Vashon Graduates Receive Scholarships from Community

Vashon Community Scholarships aims to provide a scholarship to every graduating senior

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Vashon Community Scholarships, a local organization, is committed to providing a scholarship to every graduating senior from Vashon High School. This year, 89 students submitted scholarship applications, and all of them will receive financial support from the organization's donors and community members.

Why it matters

The Vashon Community Scholarships program is unique in its goal to support every local graduate, rather than just a select few. This inclusive approach helps ensure all students have access to funds for higher education, fostering a strong sense of community on the island.

The details

Vashon Community Scholarships matches graduating seniors with scholarships donated by local businesses, organizations, and community members. In 2026, the organization received applications from all 89 Vashon High School seniors and plans to award each of them a minimum of $1,500. To raise funds, the group will hold its first annual "One Big Day" fundraising event on March 7, featuring private events and a QR code for islanders to donate.

  • Vashon Community Scholarships was founded in 1987, initially awarding $12,000 to 27 students.
  • From 2015 to 2025, the average scholarship grew from $1,350 per student to almost $2,700.
  • In 2026, the organization received applications from all 89 Vashon High School seniors.

The players

Vashon Community Scholarships

A local organization committed to providing a scholarship to every graduating senior from Vashon High School.

Ellen Call

The treasurer of Vashon Community Scholarships, who was inspired by the organization's mission after moving to the island in 1994.

Anna Sander

The co-president of Vashon Community Scholarships, who received a scholarship from the organization when she graduated high school.

Kimi Healey

A member of the Vashon Community Scholarships booster club, who helps coordinate the organization's fundraising efforts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was an inspirational thought, and it just stuck with me, and I thought someday, I want to work in that organization.”

— Ellen Call, Treasurer (Vashon Beachcomber)

“For me, every little bit made a huge difference … heading off to college with student loans and all those big financial burdens.”

— Anna Sander, Co-President (Vashon Beachcomber)

“We have some donors now who received scholarships thirty years ago, so there's a new generation of people who knew about it and are becoming donors now.”

— Ellen Call, Treasurer (Vashon Beachcomber)

What’s next

The organization will hold its first annual "One Big Day" fundraising event on March 7, 2026, to raise money for its scholarship program.

The takeaway

Vashon Community Scholarships' commitment to supporting every local graduate demonstrates the power of a tight-knit community coming together to invest in the next generation's education and future success.