Smart Choices Scholarship Program launched by WIAA, sponsors

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), in conjunction with the Dairy Farmers of Washington and Les Schwab Tires, announced the Smart Choices College Scholarship program that annually awards one female and one male recipient.

Award winners receive a $5,000 college scholarship that is presented to them at the WIAA Hall of Fame Banquet held each year in May, at the Renton Pavilion Event Center.

“The Smart Choices College Scholarship is a great opportunity for two high school seniors to leverage their participation in WIAA activities toward building their college fund,” WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese said.

Nominators have until April 1, 2013, to submit a nomination form. In addition to a series of background questions, each applicant will be required to write an essay or provide a personal statement video about “How you plan to use your education to benefit others.”

The judging criteria is based on 35 percent athletic/activity excellence, 35 percent academic achievement, 15 percent leadership, 10 percent citizenship/community service and five percent on originality/creativity of the essay or video submitted. Nominations for the Smart Choices College Scholarship Fund are online at http://www.wiaa.com/smartchoices.

“There are a number of national scholarship programs available to thousands of high school seniors but the odds of a Washington resident being awarded one is very small,” said Washington Dairy Director of Retail/Food Service Marketing Jeff Steele. “The Dairy Farmers of Washington and Les Schwab Tires created the Smart Choices College Scholarship program to improve the opportunities for Washington youth to access funding for higher education.”

A student can self-nominate or be nominated by a friend, parent, teacher or coach. Representatives of the WIAA, Dairy Farmers of Washington and Les Schwab Tires determine the final scholarship awards.

“This sponsorship reflects our commitment to participating in events that are important to the customers and employees in the communities where we live and work,” said Les Schwab Tires Northwestern Regional Manager Andy Sherry.

The Dairy Farmers of Washington have sponsored the WIAA championships for the past 16 years. That sponsorship was enhanced six years ago when Les Schwab became a co-title sponsor.