Scholarship Reception 2016 Highline Schools Foundation Scholarship recipients, their families and scholarship funders gathered at the Puget Sound Skills Center for the second annual Scholarship Recognition Reception following the Highline Public Schools Board meeting on May 18, 2016.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_100087" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Students at 5.18 School Board Meeting The 2016 Highline Schools Foundation Scholarship recipients were honored at the May 25, 2016 Highline Public Schools Board meeting at Bow Lake Elementary. Each student received a certificate of recognition from Highline Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield. Students are pictured here with Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield, School Board Members Angelica Alvarez, Tyrone Curry Sr., Bernie Dorsey, Michael D. Spear, and Joe Van along with Scholarship Funders Charles Garrity, Nancy Pappas Barnhart and Foundation Trustees David Baisch, Scott Lautman and Marco Milanese.[/caption] The Highline Schools Foundation announced that they are awarding nearly $120,000 in scholarships to graduating students in Highline Public Schools this year. This is the highest amount ever offered in scholarship dollars by the Foundation. The 13 students receiving scholarships in 2016 were honored at the May 18 Highline Public Schools Board meeting at Bow Lake Elementary School. Each received special recognition and certificate of merit from Highline Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield. These scholarships are made possible by the support of Highline Schools Foundation’s generous individual donors and corporate partners. Following the board meeting, students, their families, scholarship funders and Highline Schools Foundation Trustees celebrated at the second annual Scholarship Recognition Reception at the Puget Sound Skills Center where students in the Puget Sound Skills Center’s culinary arts program provided a wonderful dessert buffet. BILL MAYNARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Begun in 2008, the Bill Maynard Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of the late Bill Maynard, a beloved figure in the Highline School District. Bill was the coordinator of the Steps to Success program, and he cared deeply for the students that he worked with. 2016 Bill Maynard Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Tuyen Tran, Global Connections High School Tuyen will be attending University of Washington-Tacoma this fall where she will study International Business at the Milgard School of Business. Marketing is her passion. She has been very involved in DECA, which was a passion of the late Bill Maynard for whom this scholarship is named. Tuyen is the Communications Coordinator at JUMA Ventures where she leads volunteer events, employee meetings, and leadership conferences. She will pursue a career in business by first attending the Milgard School of Business at the UW Tacoma. LIGHT & LOVE SCHOLARSHIP The Light & Love Scholarship was created in 2014 by the Pappas family in honor of Nancy Pappas’s son, Dominick Pappas. This scholarship recognizes students whose personality and genuine kindness have been consistently demonstrated over the years.  Nancy Pappas Barnhart is a long-time employee of Highline Public Schools who lost her son Dominick, at the age of five. Dominick would have graduated from Highline Public Schools in 2014. This year, the Pappas family is awarded (2) scholarships. 2016 Light & Love Scholarship Recipients: [caption id="attachment_100088" align="aligncenter" width="490"]L&L 2016 Light & Love Scholarship Recipients Elizabeth Van Flandern and Andrew Schons pictured with Nancy Pappas Barnhart.[/caption] Andrew Schons, Big Picture High School Andrew plans on attending the Cornish College of the Arts to study Visual Art. Andrew wrote one of the most raw and honest essays the Pappas family read.  Andrew is a brilliant artist – after reading his story and references, it is clear he is a “HEART-IST” using every fiber of his being to fuel his talent. Andrew shared challenges and milestones that have made him what he is today, as one references put it, a smart, driven, and kind-hearted young man. His struggles before joining the Big Picture High School family have informed his art, and his pure heart, concern for others, and quirky sense of humor are part of what makes his art unique and mature. Elizabeth Van Flandern, Raisbeck Aviation High School Elizabeth plans attend George Washington University to study International Affairs. According to her references, Elizabeth is thoughtful, a loyal friend, the first to smile and step up when need, a truly remarkable young woman. And, she goes well beyond the classroom to enrich other people’s lives and the community. Elizabeth’s application resonated with the Pappas family, and reflected light and love in a simple and clear way  throughout her story; in particular, with this summary statement:  “I want to live in a positive and nurturing world, and that means I need to give out love and kindness and caring in the acts I commit every day.”  ALASKA AIRLINES SCHOLARSHIP The Alaska Airlines Scholarship is funded thanks to the generosity of Alaska Airlines, an important partner with Highline Schools Foundation. Started in 2014 as one (1) $5,000 scholarship awarded to one graduating student attending Highline Public Schools, Alaska Airlines increased the number of scholarships awarded in 2016 to four (4)! The scholarship is based on financial need, academic merit, achievement, and the student’s future goals. 2016 Alaska Airlines Scholarship Recipients: [caption id="attachment_100089" align="aligncenter" width="490"]AK Airlines Jade Jordan, Connor Shea, Geneva Rossman, Jesus Quinones pictured with Scott Lautman, Alaska Airlines and Highline Schools Foundation Trustee.[/caption] Jade Jordan, Raisbeck Aviation High School Jade graduates as a National Honor Society member for all four (4) years, and with perfect attendance! She plans to pursue computer science at Western Washington University.  She was first introduced to coding through district sponsored event called “Girls Can Code.”  Before attending the event, she thought it was all too difficult and not interesting.  She liked the idea of creating things.  Jade is described by her faculty as thoughtful, humble and reliable. Geneva Rossman, Raisbeck Aviation High School Geneva will attend Gonzaga University where she plans to major in Biology with an emphasis on research. She will also be on a pre-med track.  Geneva received multiple awards at RAHS including the Wingman and the Wright Stuff awards. She was named Rotary Student of the month and is a Cross Country letter winner. She has been a participant, President and leader in the Science Olympiad program at Aviation. Geneva is described by faculty as confident, a mentor and having an unflagging work ethic. Connor Shea, Highline High School Connor will be attending DigiPen Institute of Technology and plans on getting his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Game Design. Connor is an independent student, he has been a member of the National Honor Society all 4 years of high school and is a three (3) sport athlete—participating in wrestling, track & field, and football.  Connor is described by his faculty as a leader, intelligent and kind. Jesus Quinones, Highline High School Jesus plans to attend the University of Washington to study Computer Science. Jesus is also the first in his family to attend college! He participated in the “Minds Matter” program for four (4) years, he volunteers and translates at the Seattle Aquarium, and is a DECA and Key Club member at HHS. Jesus is described by faculty as determined, dependable, and thoughtful. THE SEATTLE-TACOMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (STIA) SCHOLARSHIP Started in 2002, The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA) Scholarship is the Foundation’s longest running scholarship. This needs-based scholarship is funded through the annual the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Scholarship charity golf tournament (sponsored by volunteer employees of the Port of Seattle and HMS Host). Three scholarships are awarded annually to three graduating seniors who attend a Highline Public School and will be pursuing a college education. 2016 STIA Scholarship Recipients: [caption id="attachment_100090" align="aligncenter" width="490"]STIA - Hansol Kim Hansol Kim, Highline High School receives her Certificate of Recognition from Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_100091" align="aligncenter" width="490"]STIA 2016 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA) Scholarship Recipients Chloe McDougall, Hansol Kim and Jan Benedict Mislang with Marco Milanese, Port of Seattle and Highline Schools Foundation Trustee.[/caption] Chloe McDougall, Highline High School Chloe will attend Western Washington University this fall where she will major in Sociology. She is the first in her family to pursue a four-year degree. Chloe maintained a 3.5 GPA at Highline High School and earned a 4.00 GPA at Highline College in her Running Start classes last quarter. Her teachers describe her as a “model of individual determination.”  She is a more than just a great student though and is also very active in a number of organizations and clubs including at Gregory Heights Elementary where she has volunteered since her freshman year. Hansol Kim, Highline High School Hansol will be attending University of Washington Seattle and she is interested in studying pre-law. She has taken advantage of every opportunity at HHS to challenge herself as demonstrated by her six AP level classes.  And though she is without question an amazing student, Hansol is very well rounded.  She plays clarinet with the symphonic band, is on the varsity golf team and is currently the ASB President. Somehow she has also found time to serve as an intern at Cascade Middle School and the White Center Community Development Association. Jan Benedict Mislang, Highline High School Jan moved from the Philippines to Burien only two years ago knowing, at the time, very little English. His desire to prove himself has always been evident in his daily work and in his willingness to do whatever was necessary both inside and outside of class to develop his understanding. This fall, he’s on his way to Highline College and is the first member of his family to go to college in this country. After 2 years at community college, he plans to transfer to a university so that he can get his bachelor’s degree.  He’s an impressive student and has a bright future ahead of him. CM GARRITY SCHOLARSHIP New in 2015, thanks to the generosity of benefactor Charles Garrity—the CM Garrity Scholarship was awarded to two graduating students from Highline Public Schools. This is the only 4-year scholarship opportunity provided by Highline Schools Foundation. Scholarship criteria included financial need, academic performance, leadership and community service or extracurricular activities. 2016 CM Garrity Scholarship Recipients: [caption id="attachment_100092" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Garrity 1 2016 CM Garrity Scholarship Recipient Khairul Islam pictured with Pat and Charles Garrity.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_100093" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Garrity 2 2016 CM Garrity Scholarship Recipient Patricia Gonzalez Delgadopictured with Pat and Charles Garrity.[/caption] Patricia Gonzalez Delgado, Global Connections High School Patricia plans to attend the University of Washington where she will pursue an education in International Business.  Patricia has been named Washington’s DECA student of the year, has received the Seamount Award for 2015 and 2016 for having a 3.5 or higher GPA during all of her gymnastics and cross country sports seasons, and has participated in numerous DECA events. Khairul Islam, Global Connections High School This scholarship allows him to get closer to achieving his dream—of attending the University of Washington and majoring in Environmental Engineering. He chose UW Seattle because it is a big school with big beautiful buildings!  Khairul grew up in Bangladesh and will be the first person his family to attend college. TINSHIP SCHOLARSHIP New in 2016, seniors in Highline Public Schools had a new scholarship available to them thanks to The Tin Room and their patrons. The scholarship is intended for graduates who want to pursue a trade school, for careers in mechanics, building, machinery or craftsmanship. 2016 TinShip Scholarship Recipient: [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Tinship winner Osmat Shamdeen, pictured with Tin Room Owner Danny House.[/caption] Osmat Shamdeen, Mount Rainier High School Osmat fell in love with welding while at Puget Sound Skills Center, he attends Renton Technical College to earn early credit, and has been accepted into the Renton Tech Welding program in the fall. He plans to work for Boeing.

Photos by Melissa Ponder/Mel Ponder Photography.

The Highline Schools Foundation was established in 1999 with the purpose of providing community resources to help Highline Public Schools succeed. We believe that by helping to enrich the classroom and school experience, we can engage students to reach a higher level of learning, and the entire community will benefit.  The Foundation is governed by a dedicated group of volunteer Trustees and is the only 501(c)(3) organization supporting all Highline Public Schools.
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