EvCC journalism students win scholarships

EvCC journalism students win scholarships

A pair of Everett Community College journalism students each have been granted a $1,000 scholarship to continue their studies at a four-year school.

They are Nichole Bascue, 30, of Arlington, who plans to attend Washington State University/Everett, and Taras McCurdie, 19, also of Arlington. McCurdie plans to attend Western Washington University in the fall.

The money is from The Herald Scholarship Fund, which is named for the The Daily Herald but independent of the newspaper.

Both recipients received enthusiastic endorsements from T. Andrew Wahl, tenured faculty member with the communications and journalism programs at EvCC. Wahl also is advisor to The Clipper, the campus student newsgathering organization.

Both scholarship recipients worked on The Clipper.

Bascue, 30, “is one of the best student journalists I have had the pleasure of working with in the 20-plus years as a journalism educator,” Wahl said in a recommendation letter.

A Glacier Peak High School graduate, she started on The Clipper as a reporter and was promoted to editor by her peers. She led a news team in coverage of the pandemic and a campus budget crisis.

Prior to attending EvCC, she was a department manager for the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

McCurdie, 19, came to EvCC having already earned sophomore status due to the challenging slate of college classes he took at Arlington High School.

He thrived as a student while playing soccer for the school’s team, Wahl said. “Self driven and inquisitive, Taras is one of the strongest students I’ve worked with in recent years,” he added.

In a 2019 Daily Herald story, McCurdie talked openly about his adoption as a baby from a Ukrainian orphanage, and “the second chance for a fun life,” he said. “I’m trying to make the most of it.”

The Herald Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 and is managed by the Community Foundation of Snohomish County. An independent board comprised of former and current Herald journalists annually reviews applications and awards scholarships. The fund is intended to promote the education of students who intend to pursue a career in community journalism.

Cocoon House gets $10,000 donation

Everett’s Cocoon House has been awarded a $10,000 donation from Everett’s McClain Insurance Services. Cocoon House is a local organization dedicated to empowering young people, families, and the community to break the cycle of homelessness through outreach, housing and prevention.

Given the challenges of 2020, the $10,000 donation will benefit Cocoon’s House immediate needs for teens residing in their long-term and short-term housing, providing 100 days of meals to 20 youths.

Claudia McClain, an agent with McClain Insurance Services, originally received a $5,000 donation for Cocoon House in a submission process with Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance through their 2021 Make More Happen Awards. A story of the local partnership was posted on the Make More Happen microsite, www.AgentGiving.com/mcclain-insurance where McClain Insurance Service was given the chance to raise an additional $5,000 by conducting a local awareness campaign for the nonprofit. The goal was met, increasing the total donation to $10,000 for Cocoon House.

Edmonds Rotary Club awards scholarships to local seniors

The Rotary Club of Edmonds granted $12,500 in scholarships to 10 Edmonds area seniors.

Awardees were chosen based on their academic transcripts, financial need, community service, career goals and personal triumphs, according to a press release sent out by the club.

“What amazes me is how each student showed remarkable character and commitment to their school and their community, despite the restrictions and challenges of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Richard Okimoto, chairman of the Edmonds Rotary Youth Services Committee. “Their accomplishments, as evidenced by awarding of Edmonds Rotary Scholarships this year, are an indication of promise for their future success while furthering their education in the college setting.”

This year’s scholarship recipients by high schools and colleges they will attend are:

Alexander Aaby, Edmonds-Woodway High School, who will attend New York University, Steinhardt

Jihan Ali, Meadowdale High School, who will attend University of Washington Bothell

Bitiyah Asalifew, Edmonds-Woodway High School, who will attend University of Southern California

Quinn Bennett, Meadowdale High School, who will attend Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri

Annika Bjornstad, Meadowdale High School, who will attend Western Washington University

Logan Bury, Edmonds-Woodway High School, who will attend California Lutheran University

Sierra Moll, Meadowdale High School, who will attend Tufts University

Pearl Moua, Edmonds-Woodway High School, who will attend University of Washington, Seattle

Taylor Schindler, Edmonds-Woodway High School, who will attend University of Portland

Navouny Swanson, Edmonds-Woodway High School, who will attend Western Washington University

“We’re proud to support this new crop of leaders in their academic goals,” said Edmonds Rotary Club President Beth Westenhaver-Kealy. “We know they can excel in anything they set their minds to, and we wish them all the best in this next chapter.”

Know someone who deserves recognition? Call 425-339-3432 or email newstips@heraldnet.com