We are excited to announce that we have awarded six scholarships this year, including two to students from our newest partner, Chief Sealth International School. We know you’ll be impressed by these young scholars who have all excelled academically and engaged in important work in their communities.
Gigi Huynh, Rainier Beach High School
Gigi will begin at the University of Washington this fall and plans to major in biology and go into healthcare where she plans to further the legacy of Dr. Dunham by volunteering overseas. Gigi describes herself as a compassionate and empathetic person and she will use these qualities to make the world a better place.
Heena Vahora, Chief Sealth International High School
Heena is the first in her family to attend college and the Stanley Ann Dunham scholarship will allow her to pursue a degree in the technology field. Heena will attend the University of Washington this fall and plans to continue volunteering to raise awareness about the importance of mental health care and self-care.
Ilhan Ahmed, Rainier Beach High School
Ilhan is still deciding where she will attend this fall, but she knows that she will remain in Washington State to continue helping her family. Ilhan describes majoring in microbiology as her means to expand the face of STEM to all women. She plans to be an example for Black Muslim identifying women in STEM, increasing visibility and possiblity. Ilhan has been working since she started high school and describes the Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship as a light at the end of a tunnel, the scholarship helping her achieve her biggest dreams.
Kate Larsen, Mercer Island High School
Kate would tell you that it is impossible to encapsulate her strong passions, morals, and values in such a small space. She works two jobs, plays three sports, volunteers, and more. Kate will pursue a business degree from University of California – Los Angeles and leverage it to become an executive one day. Kate plans to pay forward the gift of the Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship by mentoring to create a pipeline of successful female executives.
Olivia Turner, Chief Sealth International High School
Olivia will attend University of Hawai’i at Mānoa in the fall and major in Marine Biology, focusing on coral preservation. Her love of the environment and desire to contribute to the global community through preservation is how she plans to contribute to Dr. Dunham’s legacy. Olivia is grateful for the opportunity this scholarship will provide her and her family.
Saniya Sampson, Rainier Beach High School
Saniya plans to attend Spelman College in Atlanta Georgia this fall. As a cheerleader, Saniya says this sport taught her good sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment and being focused and determined. She describes her volunteer fundraising efforts and her tutoring job as embodying the spirit of Stanley Ann Dunham and plans to continue developing as a transformational leader in a career in education or healthcare.
