Scholarship Recipient Spotlight

Meet some of EvCC Foundation's scholarship recipients. 

Amber Startzman

After working 15 years as CNA Amber Startzman chose to pursue her nursing degree at EvCC. She said she chose EvCC in part because of the “Alumni, I’ve worked with thousands of nurses over my many years in healthcare and the ones who have made the most impact on my growth and the ones who have been the best mentors and friends have come from EvCC.” Amber received the David and Janelle Beyer Scholarship, the Donna Dombek Memorial Scholarship as well as Foundation emergency funding to help with medical needs. She said it all “helped ensure that I could physically and mentally continue pursuing my nursing degree.”

Bailey Behn

Inspired by Tony Stark (aka Iron Man), Bailey Behn chose EvCC to pursue a career in electrical engineering. "When I was little," says Behn, "I watched Iron Man and thought things like what if that was real? How would that work? And why would it work?" Behn chose EvCC because it was close to home and made more sense financially. "I've always been nervous about the topic of money," he says. "Knowing I secured the EvCC Foundation Scholarship helped ease that worry and got me to where I could walk across the stage and graduate." Behn received the Knut E. and Sarah D. Kravik Memorial Scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year and the Jerry and Margaret Svec Endowed Scholarship and the Jerry D. Wood Memorial Scholarship for the 2021-2022 school year. 

Camila Garcia Lemos

Camila Garcia Lemos aims to use her education to help others in need. She sees herself working inside a United Nations council or as an advocate for women’s and children’s rights in the future. As an international student, she jumped right into EvCC’s campus life by working as a student ambassador and office assistant on campus. She received the Cecil and Patricia Clarke Memorial Scholarship for the 2022-2023 school year. She says her scholarship gave her the strength to continue with her studies.

Emily Betz

Emily Betz is studying Marine Biology with the goal of eventually working in ocean conservation. She grew up enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and wants to help preserve it for younger generations. Emily received Foundation scholarships for both the 2021-2022 and the 2022-2023 school years. She says, “My Foundation Scholarships have helped me by covering the majority of my school costs, so that I don’t have to rely heavily on loans.”

Jake Avilla

As the first person in his family to go to college, Jake Avilla knows the importance of seeking support. The student ambassador participates in TRiO, a federally funded program that provides academic support for first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. "My advice is always to seek out extra help or just talk to other people that know more than you do," he says. Jake received the Deller Family scholarship for the 2021-2022 school year. 

Lance Kevin Dimabayao

Lance is an aspiring psychiatrist. He says he's "pursuing this career to support others in their struggles with mental health". Lance began his EvCC journey through College in the High School classes at Lake Stevens High School. Now that he's completed high school he's fully enrolled and excelling as a college student. Lance received the Assistance League Everett Community College Scholarship for the 2022-2023 school year. He says, "My worries for the future have been alleviated through the kindness and support of the donors of the Foundation Scholarship."

Meg Macdonald

In July of 2020, Meg Macdonald was laid off from her job and used the opportunity to pursue an education that aligned with her interests. Thanks in part to an EvCC Foundation scholarship, she was able to completely focus on her studies. She got involved with student government, honor society, and the college's food pantry, which she says helped her stay engaged in her college experience. "I am truly grateful for the scholarship and the peace of mind it gave me so I could immerse myself in my classes and extracurriculars!" Macdonald said. She received the Earl W. Husted and Ella Husted Emery Scholarship for the 2021-2022 school year.