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Past Winners

2020 Winner – Sarah Freeman

The Kirkland Heritage Society is proud to announce Sarah Freeman our recipient of the Robert and Christine Neir Memorial Scholarship.  This year’s topic was, “What advice would you give younger kids about high school?”  Sarah’s essay, titled “Take Nothing for Granted”, was selected out of eleven entries submitted for consideration.

Sarah will receive $2,000 towards her college expenses at George Washington University next fall.  As a student at Lake Washington High School Sarah has maintained a 4.0 GPA, lettered in track and field, volunteered in our community and was treasurer of the Lake Washington chapter of the National Honor Society.

The Memorial Scholarship was established in 2009 by the Kirkland Heritage Society for the purpose of awarding an annual scholarship to Lake Washington School District seniors.  The inspiration is to foster an interest in the Kirkland community and its history and provide an opportunity for high school students to share their experiences.

Read Sarah’s Essay:

“Take Nothing for Granted”

2017 Winner – Katherine Ryan

The Kirkland heritage Society is excited to announce the winner of its annual $2,000 scholarship is Katherine Ryan, a senior at Juanita High School, who entered the scholarship contest with her essay “Kirkland; My Destination, My Home.”

Ryan has been active in high school soccer, track & field, student government, and involved in the local community through Honor Society.  She will be attending the University of  Washington in the fall to study communication and business.

Pictured:  Bob Neir, Katherine Ryan, Jim Neir

 

Read Katherine’s Essay:

“Kirkland: My Destination, My Home”

2016 Winner – Spencer Burmester

Read Spencer’s winning essay:

“The Lakeside Paradise”

2013 Winner – Anna Jessen

Click the link below to view Anna’s program.

Juanita Golf Course

2012 Winner – Marin Harris

Former Kirkland Mayor Bob Neir, College bound Marin Harris and Jim Neir when she received her Christine Neir Scholarship after presenting her program at Heritage Hall.  Marin recorded an oral history with her grandmother Joann Harris who had lived in the historic Kellett home for most of her married life. The Kellett home is now owned by Marin’s parents.

Click the link below to see Marin’s program

The Kellett House

2009 Winner – Katherine Ryan

The Kirkland Heritage Society and the Neir family presented the Christine J. Neir Memorial Scholarship to Sarah Staeck, graduating senior at Lake Washington High School.

Staeck’s painting is titled: “The Future is Bright,” and reflects Kirkland Marina’s past and present. She plans to attend WSU next fall.