• Congratulations to Timberland senior Sofia Angel for being selected by the WSD Board of Education as the District nominee for the John T. Belcher Scholarship. The Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) and Future Builders established the state-wide scholarship program in the memory of Mr. Belcher who was instrumental in developing innovative financing programs for Missouri school districts. "The learning environment for thousands of Missouri’s public school students was improved as a result of his work," says the scholarship description. "Though Mr. Belcher lost his battle with cancer in 1989, his courage was an inspiration to all who knew him."

    As the District nominee, Sofia now has the opportunity to apply for a $1,000 scholarship, which is awarded to a student in each of MSBA’s 17 regions. Following the selection of regional winners, a statewide winner is selected and will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. Applicants are judged on the basis of academic performance, extracurricular activities and the quality of an essay.

    Sofia has a 4.48 GPA, is a member of National Honor Society, Captain of the Scholar Bowl Team, is an officer in FBLA, a member of the Timberland Marching and Symphonic Bands, HOSA, FCCLA and is an AP Scholar. She is also a member of the Japanese Society of St. Louis and attended Missouri Scholars Academy. Sophia speaks three languages and has traveled to 12 countries. She hopes to attend either Harvard or Washington University to study medicine and aspires to be a surgeon.