I graduated from Capital High School in 2023 and the University of San Diego in 2026 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in International Business. In high school, I was on the Dance Team all four years and served as Treasurer and Vice President of the National Honor Society, completing over 100 hours of community service. Alongside volunteering, I worked my last two years in downtown Olympia at local businesses. My passion for world travel inspired the idea for this scholarship. While abroad, I met and worked with students from diverse backgrounds, which gave me a deeper appreciation for creating opportunities for others. I want to help students with similar passions access experiences they might not have imagined. Throughout my education, I have been on the President’s List at South Puget Sound Community College and received the Donald R. Knauss Trustee Merit Scholarship at USD.

As someone whose family has been part of this community for over 20 years, I have seen our town grow and thrive. That is why I created the Sophia Joe Scholarship Fund—to support students from Thurston County who work hard, show leadership, and strive to make a difference. This scholarship is my way of helping the next generation of business leaders pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in our community. Applicants will be evaluated on their impact, leadership, and vision, as demonstrated by:

• Community service involvement or a commitment to helping others.
• Leadership or responsibilities outside of school, including work, volunteering, or caring for family members.
• Thoughtfulness and vision, as demonstrated by a supplemental essay responding to the question: “What community project or initiative do you think would make the biggest positive impact in Thurston County, and why?”

The purpose of the Sophia Joe Scholarship Fund is to recognize and support outstanding students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to pursuing studies in the field of business. This fund seeks to encourage the next generation of business leaders from Thurston County and to foster students' vision for making a positive impact in their community.

Selection of award recipient is based on the following:

• Planning to pursue studies in business or a related field.
• Graduating senior from a high school in Thurston County, Washington.
• Planning to pursue post-secondary education at a four-year college or university.
• Demonstrates academic excellence with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
• Applicants who demonstrate community service involvement
• Preference may be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, particularly those who don't qualify for other forms of financial aid, though all students are encouraged to apply.