HispanicBusiness

Linnaea Groh is vice president of her school's National Honor Society chapter and she volunteers with the Lincoln Theatre, Earth Corps and NPR pledge drives.

She is an advocate for the LGBTQ community. Linnaea plans to study communications or rhetoric and volunteer in the Peace Corps.

Micaela Vanderwal is a member of the Squaksin Indian Tribe, where she had difficulty fitting in because of her blonde hair and Dutch surname.

Her difficulties and experiences have made her receptive to minorities and enhanced her understanding of other cultural ideas and beliefs. (Her photo was not available.)

Melissa Wilkerson is a Change Leader and trained facilitator at The Landing, where she helps grieving kids. She also has been involved in Robotics, Club Diversity, Natural Helpers, AVID, debate, drama and sports. Melissa hopes to study psychology or counseling to continue helping and caring for others.

University of Washington

– Bothell

$10,000 scholarships were awarded to Joseph Colston from OHHS and Alysha Conner from BEHS.

Joseph Colston has maintained a 3.6 GPA while participating in Link Crew and Key Club. He plans to study accounting or biology and will be the first in his family to graduate from college.

Alysha Conner is involved in National Honor Society and serves as president of Key Club. She has volunteered more than 100 hours at West View Elementary School and helped install dozens of stoves in Guatemalan villages through Burlington Rotary. Alysha plans to study nursing.

University of Washington

– Seattle

Three students received $4,000 awards: Zulen Pantoja Ortega and Melina Soto, MVHS, and Austin Schuetzel, SWHS.

Zulen Pantoja Ortega volunteers for farm worker families, interns with the US Forest Service and is active in various clubs and events.

Melina Soto is involved with LEAP, FCCLA, AVID and the Mount Vernon girls' tennis team. She also represented her school at UW Math Academy. Melina volunteers through Artes Latinos and would like to work abroad as a civil engineer.

Austin Schuetzel has made positive connections with peers, coaches and parents through athletics. He plans to major in sports therapy to combine his passion for academics and athletics.

University of Washington

– Tacoma

Marcelina Mendoza of MVHS was presented a $7,000 scholarship.

Marcelina is trilingual and has contributed to diversity in her school and community through her involvement in Latino/a Educational Achievement Project and Farm Workers' Solidarity March. She has taken many AP, honors and advanced courses. Marcelina would like to study law and specialize in immigration law.

Washington State University

Four students received $1,500 awards: Enrique Hernandez and John Paulo Sumayang, MVHS, Gabriela Luna from BEHS and Erdylle Macapinlac from OHHS.

Enrique Hernandez plays three instruments and is president of his school band.

He is also a leader in both his school and community through his work as an officer in the Gay Straight Alliance. Enrique would like to major in human services and clinical psychology.

John Paulo Sumayang maintains a 3.65 GPA and participates in the Technology Student Association, Young Republicans Club and Skagit County Search and Rescue.

He serves as senior class vice president and has participated in three sports. John plans to study electrical engineering and join the US Army Rangers. (His photo was not available.)

Gabriela Luna is the president of Future Business Leaders of America, having previously served as vice president. She has also been involved in German Club, Latinos in Action, Peer Mentorship Program, North Cascades Wild and West View's Centro de Padres adult education program. Gabriela wants to become a pediatrician.

Erdylle Macapinlac has maintained a 3.6 GPA while taking accelerated and Advanced Placement courses. She serves as ASB treasurer, NJROTC Wildcat executive officer, and helps run her church's daycare. Erdylle will be the first in her family to attend a four-year college in the U.S.

Western Washington University

Each of five students received $6,000 scholarships: Jonathan Cortazar-Garcia, Laura Holmstrom and Andres Munoz-Alvarez, all at MVHS; Micaiah Davis, OHHS; and Kalisha Miles, BEHS.

Jonathan Cortazar-Garcia is a band student who has worked hard to build a community of equality and acceptance in the MVHS Music Department. He is the first of his family raised in the United States.

Laura Holmstrom attended the veterinarian technician program at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy last year.

She served as a teacher's assistant this year and has been president of her 4-H Club for three years. Laura is interested in becoming an elementary special education teacher.

Andres Munoz-Alvarez has been an AVID member since eighth grade and has pursued a rigorous course load. He is actively involved in his church's youth group and he volunteers several hours a week at the local YMCA.

Micaiah Davis has maintained a 3.5 GPA while pursuing a rigorous course load. She is a varsity cheer captain and secretary for both the National Honor Society and the Art Club. She volunteers at Military Appreciation Day, the Soap Box Derby and Boys & Girls Club, where she was awarded 2011 Youth of the Year.

Kalisha Miles is copresident of Drama Club, co-drum major, a Thespian Society officer, a mentor and Student Advisory Council member. She was an Assistant Principal Interview Committee member and master of ceremonies for the Power of Hope's Positivity event. She plans to become a music teacher.