually demonstrating a willingness to serve others.

The Outstanding Student in the area of Academic Excellence Scholarship – Awarded to a member of the 2024 senior class who has shown outstanding achievement in the area of academic excellence. Applicants will have achieved their academic success while modeling characteristics consistent with the Storm culture.

Outstanding Student involved in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math classes.

Awarded to a member of the 2024 senior class who has participated in Skyview STEM classes and extracurricular opportunities while demonstrating achievement, leadership, and a willingness to serve. In their essay, applicants are expected to illustrate how their STEM experiences at Skyview positively influenced their future plans and aspirations.