TUMWATER, Wash. — June 3, 2026 — The Olympia Tumwater Foundation (OTF) celebrated academic achievement, community involvement, and future leadership during its 2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony on June 3 at the historic Schmidt House, awarding a total of $105,000 in scholarships to 17 outstanding students from across Thurston County.
The annual scholarship program supports local students pursuing higher education in Washington State and reflects the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to education and community investment. Since launching its scholarship program in 1967, the Olympia Tumwater Foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships and educational grants to deserving students throughout the region.
“We are honored to recognize these exceptional students and help support their educational journeys,” said Todd Cutts, Executive Director of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. “These scholarship recipients have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to their communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the years ahead.”
Scholarships were presented by Katie Schmidt Hurley, Olympia Tumwater Foundation Board Member and Education Committee Chair, during the ceremony.
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Capital High School
- David Saenz Barragan – Fifi Schmidt Ingham Memorial Scholarship ($7,000)
- Lauren Dietrich – Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
- Stephanie Bradley – Michael K. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship ($7,000)
North Thurston High School
- Rayonna Eskeets – Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
Olympia High School
- Brolin Boelts – Robert & Jeanette Schmidt Memorial Scholarship ($7,000)
- Emma Mafli – Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
- Ezekia Jones – Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
- Graham Koontz – Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
- Jahnavi Baldini – Peter G. Schmidt Sr. Family Scholarship ($8,000)
- Verite Yanasak – Angela J. Bowen, M.D. Scholarship ($7,000)
River Ridge High School
- Camryn Zavala – Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
- Olivia Beckley – Sharon P. Seaman Memorial Scholarship ($7,000)
Rainier High School
- Zaylee Bravo – Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
Tenino High School
- Ross Kershaw – Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
Timberline High School
- Aryan Kumar – Philippine Schmidt Rettenmayer Memorial Scholarship ($7,000)
- Avani Kumar – Olympia Tumwater Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
Tumwater High School
- Siddhana Campbell – Ted & Ruth Schmidt Scholarship ($10,000)
