2009 Winners

This year, the Pacific Northwest Chapter of CPCU and the Washington Chapter of Risk &Insurance Management Society have again jointly sponsored major funding for two scholarship awards for students in the Seattle Public Schools Academy of Finance program. PNW CPCU and Washington RIMS each contributed $1,000.  The Seattle Academy Foundation provided additional funding for the awards which were presented on Monday, June 2 at the Academy's graduation ceremonies held at Ballard High School.   

This year's winners are Ribika Hailemariam, a senior at Ballard High School and Ryon Prince, a senior at Chief Sealth High School. Ribika, who was awarded a $1,250 scholarship, moved to the United States from Ethopia four years ago and has made learning English a top priority.  In addition to maintaining a 3.35 grade point average, she's been enrolled in Advanced Placement classes, is involved with the Seattle MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievements) program, is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and serves as founder and president of the African Student Association at Ballard High School.  Ribika has volunteered as a tutor helping 4th and 5th grade girls improve their reading skills and has also served as part of a youth group building houses for needy families in Mexico. In her junior year, Ribika worked as an intern at the K&L/Gates law firm in downtown Seattle and is planning to attend the University of Washington business school, followed by law school and a career as a lawyer.  

Ryon received a $1,500 scholarship.  He maintains a 3.6 grade point average and was enrolled in both the Academy of Finance and International Baccalaureate programs at Chief Sealth High School. He accelerated his studies by attending the Seattle University course offered to high school seniors and Running Start courses which offer simultaneous college credit for eligible high school students. Ryon's community service activities include volunteer work at both the Woodland Park Zoo and the Pacific Science Center.  His internship experience was at Northwest Securities where he learned a lot about investments and financial planning.   He's planning to attend Cal-Poly and pursue a double major in business administration and economics. 

More information about the Academy programs is available at www.naf.org