Three Redmond teens recently received Gary Compton Community Service Scholarship Awards through the City of Redmond’s teen programs.
This is the fifth year the city has handed out these scholarships, which is supported by the American Legion Post 161 and members of the community. Each recipient received $1,500.
“It has been a pleasure partnering with the local American Legion Post 161 (for) our teen scholarship awards,” said Ken Wong Teen programs administrator. “We have amazing teens that know the value of community service and this award acknowledges teens in Redmond who have given back and gained a lot from their service.”
The first recipient was Catherine Love, who volunteered more than 150 hours of service this past year while maintaining a 3.4 grade point average (GPA). She will attend Auburn University this fall. In her application essay, Love wrote about her sister, who she has cared for most her life and has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Love wrote, “Life isn’t always easy with my sister but I wouldn’t trade her for anyone else. She has greatly influenced who I am today and she will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life.”
The second recipient was Joseph Benzaoui, who volunteered more than 250 hours of service and maintained a 3.9 GPA. He will be attending Boston University in the fall.
In his application essay, Benzaoui wrote, “I have been involved with the Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee (RYPAC) since eighth grade. It has allowed me to have significant involvement in the Redmond community while gaining professional skills through discussion, facilitation and job shadow opportunities.”
Sarah Willsey was the final recipient. She volunteered more than 170 hours of service this year while maintaining a 3.7 GPA. She will be attending Washington State University in the fall.
In her essay she shared, “Giving back to the community through volunteer work is a big part of my life. The people in this community have given me experiences that I will never forget, and it wouldn’t have happened if those people hadn’t gone out of their way to do something good.”
