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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Extra Credit

Students awarded full scholarships to Gonzaga, Whitworth

Seventeen Washington students are being celebrated today for receiving full-ride scholarships to Gonzaga and Whitworth universities.

The YMCA's Northwest Leadership Foundation chose the scholars from among nearly 900 applicants who underwent a rigorous three-month competition. The students are selected for their "leadership, academic potential and commitment to making a difference in their communities," said Alyson Atwater, a YMCA spokeswoman. Act Six scholarships are given to ethnically diverse and mostly first-generation, low-income students. 

"I am extremely honored to be a part of the next cadre of Act Six Scholars, and I could not be more excited to start college this fall," said RaSasha Montgomery, a Central Valley High School senior who will attend Whitworth. "The Act Six program has already been such an enriching experience. I’m thankful for the opportunities the program provides to continue my development as a future leader in our community."

Launched in 2002, Act Six scholarships seek to develop urban and community leaders to be agents of transformation on campus and in their home communities. 

After today's celebration, scholars will begin an intensive seven-month training program that involves weekly meetings with YMCA Act Six staff, retreats and campus visits.

Following is a list of this year’s Act Six recipients:

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY (CADRE SEVEN)

Spokane-Area Students

Siniva Areta, Joel E. Ferris High School

Kathy Au, John R. Rogers High School

Henadz Krukovich, John R. Rogers High School

Jennifer Phan, Gonzaga Preparatory School

Seattle-Tacoma Students

Loren Carrillo, Lincoln High School

Hawa Elias, Federal Way Senior High School

Joseph Jerome, Foster High School

Eloisa Serrano, Todd Beamer High School

WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY (CADRE THIRTEEN)

Spokane-Area Students

Jeff Louissaint, Joel E. Ferris High School

RaSasha Montgomery, Central Valley High School

Anthony Rice, West Valley High School

Bao Tran, John R. Rogers High School

Seattle-Tacoma Students

Samantha Ayala, Highline Big Picture High School

Essance King, Seattle Urban Academy

Noah McDonald, Puyallup Senior High School

Anna Rodriguez, Federal Way Senior High School

Alejandra Silva-Avendano, Foster High School



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