Scholarship donors and recipients come together for annual Star Scholars Luncheon

Scholarship donors and recipients come together for annual Star Scholars Luncheon

MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Foundation continued its long-standing tradition of bringing together scholarship donors and student recipients at this year’s Star Scholars Luncheon.

For the Foundation, this is a celebration of both donor generosity and student excellence.

The event is centered around giving donors and their recipients an opportunity to meet each other and make meaningful connections. Attendees spend the afternoon in conversation—exchanging stories and talking about future educational plans.

This year the Foundation awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships to students. Funds come from various donors and from supporters of the Foundation’s annual Cellarbration! for Education scholarship fundraiser.

Executive Director of the BBCC Foundation LeAnne Parton said these scholarships have a significant impact on the lives of students.

“We have students who wouldn’t be able to stay in school, they wouldn’t be able to do it without your generosity,” she said.

Student speaker Judah Tadema shared how scholarships not only helped him graduate debt-free, but they also allowed him to put 100 percent into being the best student he could be during his time at Big Bend.

“Scholarships enable a student to take their minds off the worry of having to pay back tuition and fees and allow them to focus on what’s truly important,” he said. “And that is gaining an education so that they can go on to change the world with their talents.”

Tadema reflected on his own journey and how support from others has been an important theme in his life. He shared how he moved to the United States at age seven, not knowing any English. His experience with his teachers as he navigated learning a new language later inspired him to become a teacher. He is currently attending Central Washington University and working towards a degree in Elementary Education.

“I stand here before you today as a testament to a support system that willingly gave their time, experience and resources that helped enable me to succeed,” said Tadema.

He also urged donors to think about the unique journeys of their recipients.

“Some of you know what it’s like to be in their shoes, some of you understand the struggle and persistence it takes to succeed, and some of you may even be looking at a younger version of yourself,” he said. “That’s what makes giving so special. You’ve given out of compassion, kindness and out of a desire to see your recipient succeed and carry forward that great gift of generosity.”

Attendees also heard from BBCC President Dr.  Sara Thompson Tweedy and Microsoft’s Lisa Karstetter, who was the event’s keynote speaker.

View more photos from the Star Scholars Luncheon on the Big Bend Community College Facebook page.