4/23/2026
(Renton, WA) The WIAA released the names of the winner’s of the 2026 Smart Choices scholarships. A total of $18,000 was awarded thanks to WIAA sponsors GESA Credit Union and the Dairy Farmers of Washington. There were two $5,000 scholarships awarded and 8 $1,000 scholarships.
The winner’s of the two 5k awards were Catherine Doherty of Hermiston High School and Abel Garcia of Royal High School.
The WIAA provided the credentials for each Doherty and Garcia which led to their selections as the top winnjers.
Catherine Doherty, Hermiston
From the tennis court to the classroom, and throughout the community, Catherine Doherty of Hermiston High School exemplifies the values of the Smart Choices Scholarship Program. A multi-sport athlete, Doherty has compiled seven varsity letters across tennis and slowpitch softball, along with two State Tennis appearances.
Academically, Doherty has achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA while completing nine AP/Honors courses, earning recognition as Hermiston’s Class of 2026 valedictorian. She’s actively involved in FFA, garnering various national, state, and chapter awards. Doherty currently holds the position of ASB President, having held ASB roles each year of high school. She is also a WIAA LEAP Committee Representative.
Doherty’s impact within the Hermiston community is equally impressive, with more than 600 hours of community service. As a junior, she was named the Hermiston Outstanding Youth Citizen for her exceptional community service, leadership, and civic involvement. Doherty plans to attend the University of Southern California, with the goal of becoming an agricultural attorney to advocate for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
Abel Garcia, Royal
Recognized by teammates as a dedicated and uplifting leader, Abel Garcia of Royal High School has distinguished himself through exceptional athletic and academic achievement. Garcia is the first student-athlete in Royal’s illustrious football history to start and win in four-consecutive State Football Championships. Between football and track & field, he’s accumulated eight varsity letters.
Garcia’s leadership extends beyond competition. He was named Royal’s varsity football team captain and has held roles with the Royal High School Student Council, WIAA LEAP Committee, and Future Business Leaders of America. He also helped launch Fiesta Royale, a multicultural celebration of Mexican heritage that united more than 250 students in a school-wide event.
After graduation, Garcia plans to pursue an engineering degree specializing in aerospace, with the goal of eventually launching a startup focused on sustainable supersonic flight. Whatever path he takes, Garcia’s defining trait will remain the same: leading with positivity and making a lasting impact on those around him.
The other eight $1,000 scholarships were awarded to the following:
Brooke Berens – Crosspoint Christian
Greta Leonard – Tahoma
Brayden Meyer – Okanogan
Lucas Mortensen – West Valley (Spokane)
Kaiyah Sandridge – Onalaska
Carson Siadal – Meridian
Cienna Smith – Cle Elum-Roslyn
Lucinda Weaver – College Place
More information about the Smart Choices Scholarship Program is available at wiaa.com/smartchoices.
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