Photos and Narration by Dee Renee Ericks
OPAS Board Members: Bob Boekelheide, President Matt McCoy, Shirley Anderson and Dee Renee Ericks.
On Friday May 15th, several OPAS Board Members met with four Port Angeles High School students who have been selected as OPAS’ 2026 Natural Sciences Scholarship winners.
SHIRLEY ANDERSON
Shirley Anderson is the honoree for this year’s Natural Sciences Scholarship Award. Shirley participated in this happy gathering as the students were presented with their certificates.
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Of the 16 scholarship submissions received, the Scholarship Committee determined that six students met the OPAS scholarships program’s criteria. The committee selected four students from Port Angeles High School, and two from Sequim High School, with $1500 per scholarship award.
Scholarship winners Deven Acosta, Amalia Bell, OPAS President Matt McCoy, Gryphon Shields, and Grant Butterworth.
DEVEN ACOSTA
Career goal: Oceanography or Marine Biology
Volunteers at Feiro Marine Life Center since 2024
Plays string bass in orchestra and Vice-president of the Marine Biology Club
AMALIA BELL
Career goal: Wildlife Biology, Ecology and Evolution emphasis.
She has worked with Olympic Strings Workshop, Children’s Montessori and Olympic National Park Night Sky Program.
Volunteers at Feiro Marine Life Sciences Center since 2025
Plays violin PAHS Chamber Orchestra
GRYPHON SHIELDS
Career goal: Conservation and Wildlife Management
Seeking a major in Environmental Science
He participates in Sailing Team, Technology Team, Knowledge Bowl, and Science Club. Port Angeles Symphony; Multiple orchestral trips/performances including Carnegie Hall and cities in Europe; Edge of Space Project.
Winner in regional solo and ensemble competitions (violin)
GRANT BUTTERWORTH
Career goal “Science Researcher” in Biology
Volunteers with Coastal Cleanup projects and the Olympic National Park Biotech crew
Has taken part in All City Strings (cellist) since 4th grade.
Sequim High School Scholarship Awards will be presented by Bob Boekelheide on Wednesday, May 27th.
As OPAS Scholarships Committee member, Rhonda Coats states, “Our country has reason to hope when young scholars such as these are on the rise.”