PANHANDLE -- An Alliance High School senior received a $250 scholarship award for sharing his story behind living a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Espen Lankin was nominated to compete in the fall edition of the Panhandle Prep Scholarship Contest for the 2025-26 school year. 

Six students were competing for the most votes to win the scholarship based on their reason for living a smoke and vape-free lifestyle. 

As for Lankin, he stated: “As a senior involved in four different sports, it’s my last chance at competing in high school. I choose not to vape to physically give myself the best chance at reaching my goals.” 

Anyone can nominate a high school senior in the 12 Panhandle counties, and only one student from each school will be chosen to move onto the voting period where the student with the most votes at the end, wins. 

The nomination period for the winter edition is currently open. 

Reach out to Jannelle Visser, PPHD Injury Prevention Coordinator, with any questions or to nominate a senior for the upcoming round. You can reach her at 308-760-6493 or her email at Jvisser@pphd.ne.gov.