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WIAA/Dairy Farmers of Washington/Les Schwab Tires Smart Choices Scholarship
The Dairy Farmers of Washington and Les Schwab Tires in conjunction with the WIAA proudly present the Smart Choices Scholarship Program. This annual program recognizes one male and one female graduating senior from among the WIAA member high schools for excellence in athletics/activities, academics, leadership and community service throughout his and her high school career. Smart Choices winners receive a $5,000 scholarship toward the institution of his and her choosing. An additional four (4) male and four (4) female finalists receive $1,000 scholarships.
2016 Smart Choices Scholarship Winners
PRESS RELEASE (April 22, 2016)
Sebastian Hyta
FREEMAN HS |
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Sebastian competed in football, wrestling and baseball at Freeman High School, earning a total of 12 varsity letters for the Scotties. An inspiring and motivated leader, Sebastian finishes his high school career with two wrestling State Titles: an individual State Championship at 195 pounds (2016) and a team 1A State Title (2015). In addition, he was a member of Freeman’s 2013 State Championship football team.
Sebastian was a three-year captain on the Scotties’ wrestling team, earning Freeman MVP Wrestler and Northeast 1A First-Team honors his senior year. Sebastian’s State Title helped Freeman place ninth at State in 2016 after losing 12 seniors, eight of whom were state placers in 2015. He was a three-time Mat Classic participant, placing second his junior year and sixth his sophomore year.
On the gridiron, Sebastian earned Defensive Lineman of the Year his junior year, and all-league first team offensive and defensive lineman his junior and senior years. He was voted team captain for his senior season. In baseball, he helped the Scotties to a fourth place finish in the 1A State Baseball Tournament in 2015.
While balancing three sports, music and extracurricular activities, Sebastian was able to maintain a 4.0 GPA. He earned nine college credits through three AP classes. He received all-conference first team academic honors for all three sports throughout his high school career. The Scotties wrestling team won back-to-back Academic State Championships in 2014 and 2015. Sebastian also was a member of the Freeman Band that was named the 2015 Academic State Champion.
A talented musician, Sebastian has been playing piano for nine years and participated in various concert bands throughout his time at Freeman. As a senior, he was voted the Associated Student Body Secretary. He is active in the community as well, having volunteered with the Spokane Union Gospel Mission and the Spokane Christmas Bureau.
Sebastian has not chosen a college yet, but does hope to play football or wrestle and plans to study math and music. |
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Rachel Dorr
SQUALICUM HS |
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Rachel participated in four years of soccer, tennis and music at Squalicum High School, earning eight varsity letters throughout her high school career. Described by her teammates and coaches as tenacious, versatile and passionate, she proved these traits in her athletic and academic success over the past four years.
A four-time State Soccer Tournament participant, Rachel capped off her senior year with a second consecutive 2A State Title. She anchored the Storm’s impressive back line, allowing only four goals all season and tallying 18 shutouts en route to back-to-back State Championships. Rachel helped Squalicum to a fourth place State finish in 2012 and a third place finish in 2013. After tearing her ACL in 2014, she was sidelined for her junior season, in which her team took home the Championship trophy. Rachel earned All Northwest Conference First-Team honors (2013, 2015), All-Whatcom County First-Team (2013, 2015) and All-State-First Team (2013, 2015). A team captain her senior year, she also earned the Northwest Conference Leader in Sportsmanship award.
Rachel and her tennis doubles partner, and twin sister, Kim, finished their junior tennis campaign with a 24-2 record and a 2A State Doubles Title. She was named to the All Northwest Conference First-Team, All-Whatcom County First-Team and earned Whatcom County Tennis Player of the Year honors. The Championship was the first tennis State Title for Squalicum, boys or girls, in the 17-year history of the program. In addition, Rachel’s State Championship came after recovering from the ACL tear during the fall of her junior year.
In addition to her athletic prowess, Rachel holds a 4.0 GPA and has earned 33 college credits through honors and AP courses. Rachel and the Storm tennis team earned an academic State Title in 2014.
Rachel is active in the Squalicum choir and is the Senior Class Vice President. She also participates in FBLA and is one of the first members of the Whatcom Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Committee.
Rachel will continue her education at Gonzaga University and currently plans to study engineering. |
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