Teens who serve honored with Kiwanis scholarships
Published 1:30 am Friday, August 17, 2018
The Kiwanis Club of Lynnwood this year awarded a record-breaking $24,000 in scholarships to 11 Edmonds School District seniors who showed a commitment to helping their community. Some of the winning students’ written comments follow.
Michelle Pham, Meadowdale High School, $6,000 Helen Olson Scholarship: “Growing up, the lessons my father learned from his immigration to America has influenced how I perceive my role in society. Raised with those values, I discovered myself emphasizing the importance of service and work ethic in my actions to serve those who are in need.”
Olivia Nguyen, Lynnwood High School, $2,500 Shay Thoelke Scholarship: “By taking time to step out of my schedule and work life, I find that it will set a ripple effect to show how genuine happiness also comes from lifting others up to feel success and worth with you.”
Abigail Douglas, Lynnwood High School, $1,500 Helen Olson Scholarship: “I hope to reach out to people in my surrounding community to gain numerous meaningful relationships so that I may be the one inviting people to the events that I will be hosting.”
Matthew Johnson, Meadowdale High School, $1,500 Helen Olson Scholarship: “As I become more and more independent, I want to further my involvement with community service and leadership … I especially want to contribute by continuing to help feed the homeless because I have seen firsthand how a simple meal and some kind words can better one’s day.”
Madison Aguilar, Scriber Lake High School, $1,500 Gourley/Rust Scholarship: “In leadership class, we would organize clothing drives, food drives, and public feasts for the less fortunate … I plan to graduate college and become an English teacher at an alternative school. I hope to be able to teach a leadership class myself so that I can teach others the joy that comes from giving back to the community.”
Klara Gaspers, Edmonds-Woodway High School, $1,500 Helen Olson Scholarship: “This year, I have been in charge of the Lessons for All program which provides free instrumental lessons to fifth and sixth graders who cannot afford them … I believe the organizational skills I have developed will equip me to volunteer on many projects. One thing I have learned is that plenty of people are willing to help, but nothing gets done without someone to organize them and manage events.”
Other recipients:
Jeffrey Nguyen, Lynnwood, $2,500 Baggerly Scholarship
Tuan Thai, Lynnwood, $2,500 Ernie Goshorn Scholarship
Kate Nicodemus, Lynnwood, and Julianne Summer, Scriber Lake, $1,500 Virgil Whitehead Scholarships
Aileen Pham, Lynnwood, $1,500 M.J. Hrdlicka Scholarship
A July golf tournament raised $7,000 to help the Kiwanis club fund the scholarships and other projects for young people. Business sponsors were Town & Country Fence, Silver Spoon Thai Restaurant, Travel Leaders: Travel with Alan, Lynnwood Honda, Snohomish Kiwanis, Griffith Flooring & Countertops, Edmonds Burger King, Macris Realty Group, Silver Spoon Thai Restaurant, Meadowdale Chevron, Channel Marker, College Place Optical Center and 1st Financial NW Bank. Several Kiwanis members were also sponsors.
Learn more about the club at lynnwoodkiwanis.portalbuzz.com.
