Friday Harbor Students Win $25K in Scholarship Funding

A generous gift is opening doors for the next generation of Friday Harbor graduates, whether they're headed to university or learning a skilled trade.

The Honeywell Charitable Fund awarded $25,000 to the Friday Harbor Kiwanis Club to support student scholarships in 2027. This marks the twelfth year of a partnership that has fundamentally changed educational access for island youth.

Since 2015, Dave and Nancy Honeywell have worked with Kiwanis to award $195,000 in scholarships to 202 students. The funding helps young people pursue traditional college degrees and trade school certifications without the crushing weight of debt.

This year, Kiwanis distributed 13 college scholarships and 6 trade school scholarships at graduation. Half of all Kiwanis scholarships over the past three years have gone to trade school students, reflecting the growing demand for skilled workers in the region.

The results speak for themselves. Jack Mason attended watch repair school and now works for Rolex. Ryan Rothenberg earned his pilot's license and is training to become a commercial pilot. Teagan August completed CDL training and drives commercial vehicles for a local construction company.

Two current students, Emillio Bayes and Eydan Cazarez, are enrolled in electrical lineman apprenticeship programs. They'll soon be ready to work for regional utilities, bringing critical skills back to their community.

The Ripple Effect

This isn't just about individual success stories. Every graduate who stays in the region with marketable skills strengthens the local economy and workforce. Scholarship chairman Jack Rice puts it simply: "Their commitment to our island's youth has changed lives, strengthened our workforce, and created opportunities that simply wouldn't exist without their support."

The Honeywells have demonstrated deep roots in San Juan Island through years of supporting youth programs, local nonprofits, and educational initiatives. Their philanthropy extends far beyond scholarships, touching nearly every corner of island life.

The 2027 scholarship cycle opens next spring, with awards distributed at graduation in June. Kiwanis encourages all seniors to apply, whether they dream of engineering degrees or electrician certifications, because every path to a meaningful career deserves support.