Ephrata, East Wenatchee students receive state water industry scholarships

RENTON — Two North Central Washington students are among 12 recipients of scholarships awarded by the Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts to individuals pursuing careers in the water and wastewater industry.

Alexandra Estrada of Ephrata and Ruby Warner of East Wenatchee each received $500 through the association's Walt Canter Scholarship Fund. The organization announced Oct. 8 that it awarded a total of $12,000 to students across Washington.

Estrada plans to pursue an engineering degree at Boise State University, with an interest in improving access to essential utilities and water services.

“experiencing and having functioning utilities and proper water should be a norm and not a luxury,” Estrada said in information provided by the association.

Sheila Massey, a teacher-librarian at Ephrata High School, praised Estrada's academic performance and leadership abilities.

"Alexandra has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic, excellent leadership skills, and an array of talents that will serve her well into the future," Massey said.

Warner plans to study business management at Brigham Young University, with the goal of eventually working in a management position for a water utility.

According to the association, Warner has a family connection to the water industry through a relative who serves as one of the organization's elected officials.

Katie Renslow, a Young Women leader with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wenatchee, described Warner as a capable leader.

"Ruby is an authentic leader, trustworthy, honest, and talented, she is willing to learn, works greatly with others, and can achieve great things," Renslow said.

The scholarships are part of the association's Clean Water Careers outreach program. This year's awards set records for both the number of recipients and the total amount distributed, according to the organization.

Other recipients include Benedicte Diakubama of Kent, Cloey Fletcher of Olympia, Elisabeth Clary of Bellingham, Gavin Eliason of Spokane Valley, Grace Willis of Eastsound, Kara Glassman of Arlington, Kurin Miller of Tumwater, Maddie Fannin of Des Moines, Mya Schlepp of Seattle and Sarah Lord of University Place.

Individual awards ranged from $500 to $1,500.

The Walt Canter Scholarship Fund is named for a longtime commissioner of the Cedar River Water and Sewer District who served for nearly 50 years. The fund supports education and career development in the water and wastewater industry.

Since 2000, the scholarship program has awarded more than $156,000, funded through golf tournaments held during the association's twice-yearly conferences and direct contributions from members.

Applicants must live in Washington or have a connection to an association district or associate member. A committee of local utility district members reviews applications and selects recipients based on academic achievement and career goals related to the industry.

The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts, established in 1995, represents water and sewer service providers throughout the state and provides education, advocacy and professional collaboration for utility districts.