Rising Tide Scholarship & Career Fair

Herman Houston, ‘67, Scholarship Committee Chair

It’s true! Absolutely true.  A “Rising Tide” lifts every student! That is what happened at the second annual “Rising Tide Scholarship/Career Fair” sponsored by the Franklin Alumni Association and Foundation (FAA&F). No doubt the last two years under Covid protocol rusted the aspirations of many of our Quaker students. Some languished with sunken hopes or had their expectations run aground. The 2023 Tide raised sunken hopes and expectations, and we shared community wisdom with our young adventurers, who are anticipating their launch into the seas of adulthood.

It was amazing to see our community come together like puzzle pieces, offering a clear picture of the many possible next steps. Our five-day event ran from February 13-17th. Every morning Principal Dr. Williams greeted us and extended all the magic that comes with Franklin High School: the school custodian had tables and chairs set up; the Administrative office kept us supplied with scholarship copies; the Attendance office shared their space so we could store our supplies; and, the Counseling Office counseled about the many scholar- ships flowing into Franklin.

Herman Houston (‘67), Stephanie Stokes Oliver, Dr. Williams, Deb Burton (‘67), Toni Mamallo-Thomas (‘67) at Rising Tides

A rush of future alumni came with every bell. Some students had the swagger that comes with confidence and success. Others were shy but curious. We talked with students who were sure they were going to play in the NFL. Two students wanted to play for Barcelona in the Premier Soccer League.  Others needed the affirmation and confirmation to dream big.

Conversations were filled with dreams: owning their own business; becoming an engineer or pilot; getting a good paying job; becoming a nurse, teacher, auto mechanic; or being the first generation to attend college. The Rising Tide Scholarship/Career Fair was a forum for the community to say “we hear you,” and be a hand that helps.

This year “Rising Tide” described a number of scholarships exclusively for Franklin students, and representing a level of generosity in our community which is amazing and inspirational:

  • FAA&F will award at least ten $2,000 Franklin scholarships;

  • Coach Moody Vocational Scholarship will offer five $2,000 awards;

    • Mayor Edwin Lee Scholarship offers up to three awards from $500-$1,000;

    • Jacobs Engineering Scholarship offers one $3,000 award;

    • Gilman Music Scholarship offers a $3,500 award.

Students also received information and encouragement from a number of participating organizations with staffed information tables:

  • Cornish College of the Arts

  • United Negro College Fund

  • Washington State University

  • Central Washington University

  • Washington State Chefs Association

  • Soul Collection

  • Pacific Lutheran University

  • XBOT Robotics

  • Delta Dental

  • Coach Moody Scholarship Group

  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 46

  • Windermere Real Estate Mt. Baker

  • Airport Jobs

The success of Rising Tide comes from the help of many. Our volunteer tides included: Sue Anderson; Pete Barlow; Deborah Burton; Eldoris Turner Finch; Herman Houston; Barbara Mahoney; Helen Chan Mitchell; Tamiko Miyano; Stephanie Stokes Oliver; Toni Mamallo-Thomas.

We are humbled and grateful for the help from Franklin staff and faculty, for the contributions of organizations, the work of many volunteers, and the generous donations from both our immediate Franklin community and the wider community. The Rising Tide Scholarship and Vocational Fair was a dynamic gift to our Quaker students.

As with all tides, we will be back!

FAA&FQuaker Times, Rising Tide, Quaker Times Vol 28