FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - MAY 13, 2009

Washington Scholars ceremony to honor state’s outstanding students

     OLYMPIA—Washington’s most accomplished high school seniors will be recognized for their academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement at the annual Washington Scholars ceremony May 20 in Olympia.

     Created by the Legislature in 1981, the Washington Scholars program honors three high school seniors from each of the state’s 49 legislative districts for their academic excellence and demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities.  The program is administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) and the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP).

     This year’s class of 147 Washington Scholars and 49 Scholar Alternates will be honored with a morning ceremony in the state House of Representatives chambers and an afternoon luncheon at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia.

     The House ceremony will feature congratulatory remarks by Sen. Derek Kilmer, Chair of the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee, Rep. Deb Wallace, Chair of the House Higher Education Committee, and Rep. Glenn Anderson, ranking Republican on the House Higher Education Committee.  The legislators will present House and Senate resolutions recognizing the scholars’ accomplishments.

     Gov. Chris Gregoire has been invited to deliver the luncheon keynote address.  Other scheduled speakers include HECB Executive Director Ann Daley, AWSP Executive Director Gary Kipp, Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, and Comcast Vice President of Communications Steve Kipp.  Comcast has underwritten the Scholars luncheon for the last nine years.

     In addition to their high academic work, many Washington Scholars participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities benefitting the community such as tutoring, volunteering at food banks, organizing blood drives, and helping improve family lives in depressed communities in the United States and other countries.   

     “The Washington Scholars program offers proof of the potential that exists in so many of our state’s young people today,” said the HECB’s Daley. “It also suggests that by encouraging individual initiative and maintaining a strong educational system, we can continue to produce the strong leaders and innovators that Washington will need in the years to come.” 

     “These students have shown dedication not just to academics but to the world around them, already stepping into leadership roles at the local level and beyond,” said AWSP Executive Director Gary Kipp. “Our state will certainly benefit from the students’ decision to continue their studies here in Washington. With such remarkable skills and talents, this year’s Scholars will help their communities meet the challenges of the 21st-century world, no matter what field or profession they pursue.”

     Washington Scholars receive grants equivalent to 90 percent of the value of public college tuition for the next two years.  For Scholars attending a Washington independent college or university, the grants are contingent upon the school matching the state grant dollar-for-dollar with institutional gift aid or tuition waiver.

     Scholars must maintain a 3.30 minimum cumulative grade point average to continue receiving grant money after the first three academic quarters or two semesters of study.  In addition, grants for Scholars attending an independent college or university are contingent upon the school matching the state grant dollar-for-dollar with institutional gift aid or tuition waivers.

     More information on the Washington Scholars selection process and a directory list of the 2009 Scholars is available at: www.hecb.wa.gov/Paying/waaidprgm/wsp.asp.

 For more information:

 Bob Burdick, HECB Director of Public Relations

  (360) 704-4169 or bobb@hecb.wa.gov

  Jennifer Fellinger, AWSP Director of Communications

  (360) 357-7951, (800) 562-6100 or Jennifer@awsp.org