Thank you to all who applied for a 2017 Alaska Air Group Credit Union Scholarship. The selection process was difficult; applications are rigorously reviewed by the AAGCU Scholarship Committee. After careful consideration, the following students have each been selected as recipients of a $500 AAGCU Scholarship Award.
Congratulations to the winners:
James Jacobson of Snoqualmie, WA, is a Freshman at Whitman College. He is on track to double major in Mathematics and Physics with a minor in Spanish. After completing his undergrad, James can possibly see himself applying for a graduate level engineering program. In high school, James was involved in student government, National Honors Society, and played varsity soccer and golf. Now in college, James is a full-time student athlete as a member of the Whitman soccer team, he was selected as the only first year student to the Board of Trustees for the Whitman Investment Company, and he was elected to the Philanthropic/Community Service Executive Chair position for his fraternity. Over the past 2 semesters, James averaged a 3.77 GPA with a 4.0 GPA in classes pertaining to his major.
“My positive attitude defines me. Knowing me as a person isn’t possible without an appreciation of the smile that never leaves my face, and I believe it has contributed to all the different elements in my life that qualify me for this scholarship. Academics, sports, leadership, and community service are all supplemented by an optimistic view on life.”
Morgan Judd of Enumclaw, WA, is a Freshman at Washington State University. She wants to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing so that she can become a registered nurse with a specialty in forensic nursing. Even at a young age, Morgan can remember wanting to help others and this passion is still very clear to her today. In high school, Morgan was actively involved in National Honors Society, Bear Crew, Future Farmers of America, and as a regular tutor for her fellow classmates. Now at WSU, Morgan participates in food drives to benefit the community surrounding her University and helps organize philanthropic events with her sorority. Over the past 2 semesters, Morgan averaged a 3.4 GPA.
“Often times, when someone enters into a hospital after an event of such brutality they are scared of what will happen. I believe that pursuing a career where I will be one of the first people they will see and talk to I can make a difference in their journey. Part of being a forensic nurse is about being a listener for anyone who needs to talk, and I can do that.”
Cierra Lohr of Tucson, AZ, is a graduating senior from Sabino High School in Arizona. She will attend the University of Arizona in the fall. Cierra plans to become a veterinarian and chose U of A for its strong pre-veterinarian program. In high school, Cierra was a varsity cheer leader, a member of National Honors Society, a member of Key Club, and actively involved with Future Farmers of America. She has always loved animals and found a passion for animal care by working and volunteering with livestock at Houston’s Horseback Riding where she now cares for over 40 horses and gives riding lessons. Cierra also spends one day a week at Pima Animal Care Center assisting the veterinary staff. Over the last 2 semesters, Cierra averaged a 3.65 GPA and has a goal to maintain a 4.0 GPA through college.
“Ultimately, my life has been a journey, just as everyone’s has been. The most memorable parts of my journey rest in my work with animals. It’s simple to forget about receiving the Officer of the Year Award of the First Place Extemporaneous Public Speaker award in every day life, but changing the lives of animals is something that is truly unforgettable.”