Eight area students received $1,000 scholarships May 21 at the second annual West Sound Tech Foundations Luncheon — a step for each toward turning hard work in the classroom into post-secondary success.
Serving eight school districts around West Sound, including Bremerton, West Sound Tech trains high school students in technical and skilled trade areas, preparing each for higher education and the work force.
Attended by West Sound staff, students and the donors who funded the scholarships, the luncheon finalized for eight students a $1,000 boost into the future.
“It means everything to me,” Angeleena Sullivan, a senior at Peninsula High School, said of receiving the scholarship.
A culinary artist, Sullivan said earning the scholarship will help her “be the best that I can be.” She hopes one day to open her own restaurant.
The remaining recipients — Denise Kuehl, Regina Ogazi, Nick Ahrens, Edward Hart, Dominica Ogazi, Daniel Nelsen and Mae Kopecki — hope to pursue careers ranging from automotive technology, to hospitality and tourism, to collision repair.
“This will allow them (the students) to pursue their trades,” Kathrin Carr, director of West Sound Tech, explained. “For some students this means everything because they don’t have the funds necessary (to move on).”
After writing a series of essays, and handing in letters of recommendation, the 13 applicants were interviewed by a scholarship committee, the top eight being selected.
“I didn’t feel nervous at all,” Ahrens said. “They were all friendly.”
Praising the donors, who together contributed more than $10,000, Carr said West Sound Tech flourishes because of the generosity of its supporters.
“I was really overwhelmed with all the participation,” she said.
With eight scholarships awarded this year, and more expected in the coming years, Carr said the 16 various technical programs at West Sound Tech are becoming more appealing to students.
“I think students see the possibilities out there,” she said.
Among the donors were: Bonney and Sigurd Chrey; Richard Freeney; Linda Jenkins and Merle Suelzle; Linda Laine and Judy Wertz; Chris Miller; Col. Richard and Sigrid Strand; Cindy Wyman; Denise Zaske and Sandra Schneider; Assistant Project Superintendent Association; Delphinus Engineering, Inc.; EHT Enterprises, Inc.; Federal Manager’s Association Chapter 14; Naval Civilian Managers Association; Olympic Vintage Auto Club; Superintendents Association — PSNS; WSTSC Educational Association; Safe Boats International LLC; and Port Orchard Sand and Gravel Co.
