Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

5/1/07

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn Mountainview High School Senior
Awarded Gates Millennium Scholarship

Kaetlyn Hughes, a senior at Auburn Mountainview High School, was awarded the highly sought-after Gates Millennium Scholarship, a program initially funded by a 1 billion dollar grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The national program provides scholarships, in some instances covering all educational costs including graduate school, to outstanding students of minority.

Kaetlyn is a vibrant student with a passion for the sciences. “I love science,” remarks Kaetlyn. “Last year I took human anatomy and physiology; this year I took sports medicine. I spend most of my afternoons helping students in the training room.” Kaetlyn is an athlete herself, specializing in the 800 in track. She also plays golf, gymnastics and basketball.

The Gates Millennium Scholarship will pay Kaetlyn’s entire college education at the University of Washington. She plans to pursue a nursing degree and would like to be a labor/delivery nurse. “It offers me my future,” says Kaetlyn.

Kaetyln’s father’s family is from the Tlingithaida Native American tribe in Alaska. She attributes many of her artistic skills like jewelry making and sketching to her grandmother who is “an amazing oil painter,” according to Kaetlyn. Kaetlyn’s sister was awarded a Gates Millennium scholarship four years ago. “My sister is graduating from Whitman in June and is going to become a lawyer,” smiles Kaetlyn. Kaetyln’s younger brother, a sophomore at Auburn Mountainview, wants to become a firefighter or police officer. “I’m sure he’ll apply, too,” says Kaetlyn.

As an applicant, Kaetlyn was required to answer 10 short essay questions ranging in topic from academic excellence to school culture. Kaetlyn must keep a 3.3 at the University of Washington to maintain her scholarship status. “I plan to focus on my studies,” says Kaetlyn. “I also might participate in some clubs.”

Kaetlyn was also awarded a Sealaska Heritage Institute 2007-08 scholarship.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at 253-931-4713.