The Better Business Bureau Serving Pacific Southwest recently awarded five high school students for their Ethical Torch Essay Scholarship, sponsored by Swiss America and Valley of the Sun Kiwanis Club.

Applicants submitted essays on “The Importance of Ethics and Integrity in Our Community,” and a total of $5,000 in scholarships were presented.

Four of the five students received their award at the 18th annual BBB Torch Awards for Ethics dinner in Phoenix on Oct. 30.

The first-place winner, Erin Choi from Gilbert, was honored to read her winning essay for guests.

Although unable to attend the ceremony, Zachary Neal, fifth-place winner from Bullhead City, was given a standing ovation by his peers and principal at school.

“I would like to thank the Better Business Bureau for awarding me with the Ethical Torch Scholarship. They provided me with a great opportunity to help further my education. I plan to use the money to help me pursue an Aerospace Engineering degree,” Neal said.

Photo courtesy BBB

Photo courtesy BBB