At the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, we believe education creates opportunity—not only for students, but for families, workplaces, and communities across our region. Behind each scholarship is a story of possibility, perseverance, and a community coming together to make more possible for the next generation.

Thanks to the generosity of local donors, volunteer reviewers, school staff, and community partners who helped spread the word about these opportunities, this year’s scholarship season made a meaningful impact. A total of 84 students received $310,500 in new and renewable scholarship awards.

One especially meaningful highlight came from an anonymous community member who contributed an additional $15,000 to support local students during the scholarship selection process. Wanting the focus to remain on students and their futures, the donor chose to give quietly and anonymously.

Their generosity allowed the Community Foundation to award five additional $3,000 scholarships to students who otherwise would not have received scholarship support this year—demonstrating how a single act of generosity can make more possible for local students and their futures.

One recipient of the anonymous gift responded with heartfelt gratitude: “Please tell the donor that I’m very grateful. I appreciate this support so much. Thank you a thousand times.”

Reaching Students Across the South Sound

Building on continued outreach efforts, program officer Tami Mason-Lathrop connected with students and families by tabling at high school resource fairs and leading scholarship workshops in both rural and urban communities across the South Sound.  

These efforts helped the Community Foundation receive 470 student applications, with at least one applicant for every scholarship opportunity offered this year. Other highlights from this year’s scholarship season included:

• 470 applications received from students representing 28 schools
• 52 students awarded new scholarship awards totaling $153,500
• 32 students are eligible for renewable scholarships awards totaling $157,000
• Every scholarship fund awarded at least one student this year  
• 41 volunteer reviewers contributing their time and expertise to support the selection process

We are deeply grateful to the scholarship donors, volunteer reviewers, school staff, recommenders, families, and community champions who helped students navigate this process and pursue their educational goals. Together, your generosity and encouragement continue to open doors and make more possible for local students every year.

Meet Two of This Year’s Student Scholars!

Kat Lim
Recipient of the John & Opal McGimpsey Scholarship

Kate is graduating from Olympia High School with a passion for service, leadership, and lifelong learning. This fall, she will attend the University of Washington as she begins pursuing her goal of becoming a dentist.

Throughout high school, Kate has embraced opportunities to lead and serve her community. She served as Class Vice President all four years, held leadership roles in the Asian American Council, and excelled as a musician, serving as concertmaster of Olympia High School's Symphony Orchestra and participating in the Chamber Orchestra, which earned a state championship title.

One of the most meaningful influences in Kate's life has been dance. For the past ten years, dance has taught her discipline, resilience, and what she describes as "quiet leadership." After facing setbacks early in her training, she learned the value of perseverance and continued to grow both as a performer and as a mentor to younger dancers.

Kate also credits her parents for shaping her strong work ethic. Watching them take over and operate Short Stop Grocery has shown her the dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance required to support a family while serving the community. Their example has inspired her to work hard in her own pursuits and strive for opportunities that will allow her to give back to them in the future.

Alongside the support and example of her family, Kate also faced the challenge of losing her grandfather while balancing school, dance, and other responsibilities. Through that experience, she learned to ask for help, adapt to difficult circumstances, and keep moving forward even when things felt overwhelming.

Inspired by positive experiences with her own dentist and reinforced through job-shadowing opportunities and participation in the University of Washington Dental Academy, Kate hopes to build a career that combines science, creativity, and compassionate patient care.

"I want to be someone who can ease anxiety and build trust," she said. "I hope to create the same sense of comfort and support that my own dentist gave to me."

Stephanie Bradley
Recipient of the Dan R. Montgomery Scholarship

Stephanie is graduating from Capital High School with plans to pursue a degree in Biochemistry as she works toward a career in forensic science and crime scene investigation. As the recipient of the Dan R. Montgomery Scholarship, she hopes to combine her passion for science with a commitment to supporting the justice system through evidence-based investigation and analysis.

Throughout high school, Stephanie has balanced rigorous academics with leadership, athletics, music, volunteerism, and work. She served as President of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), led blood drives and fundraising efforts, qualified for the HOSA National Leadership Conference in forensic science, and volunteered with organizations including Garfield Elementary and the Thurston County Food Bank. She also served as flute section leader in Capital High School's marching and pep bands.

One of Stephanie's most meaningful experiences has been volunteering alongside Garfield Elementary Community Liaison Mohamed Elsokkary, helping organize food, supplies, and resources for families in need.

"Being an 'unseen hero' is incredibly meaningful to me," Stephanie shared. "You don't have to be seen to make a difference."

Through this work, Stephanie learned the value of steady, behind-the-scenes service. Watching programs grow from a small supply closet into multiple portable classrooms filled with resources showed her how dedication and teamwork can create lasting impact.

Stephanie has also overcome personal challenges, including navigating anxiety and learning to advocate for herself. Through counseling, self-reflection, and perseverance, she developed resilience, confidence, and the ability to ask for support when needed.

"Ultimately, my future is not just about a career," she said. "It's about becoming someone who uses their education to help others, give back to their community, and support people when they need it most."

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Please join us in celebrating this year’s scholarship recipients—and all South Sound graduates—on this incredible achievement. We are honored to support the next chapter of your journey and can’t wait to see the impact you will make in our communities and beyond.

Amanda Winters Scholarship

• Saryn Bishop

Alfred R. “Dick” Lewis Memorial Scholarship

• Chloe Dang

Dan R. Montgomery Scholarship

• Stephanie Bradley
• Lily Ann Peralta

Donald & Patricia Ernst Olympia Kiwanis Endowed Scholarship

• Emma Malfi
• Sophia Park
• Maegan Shen

Ecosystems Scholarship

• Kevin DeGraw
• Roan Ontjes-DeGroot
• Jacob Allison

Elizabeth Libby White Memorial Scholarship

• Danna Troyep

Ellen Anderson deMoise Scholarship

• Kaiyah Sandridge
• Elizabeth Mittge

Grade 13 Fund

• Maelynn Nygaard
• Brook Mirka

Henry J. Melusky Memorial Scholarship

• Brolin Boelts
• Jahnavi Baldini
• Logan Gerrits

Jay Elder Creativity Challenge

• Ezekiah Jones

John & Opal McGimpsey Scholarship

• Kate Lim
• Alyssa Ruiz

Keith Skogsberg Memorial Scholarship

• Sophia Mohrweis

L&E Bottling Company Scholarship

• Emma Mafli

Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship

• Valerie Salazar Ruiz
• Aniya Gallion
• Maryam Sabrah
• Moe Theint Htun
• Sienna Scanlan
• Sydnee Chandler-Trent
• Emma Mafli
• Jahnavi Baldini

Mike & Sharon Welsh Scholarship

• Brolin Boelts
• Jahnavi Baldini

Next Step Scholarship

• Lindsey Pinion
• Jocelyn Topel

OHS Faculty Memorial Scholarship

• Brynn Udo

OHS Laurie Callaghan Memorial Scholarship

• Sydnee Chandler-Trent

Pielak Family Legacy Fund

• Brady Corbin
• Nicholas Gonce
  

Randy Edwards Memorial Scholarship

• Alazaie-Cathryn Mcbride

Richard J. Geiger Memorial Scholarship

• Ethan Stewart
• Sienna Scanlan

Robert & Kathryn Wolf Memorial Scholarship

• Sariah Amezola
• Sterling Temple
  

Russell Legacy: Women in STEM Scholarship

• Sydnee Chandler-Trent

Sophia Joe Scholarship Fund

• Parker Mondau

Community Foundation Pooled Scholarship Award

• Emannuel Correia Arruda
• Roan West
• Aldenina Chadick
• Graham Koontz
• Joanna Spilker