The Lake Washington PTSA Council recognized 15 students and two staff members with awards at their annual PTSA Council Scholarship reception on June 2. Seven Kirkland area students were honored. Two International Community School students were honored including Rachel Roberts – International Community School Award; and Ashley Yoo – Adria Klein Memorial Scholarship.

Two Juanita High School students were honored inclduing Hayley Hudson – Juanita High School Award; and Melanie Hynden – Lake Washington Education Association/Karen Bates Scholarship. And three from Lake Washington High School, including Hyun (Jane) Jung – Lake Washington High School Award; Annika Becker-Brown – LW PTSA Council Award At-Large; and Sydney Chisholm – LW PTSA Council Award At-Large.

The Lake Washington PTSA Council began its scholarship program over 30 years ago to assist graduating seniors with their college education. In 1990, scholarships were added for district staff to help defray the costs of continuing education. Funding for these scholarships is provided by the 41 PTA units in LWSD and members of the community. Each PTA makes an annual donation to the scholarship fund and also contributes a themed basket for the Council’s Basket Auction, which is held the first Thursday in December. All proceeds from the auction go directly to fund the scholarship. Student recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, and most importantly, community service. Teachers are selected on the basis of dedication to students, educational goals, and service to the community.