POULSBO — The scholarship and awards program night honoring graduating seniors has been taking place for so long at North Kitsap High School that this year’s coordinator Michelle Jones couldn’t recall exactly when the event began.

“It’s been going on for as long as anybody can remember,” Jones said. “It’s a wonderful night, and the community really comes together for it. It’s a time for family and friends to come together with the seniors to see how great of job they did.”

This year’s class of 2007 scholarships and awards night is slated for 7 p.m. June 5 in the NKHS Auditorium. Jones said nearly 300 people attended the awards night festivities last year.

“We had a great turnout last year and expect the same kind of thing this year,” she said. “The night is all about letting everybody in the community know about what kind of awards and scholarships our outgoing seniors have received. The public is welcomed to attend.”

Jones expects 80 to 100 scholarships to be awarded to graduating seniors.

“The total amount of money students earn in these scholarships is huge. When all of the money is added up, it ends up being quite a bit,” she said. “When seniors receive their scholarships, we will also announce what school they will be attending next year.”

The amount of money isn’t the most important aspect of receiving a particular scholarship, Jones explained.

“It’s such an honor for a student to receive a scholarship,” she said. “It’s doesn’t matter if it’s a $200 scholarship or a $10,000 scholarship. Every kid who receives any kind of scholarship will be acknowledged.”

With this in mind, North Kitsap area businesses have rallied around its students as well, Jones said.

“There’s so many local businesses who have donated scholarships,” she said. “They’re giving back to the community and are promoting the furthering of education for local students.”