HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS
Soroptimist International of Port Angeles-Noon Club selected seven local students to receive $500 and $1,000 academic scholarships. Students are evaluated based upon academics, leadership, school activities, community service, awards received and student employment. The students persevered two years of Covid restrictions during their high school years. The students were honored June 9, 2023 at Joshua’s Restaurant.
Saylah Commerton, Port Angeles High School, a $1,000 recipient will be attending Western Washington University in the fall to major in Elementary Education with plans to teach in the Bellingham area. Commerton is also interested in teaching outdoor education in the Redwood Forest. A Shore Aquatic Center lifeguard and childcare provider, she enjoys spending her summers at Lake Crescent.
Landon Close, Port Angeles High School, received $1,000 and will be attending Peninsula College this fall enrolled in the Welding Technology program. His plans include scuba diving instruction to pursue a career in underwater welding. Close enjoys swimming, soccer, hiking, rock collecting and adventures with friends.
Cheyenne Zimmer, Port Angeles High School, a $1,000 winner will be completing prerequisites for Peninsula College’s planned Dental Hygiene Program. Zimmer has been active in softball/fastpitch and club softball.
Julianna Quarto, Port Angeles High School, received $1,000 and plans to major in Business/Marking and Graphic Design this fall at Western Washington University. Beginning her working career during high school at Bella Italia she has developed a work ethic and career goals. Quarto has also catered and harvested at local lavender farms.
Kailani Rodriguez, Lincoln High School, earned $1,000 and will begin Peninsula College’s Early Childhood Education in the fall. Upon completion, she plans to transfer to Western Washington University to complete a degree in Special Education and teach at the elementary or middle school level. Active in the Boys and Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula, she received the Olympic Peninsula Youth Volunteer of the Year Award from the organization.
Nason Martinez, Port Angeles High School, received $500 and plans to complete Peninsula College’s Criminal Justice program and pursue a career in law enforcement. Martinez has been active in basketball since the fourth grade. During his sophomore year of basketball, he was named offensive MVP.