TACOMA PROPELLER CLUB
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
APRIL 16, 2025
The 2025 Tacoma Propeller Club Memorial Scholarship competition was held on April 16 at The Fabulich Center. 15 Pierce County public high schools participated. The scholarship applicants were selected by their high school counselors and career guidance specialists. Local businesses sponsoring students included: Auto Warehousing, Calbag Metals, Foss Maritime, GSC Logistics, Husky Terminal, ILWU Local 22, ILWU Local 23, Jen & Chris Brown, Karina Martija-Harris, Kitsap Bank, Matson Navigation, Medosweet Farm Inc., Orion Marine Contractors, PRS Group, Star Rentals, Tacoma Rail, TOTE Maritime Alaska, and Washington United Terminals. An additional contribution was made by Aequalis Photography, and our Event Sponsors were Port of Tacoma, Courtyard Marriott Tacoma, and Matson Navigation.
The scholarship was awarded to the student with the highest score computed by five judges for financial need, grade point average, community and school involvement, letter of recommendation, and a verbal presentation. This year’s topic was, “For your career after graduation, if you could choose any job at or related to the Port of Tacoma, what would it be, why, and what kind of difference do you think you could make in that position?”.
The 2025 recipient of the $4,000.00 Tacoma Propeller Club Memorial Scholarship award was Pabel Santos of Bethel High School. A second-place award of $2,000.00 was presented to Jayce Hartman of Silas High School, and third place, with an award of $1,500.00, went to Samiksha Singh of Stadium High School. $200.00 cash was awarded to the following scholarship participants: David Apodaca of Orting High School, Maxxamillion Budnek of Chief Leschi High School, Isaac Campbell of Eatonville High School, Monserrat Cartagena of Foss High School, Austin Ferencz of Sumner High School, Valentina Gutierrez-Bedoy of Fife High School, Cas Hagerstrom of Tacoma School of the Arts, Claire Holm of White River High School, Jaedyn Kaylor of Bonney Lake High School, Daniel Lee of Emerald Ridge High School, Hunter Ta of Rogers High School, and Joseph Tran of Mount Tahoma High School.
The total scholarship award for 2025 was $9,900, with a 32-year total of over $240,000 in cash and merchandise.
Management of the Tacoma Propeller Club Memorial Scholarship is overseen by the “Past Presidents’ Club” of the International Propeller Club – Port of Tacoma chapter. The Scholarship Committee consists of: Candy Nigretto, Scott Masenheimer, Terry Velasco, Karina Martija-Harris and Mason Reed. Special thanks to Rod Koon for being our emcee for the day.
The Tacoma Propeller Club Memorial Scholarship Fund is supported by contributions from the Tacoma Propeller Club, its members, local businesses, labor, memorials, private donations, and local charities and foundations. Donations may be made to: Tacoma Propeller Club Memorial Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 453, Tacoma, WA, 98401.