Four recent Dunedin High grads received $2,500 in scholarships this year thanks to local businesses and the work of two Pinellas County Sheriff’s school resource officers.

Jennifer Ryder, Samantha Silver, Hailey Rosenberger and Jordan Liggett were awarded the SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions) scholarships in a ceremony on May 22 at Dunedin High School.

One student received a $1,000 scholarship. The others received $500 toward college expenses. Last year, two $500 scholarships were awarded. It is the second year that SADD has offered the awards.

The awards were made possible because of donations from local businesses, a news release from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says. The Sheriff’s Office also recognized the work of Deps. Jim Miller and Wally Bonasoro, the school’s student resource officers and SADD Club sponsors.

The scholarship recipients had to submit essays describing how they could keep from making destructive decisions in their lives. They were awarded based on their essay, academic performance, discipline, attendance and financial need, according to the news release. 

The S.A.D.D. Club also launched a campaign to award safe driving habits this year when they handed out candy to drivers caught wearing seat belts in October.