“The application process went really smoothly thanks to Mrs. Stepherson, from River Ridge’s College & Career Center, who helped me— she is an amazing resource for scholarships and the instructions were easy and transparent,” says Julian Ruatos, 2020 graduate of River Ridge High School and recipient of the Frank Parker Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $7,250.

This scholarship was established as a memorial to Frank Parker. A true renaissance man, Parker was a US Navy pilot, electrical engineer, musician, lover of outdoor pursuits and a great raconteur. As the owner of Parko Electronics, his creativity and superior problem-solving skills enabled him to contribute to the success of NASA’s Apollo Project. (Some of the parts he designed are currently resting on the moon as part of the Apollo landing.)

This scholarship is for a student who intends to pursue coursework with a math or science focus who will attend a two or four-year college or university. This scholarship is for $2000 but with evidence of success each year, the scholarship is renewable for $1,750 each year for 3 years, to total $7,250.

Julian plans to attend the University of Washington Seattle Campus and is enrolled in the College of Engineering program to study mechanical engineering. “The North Thurston Education Foundation Scholarship will be a tremendous help for me this upcoming school year. By allowing me the opportunity to focus more on my academics and less on the stress from tuition and other expenses, I am far more confident and prepared moving forward into my freshman year!”

Congratulations Julian and best wishes!