Rotary Boosts 64 Everett Students with $341,975 in Scholarships

 
Some 64 Everett-area students gained a higher education head start Monday evening as the Rotary Club of Everett presented scholarships funded by club members and donors worth an unprecedented $341,975.
 
The total includes two new “Partners in Excellence” scholarships funded by local leaders. The Partners in Excellence program was started in 1999 to encourage local businesses and friends of Rotary to contribute to our scholarship program annually.  For a list of our Partners, click here.
  • Former Everett mayor Ed Hansen and his wife Andi are strong advocates of higher education and support both the Everett School District and Everett Community College. Their scholarship supports a general education path.
  • The John and Eileen Staniford trade scholarship was created to honor the parents of Rotarian Jim Staniford, whose dad was an operating engineer for 55 years.
Scholarship winners were recognized at an in-person celebration May 22 in the Everett Civic Auditorium. Their individual grants range from $500 to $28,000.
“Each year we are humbled and honored by our high school students’ achievements and dedication,” said Rotary president Tammy Dunn. “The members of the Rotary Club of Everett and our community partners are delighted to help these inspiring young neighbors advance in their education and achieve their dreams.” 
 
Rotarians in Everett work closely with school counselors to identify scholarship prospects. Those nominees are then interviewed by Rotary members, who make the final selection. Since this program began in 1952, the club has awarded more than $5.5 million in scholarships.
 
“Each year I am incredibly grateful for the support of the Everett Rotary scholarships for our students,” said superintendent Ian Saltzman of the Everett School District. “Those being awarded have worked hard to achieve their high school goals and move on to their next level of educational opportunities. Financial assistance helps them immensely as they begin to work toward their post-graduate goals.”  
 
Supporting youth is a major focus for the Rotary Club of Everett. Club members share their business experiences with students participating in the school district’s AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) program. The club also participates in student exchange programs by sending local students overseas and hosting students from other countries.