Article and photos by Rhonda Marks-Coats

Academic year 2023-2024 marked the inauguration of the Natural Sciences Scholarship Award presented by the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society (OPAS). On June 5, two remarkable Sequim High School seniors shined on stage as they received their awards. OPAS President Ken Wiersema, presented the $1000 scholarships to Liliana Mitchell and Isaac Blanton. The awards were given in honor of our beloved friend and esteemed member, Kendra L. Donelson (1946-2024).

Sequim High School Principal, Erin Fox, summarized the occasion: “It was a joy to be a part of acknowledging the hard work and time our senior students have put into their education. We continue to be incredibly grateful to the Sequim community, who so generously supports so many of our students with their post-secondary goals through scholarships and honors. Thank you!”

Isaac Blanton, Ken Wiersema and Liliana Mitchell confer following the ceremony. *Photo by Rhonda Marks-Coats*

Liianna Mitchell, plans to focus her studies in marine biology at BYU Boise, Idaho. Isaac Blanton has been accepted at Central Washington University where he will explore his interests in Film, Environmental Science, and History.

Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society provides these scholarships through donations. If you are interested in contributing, please go to: https://olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org/donate-to-our-mission.