"How would you define a leader?" This was the question the applicants had to ponder when they applied for this year’s Mount Rainier Youth Scholarship Program. As part of the requirements for the program, each applicant must submit an essay answering a question that challenges their understanding and leadership skills.

“These scholarships not only provide financial support but also recognize the potential and dedication of our young leaders. We want to invest not just in our youth’s education, but we want to inspire them to lead and bring significant changes to our community” said Mayor Celina Benitez who introduced the program in 2018 while serving as a council member.

The Mount Rainier Youth Scholarship Committee administers the selection of the youth scholars reviewing the submitted essays while factoring the applicant’s academic achievement, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.  

This rigorous selection process ensured that the recipients not only excelled academically but also demonstrated a deep understanding of leadership and community service.

On June 5th, the City announced this year’s recipients of the Youth Scholarship Program. 7 of the scholars received $4,000 each and 3 scholars received $2K, a total of $34,000 in scholarship funding.

This year’s scholars are:

Amirah Ragin 

Anthony Romero-Gonzalez

Deandre Page

Justice Bell-Perry

Kaitlyn Novoa

Kimberly Agustin

Maricela Gutierrez Lazo

Maximo Valle

Montanna Norman

Socorro Villanueva 

The Youth Scholarship Program has become a cornerstone of Mount Rainier’s efforts to invest in the youth and support their academic goals. The next round of scholarship applications will open in September 2024.