OLYMPIA – The Washington Association of County Officials has announced the five individuals to receive the 2017/18 Washington counties Scholarship Fund award.
Both the Washington Association of County Officials and the Washington State Association of Counties administer the scholarship. The scholarship awards five eligible dependents of county employees or elected officials $3,000 annually. To date the organizations have awarded over $220,000 to deserving individuals.
"We are very excited to see so many high achieving individuals from geographically diverse parts of the state win this year," says Washington Association of County Officials Executive Director Scott Blonien, "It is a testament to the hard work and ambition of students throughout the state."
This year's recipients are Anthony Creasey, Clallam County; Atta Dieng, Grant County; Tristan Gunnings, Island County; Rajee Pandey, King County and Anika Parker, Mason County.
“The parents, teachers, and communities of all our applicants should be very proud of their students’ academic achievement and community involvement,” said Kittitas County Commissioner, Obie O’Brien, current President of the Washington State Association of Counties. “The work that these students have done so far is truly inspiring,” said O’Brien.
About the students:
Anthony Creasey is a Sequim High School graduate. Anthony plans on attending Northeastern University with an anticipated business and marketing major. Anthony is the son of Clallam County Hydrogeologist Carol Creasey.
Atta Dieng is a Moses Lake High School graduate who also attended Big Bend Community College. Atta plans on attending Eastern Washington University with a planned major in criminal justice. Atta is the daughter of Grant County Community and Legal Advocate Tara Dieng.
Tristan Gunnings is an Oak Harbor High School graduate who also attended Skagit Valley College. Tristan plans to continue his studies at Skagit Valley College a planned major in electrical engineering. Tristan is the son of Island County Detention Officer Samuel Gunnings.
Rajee Pandey is a Kentwood High School Graduate and current pre-med University of Washington student. Rajee is the daughter of King County Redisential Appraiser Raju Pandey.
Anika Parker is a Shelton High School graduate. Anika plans to attend the University of Washington with a major in environmental engineering. Anika is the daughter of Mason County Housing and Mental Health Program Coordinator Todd Parker.
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