The Bremerton Schools Foundation established the “Bremerton Olympian Endowment” due to the generous contribution of Bremerton graduate Tara Kirk. The $25,000 endowment will fund an elementary swim program for the district for years to come.

“Swimming and the Bremerton Schools have been vital parts of my life,” Kirk said. “It is important for me to give back to our community.”

Bremerton has produced three Olympic swimmers during the Summer Games of 2004 and 2008. Tara wants other Bremerton Students to to have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of these Olympians.

It is important for kids in a water community to know how to swim. Drowning accidents are avoidable if we make sure our kids are water safe. This elementary swim program will help Bremerton schools reach this goal.

An elementary swim program also will encourage kids to be more active and introduce them to a pool where they can exercise and stay out of trouble.

Kirk, born in Bremerton in 1982, was an Olympic swimmer. After graduating from Bremerton High School she went on to swim in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Tara won a silver medal swimming in the preliminary heats of the 400 Medley Relay. She set the world short course meters record in the 100 meter breaststroke at the 2004 Women’s NCAA Championships swimming for Stanford University. She was also named “Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year” and recived the NCAA Top Eight Award.

During the last four years, Bremerton Schools Foundation awarded more than $84,000 in student scholarships and more than $50,000 in educator grants. Today, Bremerton Schools Foundation continues to spearhead the business community, alumni and resident’s support to ensure the healthy education of our students.