Five graduates of Skyline High School's Class of 2008 have been awarded scholarships by the Rotary Club of Sammamish at the senior breakfast held Wednesday at Skyline High School.
Rotary's scholarship chairman, Chris Leyele, made the presentations to the five young adults. This marks the fourth year of scholarships awarded by the local Rotary Club to Skyline seniors. A total of $10,000 was awarded this year. For the class of 2009, scholarships of $15,000 will be awarded by the local Club.
Receiving scholarships are the following students:
Andrea Scripa will be attending Duke University as an IB Diploma candidate. At Skyline, she has been a member of the Link Crew and Associated Student Body( ASB), serving as treasurer. She also has helped lead the debate club and been on the school's swim team for four years. Her community interests include playing and teaching piano and snow skiing.
Alicia Kim will be attending Dartmouth College. At Skyline, she served as lieutenant governor of division 28 within Key Club International's Pacific Northwest District in charge of all Key Clubs in the Bellevue and Issaquah school districts, and was recognized as "distinguished lieutenant governor" (highest honors) at the end of her term. In addition to many extra-curricular and community service activities, she enjoys art and singing.
David Bretl will be attending the University of Washington to major in engineering. At Skyline, he has been captain of varsity soccer and All-King County 3A First Team, and voted this year's "co-player of the year". He also qualified for the State Solo Competition in music for the past three years on saxophone and past two years on bassoon. He is also active in the community with Athletes for Kids
Diane "Dee" Block will be attending the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. At Skyline, she served as director of communication for the Associated Student Body (ASB) and member of the National Honor Society and the Link Crew. She also served as vice president of community service for DECA and has been instrumental in implementing fundraising events for Make A Wish and World Vision.
Stephanie Dietzel will be attending the University of Washington to major in mathematics. She is active with the Issaquah Hot Meals Program, Eastside Domestic Violence Program, and spent two summers helping provide hurricane relief in the New Orleans area. She also enjoys playing piano and working at her church.
Serving on Rotary's scholarship committee to interview the 13 "very highly qualified" applicants were Chris Leyele, chair; Norm Bottenberg, Mark Buick, Jim Hamstreet, Tom Hogan, Jonathan Ling, Bernie Lucking, Gary Rittenhouse, Club president Clint Scott, and Louis Weiss.

1. Sponsorship
The scholarship program is a community service activity of the Rotary Club of Sammamish. The Club expects to award $10,000 in scholarships this year.

2. Eligibility

A candidate must:

a. Be a senior at Skyline High School (SHS);
b. Intend to attend any accredited university, college, community college, or vocational/technical institute beginning in the fall of 2008;
c. Establish achievement in school or community related activities and services;
d. Receive recommendations from two teachers from his/her high school if not previously recognized as a Rotary Student of the Month; and
e. Receive one recommendation from a responsible member of the Sammamish community who is neither a relative nor a staff member of SHS.

3. Scholarship awards
Scholarships will be applied towards school tuition, fees, and costs. Scholarships must be used during the 2008-2009 school year. Payment will be made directly to the educational institution upon the award recipient's submission of a statement to the Rotary Club Treasurer. Alternatively, payment will be made directly to the award recipient upon presentation of adequate documentation showing prior payment of school tuition, fees, and/or incidental costs directly related to the curriculum, e.g. books. Room, board, and personal expenses are not eligible.

4. Criteria for Selection
In awarding scholarships the Rotary Club of Sammamish shall evaluate the candidates based on the following criteria:
a. Involvement and service in school and community affairs.
b. Character, integrity, initiative and other personal qualities.
c. Financial need, and whether the candidate otherwise would be financially able to continue his/her education.
d. Academic excellence.

5. Application must include the following:
a. Completed application form.
b. Official high school transcript.
c. Two letters of recommendation from SHS teachers (one if you have been recognized as a Rotary Student of the Month) and one letter of recommendation from a responsible citizen in the community who is not a staff member at SHS.

6. Submittal of applications
a. Applications are due by April 3, 2008. All late or incomplete applications will be rejected without review.
b. Completed applications should be given to the SHS Career Counselor.
c. Questions may be addressed to Chris Leyerle at 425-679-6819 or via e-mail to chris@leyerle.com.
d. Interviews with candidates will be scheduled between April 14 and April 23.
e. Awards will be announced April 30.

ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Rotary Club of Sammamish
Spring 2008

Name _________________________________High School ___________________________

Mailing Address ______________________________________________________________

Telephone Number ___________________________________________________________

Email Address _______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian names and occupations _________________________________________

                                                           _________________________________________

I plan to continue my education by attending _____________________________________

I plan to study _____________________________________________________________

Describe any job experiences you have had during high school.

Estimate your fees and expenses for the 2008/2009 school year. How do you plan to cover these costs?

Tell us about any achievements of which you are especially proud.

Attach a written statement outlining your school and community service. Tell us what you have learned about yourself and others while performing that service. How do you plan to continue your community service during, and after completing, your advanced education?