Giving kids a beary good chance at scholarships

The front case at Seeliger Elementary is loaded with dozens of furry friends from all types of backgrounds.

There's a mountain man, complete with teepee. A pair of University of Nevada, Reno, fans covered in Wolf Pack blue and a classy pink fashionista. Despite their different tastes, they all have a common goal - to go home with the highest bidder.

For the last six years, the teachers and parents at Seeliger Elementary have made and donated teddy bears for a silent auction to raise money for a scholarship fund.

"We just want to help provide a Seeliger student with some money to go to college. It usually ends up being about $700 to $800," said Lenae Dericco, auction organizer and third-grade teacher at Seeliger.

This year's auction began Monday, and bidding on the 25 bears will close after Santa Night festivities at the school Dec. 19.

Despite being surrounded by several flashier counterparts, Dericco said her favorite is the simple plaid bear resting in the case's bottom corner.

Emma Baggio, 9, said she had her eye on one specific bear and hoped it would be coming home with her.

"I like the pink one. I don't know why she's my favorite but she is," Emma said.

Applicants for the scholarship apply through the counselor's office at Carson High School and must be a former Seeliger student.

"We want them to know that even though they aren't at Seeliger now, we are still looking out for them. We want them to succeed so they can say, 'Yeah, I went to Seeliger Elementary,'" said Lee Conley, principal.

The silent auction is open to the public, and forms are available in the main office of the school from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.