Smith wins Rising Star of the West scholarship contest

Homeschool senior Emma Smith of Rapid City is the winner of the eleventh annual Rising Star of the West scholarship contest sponsored by KEVN Black Hills FOX and Granite Automotive. The four finalists in this year’s contest each delivered four on-air commentaries which were rated by both on-line viewers and a Black Hills FOX panel. Smith was picked as this year's best by both groups. She receives a $4,000 college scholarship.

Stevens High School senior Hunter Widvey finished second in this year’s contest and wins a $2,000 scholarship.

Spearfish High School senior Jacksyn Bakeberg took third place and a $1,000 scholarship.

Black Hills Lutheran High School senior Ethan Fisk finished fourth and is the winner of a $500 scholarship.

KEVN Black Hills FOX TV general manager Chris Gross says, “As always, we are proud to both showcase some of our outstanding high school students here in the Black Hills and help them with their education as well.”

Granite Automotive co-owner Troy Claymore says, "Granite Automotive is proud to support the continued education and leadership of the youth in our communities"

Smith joins Janesa Bakeberg, Annelise Ewing and Kaitlyn Hemmingson of Spearfish High School, Shad Christman of Lemmon High School, St. Thomas More’s Caila Brennan and Audrey Cope, Lead-Deadwood’s Jordon Barthel, Rae McKee of Nemo, Gavin Brucklacher of Philip and Noah Storm from Stevens High School as winners of the Rising Star of the West scholarship contest.