09/04/2026
Congratulations to Lola Read our the First Recipient of the Spencer Coy Sandven Perseverance Memorial Scholarship!
The Go Far Foundation is incredibly honored to announce Lola Read as the very first recipient of the $500 Spencer Coy Sandven Perseverance Memorial Scholarship.
This scholarship was created in memory of Spencer Coy Sandven and in recognition of the kind of perseverance that is not always reflected in a perfect or traditional educational journey.
Spencer’s memory reminds us that a person’s path does not have to be easy, or look like everyone else’s, to be meaningful. Sometimes, simply continuing forward takes tremendous courage.
When Spencer’s family read Lola’s essay, they saw exactly what this scholarship was created to recognize: resilience, perseverance, courage, growth, and the determination to keep going even when giving up may have felt easier.
Lola, a 2026 graduate of Rapid City Alternative High School, openly shared that earning her diploma was not an easy journey. She wrote about struggling to find a school environment that worked for her, stepping away when she needed to care for herself, and ultimately finding a path that allowed her to continue her education and graduate.
What especially touched the family was not only what Lola has overcome, but what she has chosen to do with the life ahead of her.
Lola shared that she has gone from once wondering whether she would graduate to having goals for her education, career, community, and future. She has already helped create a peer-support group for young people and hopes to continue volunteering in that area while pursuing her education in the beauty and wellness field. She dreams of helping others feel confident, cared for, seen, and heard.
Today, Lola is working, preparing for her upcoming program at The Salon Professional Academy, and building a future she once wasn't sure was possible.
Lola, Spencer’s family and all of us at the Go Far Foundation wish you the very best as you continue your education and pursue your dreams. We hope this scholarship serves as one small reminder that your story matters, your hard work has been seen, and there are people cheering you on as you take this next step.
Congratulations, Lola Read, our inaugural Spencer Coy Sandven Perseverance Memorial Scholarship recipient!
