The Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship marks its 26th year. On June 16, 10 recipients were honored at the United Way of Pierce County, each receiving $2,500 for higher education after collectively volunteering over 9,090 hours. Stewart emphasized that the program aims to encourage community involvement beyond academics. Below is a list of recipients, their schools, intended colleges, and volunteer hours over the last five years.
The Willie Stewart Community Scholarship is the shared dreams of the late Karl Ansderson and myself. Volunteerism is greatly needed in our community, and the recipients of the 2026 program demonstrate the importance. The United Way of Pierce County is the vehicle that enables the Scholarship to be administered smoothly under the leadership of Allison Loft. Thank you to the many local businesses who funded this scholarship via golf tournaments that began 2000. Willie Stewart
Harmony Collins, a student at Sumner High School, volunteered 366 hours across organizations such as Young Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center, Cedar Ridge Retirement Home, Sumner High School Band, and Good Samaritan Hospital. She believes service improves lives and has learned valuable lessons from her experience, which she'll carry with her to Washington State University.
Trevor Jellison, from Emerald Ridge High School, completed 691 hours of service with groups including Immanuel Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts of America, Puyallup Rotary, Mt. Rainier National Park, Peace Lutheran Church, BSA Nisqually Lodge, and Reverie Senior Living Community. His work focused on preparing youth for future success and breaking the cycle of poverty. Trevor plans to continue giving back and build new connections at Clover Park Technical College in the fall.
Aniya Gallion Mount Tahoma High School. Aniya Gallion is dedicated to strengthening communities and fostering meaningful relationships through her extensive community service. She actively supports and advocates for marginalized groups by engaging in impactful initiatives. Aniya has contributed 198 hours as a caregiver assistant, AVID Elementary School tutor, member and leader of the National Honor Society, participant in the MultiCare Academy for Students in Healthcare Camp, and guest speaker for the Tacoma Education Dream Fund. Her commitment to service has inspired her to pursue a career in nursing, with the goal of continuing to serve and positively influence her community. This fall, she will attend Saint Martin’s University to advance that mission.
Alivia Marsh Sumner High School. Through her extensive volunteer experience, Alivia has cultivated a strong interest in event planning and leadership. She contributed 425 hours to Calvary Community Church and the Sumner High School ASB, serving in various organizational and leadership positions. These opportunities allowed her to recognize the positive impact that well-coordinated events can have on individuals and the broader community. Inspired by these experiences, Alivia intends to pursue a career in event management and will continue her studies at the University of Montana this fall.
Justin On Stadium High School. Justin learned that a shared purpose could unite people despite their differences. Through 485 hours volunteering with Bright Light School, Federal Way Youth Ecology Program, King County Library System, and Korean American Parents Association, he observed barriers in local communities. Realising service means reducing these barriers, Justin intends to address them at Purdue University this fall by designing systems to help overcome obstacles identified during his volunteer work.
Isabelle Perez Lakes High School. Isabelle’s community service taught her that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. She volunteered 198 hours at several organizations, supporting people through difficult times. Inspired to help others, Isabelle will study medicine at Baylor University this fall.
Sahara Pittman from Sumner High School was inspired by her parents to pursue community service. She volunteers to support those facing challenges and has completed 454 hours with Sumner Bonney Lake School District, Young Life, Experimental Aircraft Association, Calvary Community Church, and mentoring local children. Sahara plans to continue serving her community in college and will attend Montana State University this fall.
Hattie Roy, from Emerald Ridge High School, dedicated 481 hours to volunteering with various organizations such as MK Martial Arts, Ridgecrest Elementary, and MultiCare. Her service taught her that even small efforts can make a big impact. She will attend the University of Washington Seattle in the fall, aiming for a career in emergency medicine to continue helping others.
Kyle Wesenberg Emerald Ridge High School. Following his volunteer work building a classroom in Cambodia, Kyle was inspired to contribute to his local community. He has completed 782 hours of service with various organizations, including Bishop's Storehouse, Billion Graves, Boy Scouts, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Puyallup Food Bank, City of Tacoma Firefighters, Key Club, Deseret Industries, among others. Kyle will commence his studies at Brigham Young University this autumn.
Riya Richardson Tacoma School of the Arts. Riya is a committed community leader, improving her leadership by collaborating with diverse groups. She helps families overcome barriers and supports self-sufficiency through food growing initiatives. Riya has volunteered 1,301 hours with organizations including Tacoma Mayor's Youth Commission, Boys & Girls Club, United Way, Parks Tacoma, MultiCare Health System, Legacies Food and Catering, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Bloodworks Northwest, Quatsabadi Indigenous STEM Program, and Amara. Her advocacy experience inspires her to pursue law and serve her community. She will attend the University of Washington Seattle in the fall.
Elijah Sta Ana, Clover Park High School, volunteered 808 hours across various organizations—including the Filipino American National Historical Society, Lakewood Youth Council, St. Clare Hospital, Pierce College ASPIRE Summit Planning Committee, and more—building connections and fostering community. He is committed to promoting culture and unity and will continue his efforts as he attends the University of Washington Seattle this fall.