LOWER LAKE, Calif. – An exceptional Lower Lake High School student has received a scholarship to help her pursue her goal of working in the culinary arts field.

At the Konocti Unified School District Board of Trustee meeting on Wednesday, Destiny Purdum received a $1,000 check from the Caldwell Flores Winters Foundation.

The CFW Foundation Scholarship Program, now in its fifth year, focuses on students who have overcome challenges, do well in school and want to continue their education and training once high school is complete.

The district reported that Purdum has overcome considerable adversity in the pursuit of her career goals while maintaining a standard of academic excellence.

She is a leader in the high school’s culinary arts program, works a part-time job, plays in the jazz band and maintains a 3.67 grade point average while also pursuing many extracurricular activities.

Purdum is one of more than 120 students who have been selected for the award over the past five years.

Many of the scholarship recipients have gone on to success in universities, colleges or in vocational/technical programs.

Purdum plans to continue her studies of culinary arts, opening her own restaurant in the future.

When asked what her favorite menu item would be, she smiled and responded, "Cheesecake!"

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