On May 21, the Mirabeau Park hotel’s ballroom couldn’t contain the hope, perseverance and inspiration shown by this year’s scholarship recipients!
In what has become EWI’s most anticipated night of the year, three EWISP winners, surrounded by families and friends, took to the stage for their ‘I Believe…” statement. Commanding and moving, these amazing high school juniors shared their personal beliefs that included the power of the word “And,” how food can build community, and how “diligence” can be a driving force in becoming who you are.
Joshua Hechtman – Lewis & Clark H.S. ($6,000)
Nicole Ehr – Medical Lake H.S ($3,000)
Erin Olson – Lake City H. S. ($2,000)
The ASIST winner proved that in darkness there can be light if you make the choice to aspire for better. From a story of extreme hardship and domestic abuse, our winner broke free and set out on a path to show her young children that life can be better if you work hard and keep dreaming.
Shelly Dehn – Whitworth ($4,000)
In a night filled with amazing stories, keynote speaker – TV personality, adventurer, philanthropist – Terry Fossum, brought down the house by weaving his personal tale of overcoming obstacles and embracing failure. He reminded the nearly 90 guests that every day, each person is presented with making the “decision to succeed” – it’s whether you act, or not, that makes the difference.
Thank you to Washington Trust Bank for being tonight’s title sponsor and congratulations to our 2019 EWI Scholarship winners!