Rising Above: SPS Seniors Overcome Obstacles to Earn 2026 Scholarships

Each spring, the Seattle Schools Scholarship Fund (SSSF) celebrates students whose journeys to graduation reflect determination, courage, and hope. 

At the 52nd Annual Awards Celebration on May 28, graduating seniors from every Seattle Public Schools high school were honored with $10,000 scholarships to support their first year of college. These one-time awards recognize more than academic performance. Recipients were selected for their contributions to school and community—and for their perseverance through life’s challenges. 

Throughout the evening, students and counselors reflected on journeys shaped by resilience. Many of this year’s scholars navigated significant obstacles, including housing instability, long commutes, caregiving responsibilities, language barriers, and the impacts of war, displacement, or health challenges. 

Counselor nominations highlighted powerful stories:  

• Students arriving in the U.S. and completing years of coursework in a short time 
• Young people forced to pause their education in their home countries then rebuild their academic paths 
• Caregivers balancing school with supporting family members facing medical challenges 
• Students experiencing homelessness or instability while staying on track to graduate 

Despite these barriers, each recipient demonstrated a commitment to their education and a deep desire to give back to their communities. 

Founded in 1974, the Seattle Schools Scholarship Fund continues to expand access to higher education, awarding scholarships to students representing every high school in the district. By investing directly in students’ futures, the fund helps keep college within reach for those who have already shown extraordinary determination. 

2026 Scholarship Recipients by High School 

Alan T. Sugiyama High School 
Lupita Alejandre Verduzco 

Ballard High School 
Maya Cozad 
Zahra Hakimi 
Lael Kelly 
Isalena Rainlyn 
Indro (Dro) Sypher 

Cascade Virtual Option 

Serenity Cooper 
Julia Greene 
Hilalnur Jan 

Chief Sealth International High School 

Olivia Berube 
Lillian Furumori 
Satomi Giedeman 
Naomi Kindem 
Omar Stefanovic 

Cleveland STEM High School 

Emily Jeng-Wei Cheng 
Sahra Farah 
PK Lowe 
Kevin Nguyen 
Josiah Ocampo 

Franklin High School 

Keyaira Avery 
Miles McCaskill 
Jessie Truong 
Remedan Tufa 
Melinda Vo 

Garfield High School 

Mason Bennett 
MelanieAnn Galang 
Anna Manda 
Meriyem Roba 
Galilea Arroyo Sanchez 

Ingraham High School 

Rhyien Boyd 
Alexandra Preciado Elizondo 
Laylah Hollingsworth 
Innocent Ndihokubwayo 
Alison Nicolas 

Interagency Academy 

Dae Gray-Jewell 
Jahred Foreman 
Jaydin (JJ) Martinez Gerritsen 

Lincoln High School 

Nalia Coleman 
Namir Kedir 
Ray-Jay Dennis Powell 
Kalia Reker 
D’allesandro Espinosa Roldan 

Middle College High School 

Kaz Bublitz 
Hiba Redewn 
Rebeka Mulugeta 

Nathan Hale High School 

Haneen Al Ziyad 
Andrew Fischer-McDonald 
Habieke Habtesillasie 
Nehemiah Trice 
Jae’Rina Willis 

Nova High School 

Walter Jones 
Hung Tran 
Valina Sengdao 

Rainier Beach High School 

Barin Ahmadi 
Jeren Clark Balmania Regala 
Cori Morrow 
Jennavecia Niko-semo 
NadjhMychel Oyson 

Roosevelt High School 

Georgialynn Blue 
Kaylee Earl 
Elishah Jones 
Isaac Macebo 
Nyarueni Thoknaath Thuokok 

The Center School 

Anthony De Luna 
Jesse Rye 
Twyla Johnson 

Seattle World School 

Zohal Akbari 
Lalah Nazaryar 
Cloud Leo Vargas 

West Seattle High School 

Ioannis Athanasiadis 
Jim Guevara 
Justice Jenkins 
Kasey Martinez 
Sorin Smith