Willie Stewart Scholarship gifts youth volunteers

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship awarded $5,000 to each of the 14 recipients who collectively contributed over 9,090 hours of community service. The ceremony occurred at the United Way of Pierce County on June 9, where the students and their families gathered to honor their achievements. Willie Stewart highlighted the dual focus on academic excellence and community service, noting that many recipients excel in both areas. To qualify, applicants had to submit an application detailing their volunteer hours and an essay addressing poverty, aligning with United Way's goal of lifting 15,000 families out of poverty by 2028. United Way of Pierce County has been a significant partner since the scholarship's inception, promoting the initiative and managing funds.

Harmony Jones, the 2025 Daffodil Queen, topped the list with 1,692 volunteer hours, embodying the spirit of community service. The scholarship encourages high school students in Pierce County to engage with their communities and continue their service during their college years. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering civic responsibility among youth.