Juanita Varela Childs scholarship drive at CHS

An annual scholarship fund is being established in memory of Juanita Varela Childs, the high school Spanish teacher at Carbon High, who was tragically killed in a car accident with her husband Kim, and 8-year-old son Mason on December 11, 2005. They were returning from Salt Lake City after hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Childs taught 13 years and was known as the heartbeat of CHS. Born in Mexico, she moved to Los Angeles with her father and four younger brothers after her mother deserted the family. Her father, who earned $600 a month as a custodian at UCLA, instilled in her a love of life and value for education.
She joined the Mormon Church when she was a teenager. Upon completing high school, she boarded a Greyhound bus for BYU-Idaho and then transferred to BYU. During this time she completed an LDS mission in Chicago, often giving away her belongings to those in need. She graduated from BYU in April 1992, with a major in Spanish teaching and a minor in ESL. While at BYU she started the first Mexican-American students’ club.
In 1993 Juanita married the love of her life, Kimball Childs from Castle Dale. Their son Mason was born four years later. Their home was in Price.
Four scholarships will be awarded each year to students who are graduating from CHS. They will be students who, like Juanita, have overcome adversity and are continuing with their educations. A priority will be given to students who have been involved in public service.
Carbon High is being joined by many supporters in this scholarship drive. Over $3,000 has already been donated. They hope to raise $50,000 that will allow the scholarships to be given in perpetuity to deserving students. The fund will also be supported each year by a student fund raising drive at CHS.
If you are interested in contributing to this scholarship fund, please mail a donation to: Carbon High School; c/o Melissa Swenson, counselor; 750 East 400 North Price, UT 84501; or call Principal Robert Cox, at (435) 637-2463.