The C.B. Stone & Associates/Bradley Casselman Fine Arts Scholarship was established in 2024 to celebrate and support students who demonstrate exceptional creativity, talent, and dedication to the arts. This scholarship reflects the J.O. Combs Unified School District’s commitment to fostering artistic expression and recognizing the transformative power of the arts in education and community life.

The $1,000 C.B. Stone & Associates/Bradley Casselman Fine Arts Scholarship is awarded to a Combs High School senior who has met the following criteria:

• Demonstrates an interest and/or will be majoring in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Dance, Theater, or a related creative field
• Maintains a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or above
• Has actively made an outstanding contribution to school or community-based arts programs such as choir, band, theater productions, art exhibits or similar activities and are recognized by their mentors as well as their peers
• Exemplifies the district’s values of innovation, purposeful learning, and collaboration through their artistic endeavors
• Has attended Combs High School for at least two years

This scholarship celebrates the district’s belief in the arts as an essential part of modern education and recognizes students who demonstrate creativity, leadership, and a commitment to contributing to a learner-centered culture. By supporting students in their pursuit of the arts, C.B. Stone & Associates and Bradley Casselman are proud to play a role in advancing the district’s #Forward mission and empowering the next generation of artists.  

Preston Lord Memorial Scholarship

(2 available) - $1,000

The Preston Lord Memorial Scholarship was established by his mother, Autumn. Preston was a junior at Combs high school when he attended a Halloween party with friends, where he was brutally attacked, beaten, and died from his injuries two days later. The support and love from his many friends, and the community will never be forgotten. Preston’s ambition for academic excellence and passion for sports made him who he was. 

To illustrate Preston’s life, it was defined by so much more than just the unpredictability and tragedy of his attack. He grew up in the classroom with his mother and knew the power of education. He excelled academically and adopted a continuously learning mind. Preston knew how to help someone who was struggling or lend a hand when needed. He was known for his academic accolades, enthusiasm for sports, and his unwavering love for the Seattle Seahawks and Boston Celtics. Math was where he shined, while he would banter with his friends and keep track of the stats for their fantasy league. He also developed a new interest in sports medicine, which held many possibilities for a future career. 

Additionally, Preston had a creative side and loved to cook. He even dabbled in drama his 6^th grade year, playing the lead in the Lion King as Scar. As he got older, he would make his own dish at Thanksgiving to add to the menu selection. He was multi-faceted and always up for the next step in life. Preston was courageous at life’s challenges. He participated in student council for many years, where he held various leadership titles. He was a part of National Honor Society for a lengthy time, holding additional leadership roles.

Furthermore, Preston was a levelheaded and methodical thinker who didn’t react quickly to things. He took his time and made mindful decisions. Preston was happy with his life, and with the things he had been given. He didn’t expect things to just fall in his lap, he worked for them. Preston had an easygoing demeanor about him, which promoted a positive outlook for so many.

Preston was a young man who brought so much kindness, joy, laughter, and humor into so many lives. Although he never talked much about death with his family, intuition indicates he would want to be supportive of his peers and aide in their successes. Preston’s generosity and love will never be forgotten. Please allow us to honor him and help pave the way for further educational accomplishments. 

Two awards are available to Combs High School Seniors who meet the following criteria:

(1)

Preston Lord Memorial Scholarship- PL5

• 3.8 GPA unweighted or higher
•  Enrollment in AP classes preferred
• Long time Combs Student
• Participation/Leadership in extracurricular activities, preferably Stuco and or NHS
• Four-year University acceptance and or LDS mission
•  Involvement in athletics preferred
•  Three letters of recommendation typically from teachers, counselors, mentors/coaches, work supervisor
• A 500–1000-word essay explaining “What is your Magic Recipe for balancing student life, keeping a positive outlook, maintaining academic achievement, and involvement in extracurricular activities?”

(2)

Preston Lord Perseverance Scholarship

• 2.5 GPA unweighted or higher
• Involvement in athletics/extracurricular activity preferred
•  Plans to enroll at a 2-year college, the military, or a trade school
•  Long time Combs student preferred
• A 500-word essay describing “How have you overcome adversity, what challenges did you encounter and how will you continue to remain kind in this world despite your past experiences?” i.e. academic challenges, a single parent home, financial hardships, an injury etc.
• Three letters of recommendation typically from teachers, counselors, mentors/coaches, work supervisor