PULLMAN, Wash. — Two of this year’s five first-place Spokane Scholars are planning to attend Washington State University in the fall.
The scholars, Jessica A. Woelke and Robyn J. Brown, each received a $3,000 scholarship from the Spokane Scholars Foundation and a matching amount from WSU. They are both valedictorians at their respective high schools.
Woelke, a senior at Central Valley High School in Spokane, is the first-place recipient in the social sciences category. She intends to study political science and philosophy. Her goal is to work in the Foreign Service or teach English as a second language in a foreign country. Woelke’s parents are Anita and William Woelke of Veradale.
Brown, a senior at North Central High School in Spokane, is the first-place recipient in the fine arts category. She plays the clarinet and plans to double major in music performance and music education.
“I am very impressed with the music facility and how it’s been redone,” Brown said.
Both students were pleased with the financial packages awarded by the university.
“I was also offered a substantial amount of scholarship money, and that played a big role in my decision to attend WSU,” said Brown, who also was named a Washington Scholar. Her parents are Catherine and Bob Brown of Spokane.
Ellen Hoffman, a foundation board member, said this year’s winners are a phenomenal group of students. “WSU is in good company, since some of them are going to the most prestigious universities in the country.”
The Spokane Scholars project is unique because it is financed and driven locally, Hoffman said. Businesspeople and community members created the foundation in 1991 to recognize the academic achievements of Spokane County high school students.
One of last year’s scholarship recipients is attending WSU. Matthew R. Schroeder, a University High School graduate, was second in the math category. Schroeder’s parents are Barbara and Larry Schroeder of Spokane.
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