2017 Awards Ceremony | The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund

I Am

Stanley Dunham — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 22:42:05 +0000

We got to know the 2017 Scholars at the Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund’s Award Ceremony last May when they read their I Am poems. They were written before the ceremony under the tutelage of Nikkita Oliver, guest speaker and two-time Seattle Grand Slam Champion. Here are the I Am poems of our 2017 Scholars:

Emily Au – Rainier Beach

I am impatient like a breast milk pump squeezing out its last drop

I am impatient like a car without gas with its alarm mocking me

I am impatient like a nicotine addict after lunch and dinner

I am persistent like the bird droppings on your car in the same spot every morning

I am persistent like those grey hairs popping up that your mother tried to hide

I am persistent like the food residue in between your teeth when you have braces

I am loved like my grandmothers dentures when there’s cake

I am loved like the signs of winter when you’re allergic to spring

I am loved like a mother’s gaze when she sees her daughter walk across that stage

Christine Lee – Mercer Island

I am reliable like a ticking clock, constant and steady.

Like my grandma, prepared with food and always ready.

Like a chilled glass of water, steadily dripping down the throat of a panting runner.

I am hardworking like an ox trudging in the sun.

Like a disciplined ballerina with an uncomfortable skin tight bun.

Like a runner pushing through the last of her run.

I am compassionate like a young mother caring for her kin and feel the pain of everyone everywhere I have been.

Like a warm hug– tender and sweet– filled with love for everyone I meet.

Memorable Moments

Stanley Dunham — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 17:23:22 +0000

2017 Awards Ceremony

Finalists (from left to right): Katerina Tiscornia (MIHS), Claire Stein (MIHS), Emily Au (2017 Scholar, RBHS), Christine Lee (2017 Scholar, MIHS), Celine Nguyen Le (RBHS), So Nanthavongsa (RBH), Rory Murphy (MIHS), Nirae Petty (RBHS), Sidney Montague (MIHS); Not pictured: Scarlet Quynh Nguyen (RBHS)

The finalists from both Mercer Island and
Rainier Beach read “I am” poems

Nikkita Oliver shares her inspirational story in spoken word

A performance by the Dior Majorettes Dancers, ages 10-14, from the Rainier Valley

You can find a gallery of photos of this year’s awards ceremony HERE.

Countdown: Four More Days!

Stanley Dunham — Wed, 17 May 2017 05:45:58 +0000

Here they are! : the 2017 applicants from Mercer Island (below, top) and Rainier Beach (below, bottom): incredible and accomplished, all. Come meet them on Saturday at our Awards Ceremony and be inspired by our three speakers, contemporary community leaders, all!

This year’s Mercer Island Applicants (11 of 13)

This year’s applicants from Rainier Beach High School (6 of 9)

Countdown: 5 Days to Go!!

Stanley Dunham — Tue, 16 May 2017 05:52:19 +0000

The big event is on Saturday! Come meet the 2017 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship applicants at our Awards Ceremony on Saturday at the Northwest African American Museum. Under the tutelage of Poetry Grand Slam Champ Nikkita Oliver, the applicants from both Mercer Island and Rainier Beach High Schools will create a spoken word peace together and then perform it. The Details: Saturday May 20th, 2:30-4:3 (doors open at 2), NW African American Museum, Seattle, refreshment reception to follow.

In Loving Memory

Stanley Dunham — Sat, 13 May 2017 00:41:48 +0000

We dedicate our 8^th Annual Awards Ceremony to our dear friend Harry Leavitt, one of our founding Board members, who passed away in March. Harry was a force like no other. Throughout the nine years of the Fund’s existence, his enthusiasm, hard work and ideas have been vital to our organization. It was Harry who arranged for us to hold our 2017 Awards Ceremony at the NW African American Museum in Seattle. He thought it was the perfect venue for us to award a scholarship to a senior from Mercer Island High School and, for the first time, a scholarship to a senior from Rainier Beach High School in Seattle. Harry will be sorely missed. The Award Ceremony is on Saturday May 20, NW African American Museum in Seattle, 2:30-4:30, doors open at 2.

Countdown: 9 Days

Stanley Dunham — Fri, 12 May 2017 03:06:04 +0000

We are honored to have such accomplished young women apply for our scholarship! They’re from Rainier Beach and Mercer Island High Schools–each and every one of them has made a difference in our community. Meet them at our Award Ceremony on May 20th! Details: Saturday May 20^th; NW African American Museum; 2:30-4:30, doors open at 2; free admission.

Countdown: 11 Days

Stanley Dunham — Wed, 10 May 2017 01:12:07 +0000

Our 2017 Applicants have already begun to be leaders in public service. Our three speakers will show them how to make a career in it. Come be inspired! Details: Saturday May 20^th; NW African American Museum; 2:30-4:30, doors open at 2; free admission.

Speaker 1 of 3: Nikkita Oliver, Anti-discrimination activist and mayoral candidate