15 outstanding students selected and $64,584 awarded in 2020

A scholarship fund established to honor the lives of Peninsula Telecom owners Maury and Betty Hull awarded 15 students with scholarships totaling $64,584 this year. Applications for 2021 awards are now open online at www.cfsww.org/scholarships.

The Hulls held a deep appreciation for Forks and its surrounding communities, which ultimately led them to reserve a portion of their estate for local students. In 2018, the Maury and Betty Hull Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington with $1.8 million. The fund exists to provide meaningful support for graduates from the Quillayute Valley and Cape Flattery School Districts who are pursuing post-secondary education, including vocational certificates, graduate and post-graduate programs.

Over the last three years this scholarship fund has provided 38 awards to 22 students, totaling $184,491. Eight of these students have received bachelor’s degrees and four are attending graduate school. Deanna Green, Scholarship Manager and Development Associate, said the fifteen students supported in 2020 have a wide range of backgrounds and academic interests.

“Every one of these students has an inspiring story and a shared interest in serving their community,” Green said. “We are honored to play a part in supporting their dreams and to carry on the charitable legacy of Maury and Betty Hull.”

All graduates from the two school districts are encouraged to apply. The deadline for 2021 applications is Friday, April 30, 2021. If recipients meet course requirements and reapply each year, they can renew their scholarship for the time it takes to complete their degree or certificate. The Community Foundation manages the scholarship fund and selection process. Awards are determined by a selection committee consisting of Community Foundation staff, community members, and a member of the Hull family.

About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps southwest Washingtonians build a more vibrant community by inspiring investments in local philanthropy. The Foundation holds more than 325 distinct funds, which are actively invested to generate growth and income for granting purposes. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Community Foundation offers benefits and services to donors, nonprofits and the community at large. Learn more at www.cfsww.org.

Student Stories – Maury and Betty Hull Scholarship

Gabriella Damron: Fall 2020 graduate of WSU Pullman, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Sciences, Pre-Veterinary Medicine with a focus on domestic animals and livestock, and was named the recipient of the Animal Science Outstanding Senior Award. Gabriella was a member of Dairy Club and served as the financial and reproduction chairs for WSU’s Cooperative University Dairy Students. She was also an ROTC student as part of earning her undergraduate degree and was the only second-year female cadet to pass the physical training test the first time, ranking second out of all second-year cadets. Gabriella volunteered at Forks Community Hospital to perform tasks that will lighten the burden on clinician staff during COVID-19. Gabriella is currently amid several veterinary school interviews to pursue her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree.

Savanah Depew: Graduated with honors from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders and is now pursuing a graduate degree in the same discipline at Eastern Washington University. Savanah has completed research in augmentative and alternative communication learning how communications can be improved when first responders interact with people who have a communication disability. Her passion is to improve communications that support inclusivity.

Atokena Abe: A first-generation college student, a sophomore at WSU Pullman pursuing a double major in Psychology and Human Development pursuing a career that provides compassionate care to assist socially disadvantaged groups, particularly disabled adults. Atokena is involved on campus with the Black Student Union, Black Women’s Caucus and African Diaspora Association and is seeking a leadership role in the Black Women’s Caucus.

Jonah Penn: A member of the Quileute Tribe member, a first-generation college student seeking a degree in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. Jonah volunteers with his church helping the children’s ministry, cleaning services, and supporting charity drives. He is Quileute elder advocate and with only five elders remaining speaking the mother’s tongue, he is inspired to carry forward the native language in honor of his great Grandmother Lillian Ann Pullen Payne Penn that the language be inherited in the next generations.

Ismael Ramos-Contreras: A first-generation college student at Western Governor’s University dreams to be in a classroom teaching math to high school students. Ismael has already earned an associate degree from Peninsula Community College and serves the Forks High School Head Soccer Coach.

Vern Rondeau: A first-generation to earn a bachelor’s degree, now a graduate student at Gonzaga University earning a Master of Science in Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner track. Vern has been a nurse for 9 years and has a desire to serve his hometown providing healthcare in a remote area. Vern volunteers at his church, youth league and at the elementary school.

Daniel Nordstrom: Graduated this year with a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Care from Highline Community College. Daniel chose this specialized knowledge to provide exceptional care to the community and plans to become a clinical educator in the field. Daniel volunteers at his church helping the community with all types of service and has been an advocate for refugees in Washington state.

Bailey Powers: A first-generation college student graduated with honors in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree of Biology, Pre-Pharmacy from WSU Pullman. Currently, Bailey is a graduate student in the WSU College of Pharmacy. There she is involved in the American Pharmacist Association focusing on community service and patient care in the field. Her service in her field has included prevention education in partnership with the Chinook Pharmacy, where she has served as an intern and elementary school classrooms teaching safe and health medication practices.