4/22/2024
(Renton, WA) The WIAA, Gesa Credit Union, the Dairy Farmers of Washington, and Les Schwab Tires announced Madeline Allred of Shelton High School, Natalie DeMarco of Enumclaw High School, and Emily Shin of Camas High School as the $5,000 recipients of the 12th annual Smart Choices Scholarship, Monday.
In addition to the three $5,000 scholarships, Gesa Credit Union, the Dairy Farmers of Washington and Les Schwab Tires teamed up to provide 12 $1,000 scholarships for the third year in a row.
“The WIAA is proud to honor another impressive group of Smart Choices Scholarship recipients,” WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman said. “Each of these student-athletes has had an incredibly positive impact competitively, in the classroom, and as a leader in their school community.”
$5,000 Recipients
Madeline Allred (Shelton)
Throughout high school, Madeline Allred has made significant contributions both in the pool as a competitive swimmer and in her community as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence. She has excelled at the highest level academically and athletically, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.
As a member of Shelton High School’s swim team, Allred’s performances, including multiple top-10 finishes in the 50 and 100 Free, helped lead her team to their highest State placement in program history. Her impact overflows beyond the pool, as she continuously inspires and supports peers and coaches, earning Most Inspirational honors multiple times.
Allred also actively involves herself in various community service organizations, including Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center and OneLove. She has organized fundraisers, raised awareness, and provided support to survivors of domestic violence, embodying her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Natalie DeMarco (Enumclaw)
A year-round athlete and musician, Natalie DeMarco has been doing it all since she started high school. In between all of her athletic, academic, and musical endeavors, she found time to record over 600 hours of deeply meaningful community service — all while taking seven AP classes and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Throughout her career, DeMarco held down three different positions on the volleyball court as her team’s proverbial swiss army knife. During the winter, she captained the basketball team, earning three more varsity letters. Meanwhile, last spring, DeMarco took second place in javelin at the State Track Meet, earning Team MVP honors in her junior season.
Perhaps most impressively, though, beyond her four-year career as a member of ASB leadership, on top of her first-place finish in Washington’s Voice of Democracy competition, DeMarco has been a pillar of generosity in her community, founding programs to provide resources and funding to refugees and communities threatened by natural disasters around the world.
Emily Shin (Camas)
Emily Shin’s journey through high school is marked by remarkable athletic and academic achievement. A soon-to-be graduate of Camas High School, Shin has distinguished herself as a standout wrestler, gymnast, and cheerleader while compiling a stellar sheet of academic accomplishments.
With a 3.99 GPA, she has earned recognition in various academic competitions, holding leadership positions in DECA and the National Honor Society. As a wrestler, Shin made history, helping her team win the first league championship in program history. Her leadership off the mat includes Vice President responsibilities in DECA and National Honor Society, where she used her platform to make a positive impact in her school community.
Shin is deeply committed to serving others both locally and globally, logging over 400 community service hours. Her most notable service project involved building a multi-sport court for children in rural Guatemala, providing them with a safe and conducive environment to play and thrive.
$1,000 Recipients
- Naomi Atwood // South Whidbey
- Alexia Bravo // Union
- Kaydence Carrington // Brewster
- Tommy Elliott // North Central
- Evangeline Knerr // Eisenhower
- Kyndal Koski // Raymond
- Darrah Lerch // Richland
- Beth Okamoto // Almira Coulee Hartline
- Gracie Pham // Davis
- Kate Schneider // Freeman
- Turner Van Slyke // Walla Walla
- Owen Voigt // Squalicum
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