Redmond’s Teen Programs held its annual Teen Programs Community Scholarship presentation at a city council meeting earlier this month.

This is the third year of the event where the American Legion Post 161, Faith Lutheran Church and private community members have given more than $16,000 since the inception of the program.

Three scholarships from the American Legion Post 161 went to Robert Domos, Liz Blum and Tony Le. A fourth scholarship, the Mr. John DeVore award was given to Jesse Ewing-Frable.

Each student received $1,500 to go towards their education. The requirements for the scholarship are completion of at least 150 hours of community service in a school year, sharing the value they gained from the experience and having two references to show how deserving they are of the award.

“Before I started volunteering … I had never done anything significant for anyone other than myself,” Ewing-Frable shared in her essay. “Upon realizing that I was in this self-centered slump, I decided to get involved with RYPAC. I have begun to realize how much can be done within the City of Redmond alone to promote positive change.”

“It is important to recognize all deserving students, including those who give back to our community,” said Redmond Mayor John Marchione. “Many of our institutions today exist due to the community involvement of those who’ve gone before.”

Richard Cole, City Council President continued, saying “several years ago, the American Legion Post 161 stepped up to help deserving teens with education costs. Their willingness to give back to the community serves as an inspiration to others.”

This year the Teen Community Scholarship Awards gave a total of $6,000 in scholarship money supported by the American Legion Post 161 and community member, John DeVore. DeVore, a Redmond resident, donates $1,500 of his own resources to the program.

“Education is an important key to our country’s future,” stated Gary Compton of the American Legion Post 161. “We hope that more businesses and community members step up and donate to this great program.”

Ken Wong, Teen Programs Administrator added that “teens in Redmond do a lot to give back to the community and this scholarship is not just about being a scholar but a good citizen. We have many teens who give many hours to community-based programs”.

To contribute to the scholarship fund please contact American Legion Post 161 or for more information, email RYPAC@redmond.gov.