A Season for Honors and Awards
It may not take a village to raise a child. But when that child is making plans for a post-secondary education, a supportive community can sure be a big help. Organizations like the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Rotary, the Masonic Lodge and the Lions Club offer incentives, recognition and, sometimes, scholarships to support our students in their quest for a great education.
For the past 45 years, the Federal Way Lions Club has celebrated Federal Way students at an annual ceremony late in the school year. In 1962, local Lions began the practice of honoring two graduating seniors from Federal Way High School -- at the time, the community’s only high school. Three years later, they presented two students representing Federal Way High School the first in a long line of scholarships - $50 each. This year, two students from each of Federal Way’s five high schools each received $700 scholarships from the club. In addition, two students from each of the district’s middle schools were honored with a plaque.
The Lions ask staff to choose recipients who are outstanding students in leadership and academics, and unselfish in providing service to their school and our community, with or without awards. Athletic participation is not a requirement. The Lions raises the scholarship money through an annual Car Show held in the Sears parking lot at the Commons. This year, it will be held on Saturday, August 22.
The Lions also have a long history of raising funds to provide free eyeglasses and hearing aids for local residents who can’t afford them, including many Federal Way students. The local Pearle Vision contributes glasses, while Lions pays for the exam.
Other community activities sponsored or supported by the Lions Club that impact our students includes the Federal Way Community Food and Toy Drive, which provides over 100 families with holiday joy each year, the Relay for Life, and the annual Middle School Track Meet, just recently completed.
AAUW Honors Female Students and Staff
In April, the local American Association of University Women (AAUW) recognized 10 female high school seniors at a luncheon, and extended to them a chance to, in turn, honor the teacher whom each student admires the most. Students and the educators they honored were:
Decatur High School
Alaina B. (Math) and Soojin M. (Science) selected teachers Jeannette Kearney and Imelda Mead, respectively.
Federal Way High School
Math – Chelsea K. (math) and Vanessa P. (science) selected educators Carla Boone and Abbie Brown.
Thomas Jefferson High School
Felicia B. (math) and Averi K. (science) selected Tom Norris of T.J. and Kerry Noll of Illahee, respectively.
Todd Beamer High School
Karen P. (math/science) selected Mary Downhour (a second student received an award for the area of technology, but permission to publish her name on the web could not be secured).
Truman High School
Breana J. (math) and Ashley S. (science) selected Mary Ann Arens and Jal Caneva.
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| Federal Way high school seniors honored by the AAUW at a luncheon on April included, l-r, Ashley S., Truman High School; Vanessa P., Federal Way High School; Soojin M., Decatur High School; Felicia B. and Averi K, Thomas Jefferson High School; Chelsea K., FWHS; and Breanna J., Truman. |