University of Nevada, Reno student Danielle Swanson received the 2013 Kenny C. Guinn Millennium Scholarship. State Treasurer Kate Marshall, Guinn family members and Board of Trustees of the College Savings Plans of Nevada (Board) presented the award to Swanson Oct. 16 at the University's Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.

The scholarship provides $4,500 to a Millennium Scholar college senior majoring in elementary or secondary education who is committed to teaching in Nevada after graduating. Swanson, a high school graduate of the Coral Academy of Science in Reno, is planning to graduate from the University in spring 2014 with a dual major in mathematics and secondary education. 

"Receiving the scholarship really shows me that there are people who still value education," Swanson said. "The ceremony was a wonderful experience and truly touching. Without the scholarship, I would not be able to continue my education."

The scholarship is named in honor of former Gov. Guinn who established Nevada's Millennium Scholarship Program. After his death in 2010, the award was created to provide one recipient from a Nevada institute of higher education a scholarship from donations given in the memory of Gov. Guinn. The inaugural recipient of the scholarship was from the University of Nevada, Reno and honored in 2011.This year, the Kenny C. Guinn Millennium Scholarship was expanded into two awards to students in both southern and northern Nevada.

"I'm sure Governor Guinn would have been proud of Danielle's achievements as a Millennium Scholar," Marshall said.  "Danielle is a remarkable young woman who most certainly exemplifies the spirit and intent of the Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship. Governor Guinn was a true champion of education, and Danielle will most certainly make a similar profound impact in Nevada as a teacher and mentor to young students."

For more information on the Gov. Guinn Millennium Scholarship program or the Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Millennium Scholarship, go to https://NevadaTreasurer.gov or contact the GGMS office at MillenniumScholars@nevadatreasurer.gov.