Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC) students Elisabeth Long and Natasha Palatova have each been awarded $1,500 Kirkland Rotary Club Scholarships. The scholarships recognize and support students with financial needs and academic promise.

Long, from Woodinville, is enrolled in the Nursing program and is a member of LWTC’s Student Nursing Organization. She is a member of the Dean’s List and earned Magna Cum Laude honors while completing her Certified Nursing Assistant Program requirements. She is currently working towards becoming a Registered Nurse.

“Elisabeth is without a doubt one of the most strong-minded individuals I have encountered and there is no doubt she will accomplish all of her goals in life,” says Jessica Cain, an Opportunity Grant Career Specialist at LWTC. “She’s one of the most dedicated and focused students I have had the pleasure of working with.”

In 2009, Long organized a garage sale to benefit domestic violence prevention. A month of work concluded with $1,200 donated in honor of a friend. She is currently planning a second garage sale, which will be held on June 18 and 19.

Palatova, also from Woodinville, earned an AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degree from LWTC in Social and Human Services in August 2009. She is currently working toward a four-year degree in Behavioral Applied Science at Seattle Central Community College.

On campus she assisted prospective students while working part-time in the Enrollment Services department and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Social and Human Services Club. In the community she has worked for Northshore Hopelink and at the King County Juvenile Detention Center. She has also made meals for residents of Tent City, collected cell phones for victims of domestic violence and assembled hygiene supplies for homeless teens.

“Natasha is very committed to making the most of every moment,” says Heidi Shepherd, M.Ed., a member of LWTC’s Social & Human Services program faculty. “She successfully balances her responsibilities at home with the requirements of our program. She will continue to benefit others as she shares her skills and talents with those around her.”