For graduating high school seniors across Grays Harbor, this past weekend was one to remember. Donning caps and gowns, students celebrated their high school career with graduation ceremonies, parties and family gatherings.
For Montesano High School graduate Kaitlyn Bradley, this ceremony is taking her one step closer to her dreams.
Wanting to recognize students like Bradley, Comcast rewards hardworking students nationwide through its generous Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship program.
Since the inception of the program in 2000, Comcast has awarded more than $21.6 million to approximately 21,000 graduating high school seniors nationwide. This year, 90 graduating seniors from schools across Western Washington and Spokane were recognized and celebrated during the Leaders and Achievers Recognition Reception on Thursday, June 11, at the Governor’s Mansion in our state’s capital city, Olympia.
Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship recipients are selected based on a few different challenging criteria. To be considered and selected for the scholarship, students must demonstrate academic excellence through a minimum GPA of 2.8, provide examples of ways they’ve been leaders in their schools and communities, and share examples of how they’ve made a positive impact through volunteering.
Bradley has done all of these things, tenfold. As a drum major for the Montesano High School band, Bradley has always been involved, leading her peers and brightening the community in more ways than one. Volunteering for her school’s Food Bowl, an annual fundraiser that collects money and food for the local food banks, Bradley has always appreciated and valued what a community is capable of accomplishing when they all work together. “Food Bowl is a huge deal in my town,” said Bradley. “Giving back really helps.”
In addition to giving back to the community and leading others to the beat of her own drum, Bradley is also a keen student. Graduating with a near 4.0 GPA, academics have always been front and center for Bradley, which is good — she’s an aspiring grade school teacher.
Bradley, who will be attending Grays Harbor College in the fall, said she wants to major in Education. “I want to teach 1st or 2nd grade,” she said. With experience babysitting, working at a daycare, and serving as a Teacher’s Assistant at school, Bradley is already earning practical experience that will take her far in her future career.
During the June 11 event, many students present expressed a deep gratitude to Comcast, not only for providing financial assistance for college, but for boosting their confidence as well. The event’s keynote speaker, former NFL cornerback Reggie Jones, said awards like the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship gives students more than financial assistance, it offers them an opportunity. “It gives them confidence going into life,” said Jones. “This right here is a helpful hand.”
Bradley couldn’t agree more. “When I got [the scholarship], I was actually really surprised,” she said. “I didn’t see myself as a leader. I was, but I wasn’t as confident as I am now. Getting this award really validated that I was doing right thing.”
Bradley is looking forward to attending Grays Harbor College in the fall, but now when she goes, she’ll have more confidence than she did before. “I want to thank Comcast for the award because it’s given me the boost in confidence I need,” said Bradley.
The June 11 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Recognition Reception was an event marked by excited students, proud parents and inspirational speakers, all there to recognize the hard work of our country’s future leaders. However, unable to attend the recognition reception, Bradley was there in spirit as the only student from Grays Harbor to receive the prestigious scholarship — being selected isn’t easy.
The event’s emcee, Comcast Newsmakers’ host Sabrina Register, said, “These kids are doing really amazing things. They’re not only academically successful in the classroom, but they’re really contributing to their community.” Kaitlyn Bradley is a great example of this, and we wish her the best of luck as she heads to college.
To learn more about this year’s Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship winners, visit Comcast online.
