In January, high school seniors throughout Lincoln County were invited to tune into a Zoom meeting about applying for the Charles and Phyllis Frias Legacy Scholarship. Among other things, the application required students to submit letters of recommendation and an essay. It was short notice, only two days before the deadline, but despite this, Pahranagat Valley High School’s Shaylin Lytle completed the requirements and submitted her application. 

Her efforts paid off in a big way. Shaylin was notified that she was a finalist for the scholarship, and the organization set up a date for her final interview with her parents. On Monday, April 7, members of the Public Education Foundation and the Charles and Phyllis Frias Legacy Scholarship came to Alamo for her interview. Not so coincidentally, PVHS was holding an assembly that morning with the interview committee. The Lytles were told they would meet for Shaylin’s interview afterward. During the assembly, a trustee of the Charles and Phyllis Frias Legacy Scholarship discussed how the scholarship came to be and the Frias family’s love for Lincoln County. He stated that there was a finalist in the room and asked that Shaylin and her parents come up to the front. The Lytles recall feeling a little panicked that Shaylin’s final interview would be in front of everyone. The trustee member asked Shaylin if she was ready for her questions and she nervously nodded yes. 

What happened next was described as a whirlwind of shock and excitement. “Just kidding,” the trustee said. “There are no questions. You have been awarded the scholarship!” A big cardboard check for $100,000 was brought out and a camera crew emerged to document this incredible moment.

The scholarship is for $25,000 per year and renewable for four years as long as the recipient attends a four-year college full time. Shaylin also has a mentor assigned to her from the scholarship committee to answer questions and guide her through her schooling. Shaylin plans to attend Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, and pursue a degree in illustration. She is the first in Lincoln County to receive the award. Emilee Frehner, school counselor, said, “We hope to have more kids apply for this scholarship every year.”