The Association of Washington Cities Center for Quality Communities (CQC) has announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarships.
This year’s recipients, hailing from the cities of Federal Way, Lakewood, Okanogan, and Sequim, were nominated by city officials and staff from their communities based on their leadership skills and dedication to civic service.
To be eligible, high school students must be nominated by one of Washington’s cities and towns. Only one nominee is selected per municipality for consideration in the statewide CQC Scholarship competition.
The scholarship fund is supported solely by donations from generous individuals, foundations, and organizations wishing to invest in the future of our communities.
“These students are not only the future of our communities—they are making a difference today through their outstanding local leadership,” remarked AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “On behalf of AWC and our member cities, it’s an honor to recognize their achievements, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will have in the years to come.”
The four outstanding Washington high school seniors will each receive a $3,000 scholarship to use for college or trade school this fall. In addition, each recipient will receive an invitation and stipend to speak at the AWC Annual Conference in Spokane in June, where they will have the opportunity to connect with hundreds of local elected leaders and municipal professionals from across the state.
Since 2012, the CQC Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships providing educational funding to students from all around the state. Prior recipients have gone on to launch impressive careers in public service, elected office, government, law, finance, STEM, medicine, communications, education, public safety, IT, and more.
Claire Kim, Federal Way
Claire is a dedicated civic leader and scholar with a strong commitment to community engagement and equity. As chair of the Federal Way Youth Commission, she led initiatives addressing mental health, public safety, and access to opportunity. She also co-founded a free algebra support program for underserved students and helped launch district‑wide campaigns to improve math proficiency.
At school, Claire served as ASB President and DECA Chapter President, organizing major events and leading peers to state‑level competitions. She was selected as a University of Washington Lead Forward Summit Scholar and participated in The Knowledge Society’s global innovation program, exploring artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology alongside industry professionals. As a varsity tennis player, she earned the Academic Student Athlete Award two consecutive years.
Claire is headed to Stanford University, where she plans to study finance and public policy. She aims to have a career in strategy consulting and corporate development.
Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell praised Claire’s leadership and service. “Claire Kim has been a strong leader, and we are proud of her efforts as the Chair of our Youth Commission. She’s communicative, outgoing, reliable, and puts in extra effort to keep the Commission going strong,” said Ferrell. “We are pleased to see her selection for the AWC Center for Quality Communities Scholarship and excited to see her pursue her bright future.”
Elijah Sta Ana, Lakewood
Elijah has demonstrated exceptional civic leadership through roles including Chair of the Lakewood Youth Council, Youth Event Coordinator for the Filipino American National Historical Society, Lead Youth Liaison for Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board, and Peacebuilding Delegate at the World Affairs Seminar. He has also volunteered at St. Clare Hospital and mentored students through his local middle school’s Filipino Club.
As a student, Elijah balanced rigorous academics with leadership and athletics. He was rewarded with honors including the Principal’s List, National Honor Society, and the “Heart of the Pack” leadership award as captain of his school’s varsity tennis team.
Driven by a passion for biomedical engineering and inspired by personal family experiences with genetic diseases, Elijah plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering and, eventually, a doctorate in genetics. He is headed to the University of Washington in the fall.
Lakewood Mayor Paul Bocchi congratulated Elijah. “On behalf of the Lakewood City Council, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate Elijah Sta Ana on being selected as a recipient of the 2026 Association of Washington Cities Center for Quality Communities Scholarship. We are especially proud to recognize Elijah’s meaningful participation in the Lakewood Youth Council, where he has demonstrated leadership, civic engagement, and dedication to serving our community,” said Bocchi. “This scholarship is an achievement that reflects both Elijah’s personal commitment to community service and his contributions toward building a stronger, more vibrant future for Lakewood and beyond.”
Finlay Weston, Okanogan
As valedictorian and senior class president, Finlay has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a deep commitment to leadership and service. An Eagle Scout and Youth Course Lead for the Scouting America National Youth Leadership Training program, he has sought opportunities to serve his community, including as a city lifeguard and swim coach.
Finlay’s dedication to leadership extends to school activities. He captained the Knowledge Bowl team and varsity cross country team, competed on the varsity soccer team, and earned recognition as a two-time regional champion in FBLA.
Looking ahead, Finlay plans to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to study aerospace engineering. His goal is to become an aeronautical engineer designing advanced propulsion and aerodynamic systems.
Okanogan Mayor Wayne Turner credited the Okanogan High School and City Council for actively promoting the scholarship program to identify student leaders in their community. “Finlay has proven, through his leadership as an Eagle Scout and participation with the National Youth Training program, that he represents the best of the values the CQC Scholarship looks to support in our communities.”
Laila Sundin, Sequim
Laila excelled both academically and in service to her community throughout high school. She demonstrated her commitment to civic engagement as a Sequim City Council Youth Liaison and student representative to the Sequim Education Foundation. She also volunteered at the Sequim Food Bank and local library.
In school, Laila served as Student Body President, Interact Club Treasurer, Mock Trial Team Captain, and Knowledge Bowl Team Captain. She graduated with multiple honors, including class Valedictorian and AP Scholar with Distinction.
Laila’s passion for environmental education and preservation led her to work as a student educator at NatureBridge and the Dungeness River Nature Center. She is heading to the University of Chicago where she will study political science and biology with the ultimate goal of becoming an environmental lawyer.
Sequim Mayor Rachel Anderson praised Laila’s service and leadership. “Laila is an inspiring example of what it means to serve your community,” said Anderson. “She gives her time generously and approaches her work with enthusiasm and care, always focused on something bigger than herself. Her role as a city council liaison has been invaluable in bridging the gap between youth and local government. I’m incredibly proud of her and grateful that the AWC Center for Quality Communities Scholarship exists to recognize and support students like Laila as they continue their education and leadership journey.”
About the Center for Quality Communities
The AWC Center for Quality Communities is a 501(c)(3) partner of the Association of Washington Cities. The Center promotes municipal leadership development and civic engagement in pursuit of building strong, healthy communities—because we know that strong cities make a great state.
The CQC Scholarship Program aims to raise the visibility of the important role cities and towns play in Washington by cultivating our future local leaders.
Visit the CQC website to learn more and donate to the scholarship fund.