Champions of Diversity
Champions of Diversity
Skagit Valley College and Washington’s public universities are pleased to recognize young multicultural leaders in Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties. Join us to applaud these high school students for their achievements in promoting diversity in their school and community! In addition to the Champions of Diversity Awards, selected seniors will receive scholarships presented by local individuals, businesses and Washington state colleges and universities.
Champions of Diversity Honorees 2023
- Elizabeth Merrill
- Hilda Silva-Ventura
- Kathryn Beyer
- Gabrielle Pacquette
- Xochiquetzaly Martinez-Velazco
- Sebastian Gonzalez Bazante
- Lilianna Rocha
- Karla Guevara Barajas
- Kameron Deaton
- Alessandra Tapia
- Lauryn Lopez,
- Isaiah Rodriguez Jimenez
- Jose Miguel-Portillo
- Nina Horan
- Katherin Mejia-Salazar
- Lauryn Lopez,
- Isaiah Rodriguez Jimenez
- Jose Miguel-Portillo
- Nina Horan
- Katherin Mejia-Salazar
- Allana Manrique Sinlao
Jameer Hoya - Juliana Fonseca
- Esmeralda Partida Galindo
- Ashley Cothren
- Luis Ernesto Camarena
- Itzel Arely Espinoza
- Karla Vanessa Estevez-Solano
- Anicia Corey
- America Nunez
- Kaycie Knight
- Colton Hong
- Mia Tran
- Alicia Ayala
- Hermenegildo Hernandez
- Miles Medcalf
- Samuel Solano
- Sylina De Rosales-Ortiz
- April Mejia
- Hannah Dominguez Gama
- Diana Soriano
- Destiny Bolivar
- Andrea Lopez
- Sienna Mangle
- Alondra Garcia
- Liliana Sosa Lopez
- Marisa Mendoza-Feliciano
- Carlos Barajas
- Eliza Diaz
- Morgan Partridge
- Guilherme Nobrega
- Marciana Venegas
- Lixin Lin
- Valerie Gerdes
- Mattie Jones
- Calum Mannion
- Ismael Merino Tenorio
- Daniel Lopez Ruiz
History
Between 1990 and 2000, Skagit Valley College offered full-tuition scholarships to 10 multicultural students each year with funding from the SVC Foundation. High school students routinely did not apply for these funds. To encourage high school student participation, the Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony was founded in 2000 by Anita Ordóñez, SVC; Rita Ordóñez, UW; and Rafael Gomez, WWU.
Each year, over 100 high school students are presented with a “Champions” award at this ceremony, and selected seniors receive scholarships from 8 colleges/universities and other donors. Over 700 community and family members come together at this event to honor and recognize these young people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Between 1990 and 2000, Skagit Valley College offered full-tuition scholarships to ten multicultural students each year with funding from the SVC Foundation. High school students routinely did not apply for these funds. To encourage high school student participation, the Champions of Diversity Awards ceremony was founded in 2000 by Anita Ordóñez, SVC; Rita Ordóñez, UW; and Rafael Gomez, WWU.
Each year, over 100 high school students are presented with a “Champions” award at this ceremony, and selected seniors receive scholarships from eight colleges/universities and other donors. Over 400 community and family members come together at this event to honor and recognize these young people.
- High school senior
- Resident of Skagit, Island, or San Juan County
- Contributor to diversity through leadership or community service.
- Minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0
Skagit Valley College, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, University of Washington – Seattle, University of Washington- College of Engineering, University of Washington – Bothell, Washington State University, and Western Washington University.