The Attorney Rick Merrill Dream Scholarship

The Dream Scholarship was started in 2016 to help support the dreams of a current high school or college student looking to make a difference through the pursuit of their passion.

Applicants were asked to submit a picture with a caption that in combination shares their dream and shows how it makes a difference.

Each year we present a $1500 scholarship to applicant who provides the most creative photo or image with a caption to  explain their dream.

This year we are excited to announce that we have a multitude of winners to share with you. You will want to check back each week of July to share in more of the Dreams that were selected for an assortment of scholarships.

Congratulations to our Runner up Winners.

Mia Nelson Natural World Advocate

In Kindergarten, I was asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” In front of everyone, I said “a mad scientist!” While I no longer want to be a mad scientist, I still am intrigued by the unknown. I will be uncovering the unknown natural world in the College of Environment at the UW. 

The gate seen in this picture is called a “Torii”(toe-ree). It is found by the entrances of shrines all over Japan. While they are pretty to look at, they have been attributed the meaning of a transition. More specifically, the transition from the mundane to the sacred. While college may not be the most sacred thing one can think of, the symbolism of transitioning from one thing to the next is something that can be applied to me. Transitioning from a high school student to a college student is perhaps the biggest change I will go through until I get married or learn that I’m actually royalty Princess Diaries style. Aside from becoming a princess, my dream is to protect our home from a fiery future induced by global warming. So, with this scholarship, I will hopefully save us all. You’re welcome.

Nhu Nguyen Public Health Professional

Growing up in a low-income family in Vietnam and immigrating to the U.S. at the age of 15, I had no idea how the K-12 education system, let alone higher education, worked in America. Neither of my parents speaks English, nor has had an opportunity to complete high school, so I was entirely on my own feet when it came to academics. Thus, I was advised not to attend a four-year college straight out of high school. Against all odds, getting accepted to the University of Washington was a huge milestone for me.

Throughout my college career, whenever I encountered an obstacle, I looked at this photo that I took during my UW Advising & Orientation in June 2017 and reminded myself that I am pursuing my American Dream not only for myself but also for my parents’ innumerable sacrifices.

Upon graduation, I intend to complete a Master of Public Health degree. I will not let anything interfere with my educational goals of becoming a public health leader because my strive for success driven by the potential impact I will make on the lives of so many others is so much greater than any hardship life may present me with.

Jaden Roskelley Pilot

The excitement I feel in the Sky is like no other.

Jacob Uradnik Marketing manager

The attached photo is of me climbing Glacier Peak in Washington State. I have also climbed Mt. Baker, but my dream is to climb Mt. Rainier. With an elevation of 14,411 feet, Mt. Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington State. Growing up, being the shortest kid on the playground did not bode well for me. I was always picked last for sports teams and was never as good as some of my peers. Between, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and football, I was never able to find a sport that suited me. However, when I got into backpacking, I realized none of that matters. My physical strength was only important to me and no matter how long it took me to climb a mountain, I would be able to do it. Climbing Glacier Peak was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It took four days through thunderstorms, but I was able to appreciate myself even more after. Discovering a newfound love for climbing and myself, I made it my goal to one day climb Mt. Rainier. This dream is not for anyone besides myself which is why it is so special to me.

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The Attorney Rick Merrill Dream Scholarship

The Dream Scholarship was started in 2016 to help support the dreams of a current high school or college student looking to make a difference through the pursuit of their passion.

Applicants were asked to submit a picture with a caption that in combination shares their dream and shows how it makes a difference.

Each year we present a $1500 scholarship to applicant who provides the most creative photo or image with a caption to  explain their dream.

This year we are excited to announce that we have a multitude of winners to share with you. You will want to check back each week of July to share in more of the Dreams that were selected for an assortment of scholarships.

Congratulations to more of our Runner Up Winners.

Jacob Hanigan LAD (Leader, Advocate, Doer) eager to make schools and offices pet-friendly and stress-free.

Whether I major in Business (Entrepreneurship) or Health Sciences (Physical Therapy), my dream is to assist others in fulfilling their best lives. This picture taken in March 2021 in the midst of the pandemic demonstrates my commitment to achieve this goal. Here I am training dogs to listen and stay.
In September 2019, I founded a K9 Training Club at my school. In January 2020, we received approval to bring comfort dogs to our campus during finals week. Students loved the stress relief. Presently, I am researching whether the college program I am enrolling in – University of Washington Honors – can allow this proposal, too.
During this past one-year quarantine, these pets alleviated anxiety and loneliness for their owners at home. My desire to help others propelled me to propose a canine comfort club not just at my high school and college, but ultimately at my place of employment. Whether I pursue my major in Business or Health Sciences, I would love to create a program where there is a therapy dog/pet program at the workplace.
I am a LAD (Leader, Advocate, Doer) eager to make schools and offices pet-friendly and stress-free.

Tamara Huckabone Professor or Policy Writer

My picture symbolizes my continued efforts to better myself and the world around me through education. I am the first person in my family to obtain a Master’s and the first to strive towards my Doctored. In obtaining my Ph.D. I plan on developing policies that will have a positive outcome for those that have been legally involved. I have gained this motivation through my time in the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Health and Human Services. I have found from my experience that individuals that have been legally involved are left to their own devices once released from the Department of Corrections and find themselves back in the same situations that got them in trouble in the first place. I believe that when someone has previous experience with legally involved individuals, they have better experience and understanding of how the different policies work for the employees and the individuals of these facilities. I hope to continue to work towards my Doctored to set an example for my children and grandchildren that no matter the age, you can continue to build your education and strive for what you believe in.

Jailene Jewell Paralegal or Attorney

I have always felt alone. I have spent my life surrounded by people, and yet I have always felt as though I only had my own strength to draw on. My experiences have shaped me, from seed to bloom, shattering layer after layer of seemingly unbreakable bonds. It has taken me years to escape the shell of my childhood trauma and abusive relationships, but now that I have, I can see much more clearly. My family, my children, and my future have been the sun all along, coaxing me out of the ground to be able to face them and stand tall and proud and bright. After years of sitting, seemingly alone in the dark, I am finally understanding that I am not alone, and that I have always had a bright future available to me; I only needed to see it. The pain of my journey so far has inspired me to push myself further, to go to school and get the education I need to help others who need help breaking through the edge of the darkness to stand tall in their own light and take back their lives.

Boray Koung Environmental Engineer to address climate change.

“I grew up in a relatively arid climate before moving to Washington. Ever since then, I have been consistently surprised by how high temperatures have risen in those relatively few years after I left—what heavy heat I felt before, I imagine, can only feel more intense nowadays. More recently, I remember waking late summer last year to a smoky haze that would linger around the Pacific Northwest for days and reading about the simultaneous wildfires that had scorched the Californian landscape.
These drastic changes had concerned me, and I felt driven to pursue a career involved with sustainability to help preserve the environment for future generations. The photo is of a flower; it’s simple, but it is a reminder that the environment remains resilient and its challenges can be overcome. Currently a student at Edmonds College, I have enjoyed taking math and science courses in pursuit of my degree, intrigued by the patterns and discoveries that characterize natural processes.”

Robert Krieger Artist

I have been always inspired to create art. The inspiration comes from those around me; my family, my significant other, and my friends. Some of my paintings are done as gifts, some are just for my own enjoyment and vision, while others have been commissioned by generous friends. To help support my dream, I have begun to paint commissions such as the sketched bee in the photo, as well as seeking higher education through the University of Washington Bothell. This picture was actually taken a month or so ago as I have now completed that painting, but it shows my process well. This dream is important to me as it is my way of sharing with the world and creating something beautiful that conveys my personality and ideas. I seek my schooling goal because while I am not studying art, the science career path I am working towards will be something I enjoy that can support my art dreams as well. For me, it is a multi-faceted way to get the most out of life and fulfill my passions as a human being.

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The Attorney Rick Merrill Dream Scholarship

The Dream Scholarship was started in 2016 to help support the dreams of a current high school or college student looking to make a difference through the pursuit of their passion.

Applicants were asked to submit a picture with a caption that in combination shares their dream and shows how it makes a difference.

Congratulations to our Runner Up Winners.

This year we are excited to announce that we have a multitude of winners to share with you. You will want to check back each week of July to share in more of the Dreams that were selected for an assortment of scholarships.

Annika Brockett Doctor

The blurred lights in the photo represent my doubts and fears of which career path I should pursue and the goblet, held up in a toast, represents the success and happiness I am seeking. Currently, I am interested in studying neurology as a doctor. I am always inspired by the kindness and intelligence of my mother, who studied biology in college. In the fall I will attend the University of Washington where I will complete the pre-medicine track and prepare for medical school. I  believe that becoming a doctor will enable me to feel fulfilled because my job will consist of compassionately caring for others.

Ian Brown Chiropractor

The person that has inspired me most to become a chiropractor is my grandfather, who has been a well-established practicing doctor in Tacoma for over 40 years. It would mean everything to me if I was able to follow in his footsteps and carry his legacy onward. I have taken many steps to support this dreams fruition through studying hard in school, going above and beyond to gain an expansive knowledge in anatomy and physiology, as well as shadowing my grandfather in his clinic. This photo is representative of the present, where I have been admitted into a heavily research-based school, the University of Utah, where I will receive my BS in Biology before moving onto a chiropractic college. Being a chiropractor is important to me because I know first-hand the pain of spinal misalignment, and how relieving care can be. I want to share my talents and care with others and make sure my community stays well-adjusted. I came to the goal of attending a chiropractic college through identifying my drive to become a chiropractor, but also through identifying what discipline of science interested me most, which is the area of anatomy and physiology, and more generally, biological science.

Kaitlyn Cramer Financial Analyst

The funny thing about dreams is that they are always changing. If you would’ve asked me what my dream life was a few months ago I would have told you something completely different than today. My whole life I had one plan only for college and that was to attend the University of Washington, after being waitlisted and committing to Seattle Pacific University I now realize that I am going somewhere so much better for me. So, now when I’m asked about my dreams I say something about how I am officially attending my dream college at SPU, studying my dream major which is Business Administration, and that will help me achieve my dream job in finance after.

I have so many people to thank for getting me to where I am and where I’m going, first are my parents who help me through everything, followed by my siblings who understand each struggle I go through because they’ve gone through it too, then my friends who are going through this crazy experience we call high school with me, and finally the incredible support system I am so lucky to have found in my school through the teachers and staff. 

Adah Hall Forensic Psychologist

The person most inspirational in my life was my great grandmother. She was a shining light and worked tirelessly to make it to the top. She retired as a school Principal and she was very proud of that accomplishment.

The rule in my house was 90’s and above. I have worked hard throughout my school career to keep my grades above a 90%. I haven’t always succeeded but I continue to focus and currently have a GPA of 3.82.

I am competitive and will do everything in my power to make it to the top. Being a woman makes me have to work a little harder, a little longer and play on my strengths but I love the challenge.

Everyone should dream, big and small dreams. My dream of being in the top tiers of the psychology field, is very important. I want to prove that I can make my dreams a reality.

I came to this goal after dealing with my own mental health challenges. Psychology has helped me understand my own mental health and I hope that one day I can pay it forward as I continue to work toward my goals of making it to the top.

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The Attorney Rick Merrill Dream Scholarship

The Dream Scholarship was started in 2016 to help support the dreams of a current high school or college student looking to make a difference through the pursuit of their passion.

Applicants were asked to submit a picture with a caption that in combination shares their dream and shows how it makes a difference.

Each year we present a $1500 scholarship to applicant who provides the most creative photo or image with a caption to  explain their dream.

This year we are excited to announce that we have a multitude of winners to share with you. You will want to check back each week of July to share in more of the Dreams that were selected for an assortment of scholarships.

Congratulations to our First Place Winners.

Colton Dunc Dreams of being a Financial Planner.

A dream starts with a moment that lights a spark in your soul to accomplish something great. For me, that fire was lit when I stepped onto the baseball field. Baseball has been a staple in my childhood and has taught me a lot of very important things. It has taught me the power of teamwork, commitment, and persistence. My parents, teammates, and coaches have always held me to a high standard and have encouraged and pushed me to achieve great things on and off the field. As I look to my future, my dream is to attend college, get a bachelor’s degree in Financial Markets, start a family, and pass the lessons I have learned throughout my life onto my kids. I still have a long way to go before I achieve this dream, but the hard work that I have put into my academics thus far through Running Start, and committing to WSU, are necessary steppingstones on the path to achieving my dream. My ultimate goal in life is to inspire and help people in the same way that my family and peers have helped me.

Dylan Scanes Dreams of being a Dentist.

In the first grade we had a writing assignment about what we would like to do when we grow up. My answer has been and will always be – a dentist!
I have a passion for medicine, people, engineering, technology and research, what better career than dentistry! Dentistry requires a mastery of science and technical skill, as well as the ability to think creatively. You’re not just limited to fixing teeth and filling cavities. You’re working with people so that they develop a positive mindset about their dental health.
One of the most rewarding aspects of dentistry by far, is the part we play in a person’s makeover. The confidence they walk out with, especially if they’ve been hiding their teeth for years, is a fantastic feeling. I work for two dental clinics as a dental assistant and as a receptionist. On the weekends I volunteer at a clinic to help the most vulnerable and I love going into classrooms and teaching great dental hygiene practices.
I am honored to say that I will be attending the University of Utah School of Dentistry this fall. This scholarship would mean the world to me.

Congratulations to our 2nd place Winner.

Maria Dailey Dreams of working in Human Service.

When I was a young child my dreams were affected by how I felt others saw me.   I look back now and realize I let people have too much power over my dreams. But the great thing about dreams is that they grow with you. I am inspired by my parents who taught me that, in order to make your dreams come true, you have to work for them. My parents heard God’s call to adopt me and my life was changed. I was given the opportunity to make my dreams come true.

My dream today may seem odd, but for me this dream is everything. I want to empower others to reach their own goals.  I was encouraged to participate in athletics despite my fear. Now athletics is giving me the opportunity to complete a degree in Human Services. I want to help people because I was helped. Many people are left behind because they never received the help they needed to reach their goals. Helping others allows all of us to become stronger and grow in character. There are so many people in this world who are forgotten like I was. I want to give them a chance. 

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