Scholarships

The Zonta Club of Yakima Valley awards a Young Women in Leadership Award each spring to a senior girl from one of the Yakima Valley high schools. We have been awarding this scholarship since 1997.

College students in Business-related studies can also apply for the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship - learn more

Young Women in Leadership Award

In January each year, Zonta Club of Yakima Valley begins accepting applications for the local Zonta scholarship, through the Scholarhip program. This scholarship of $2,000 is given to one outstanding senior girl from one of the Yakima Valley high schools each spring. The money may be applied to studies at any community college or four year college.

Award description

Though about 40 percent of the world’s workforce is women, according to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, only 22.7 percent of all national parliamentarians were female as of 1 June 2016. Because Zonta International believes that young women are the key to women’s advancement in the field of public service, it offers the Young Women in Leadership Award, which recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.

The program operates at the Zonta club, district/region and international levels. Zonta clubs provide awards for club recipients, and district/region and international awards are funded by the Zonta International Foundation. If the winner of the Yakima Club scholarship will be attending a four-year school (not a community college) their application will also be forwarded to Zonta District 8 to compete further for the District scholarship of US$1,000.

Eligibility

Women, ages 16-19 on 1 April each year, living in a Zonta district/region, or a citizen of a Zonta country, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.

• Active commitment to volunteerism
• Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid)
• Volunteer leadership achievements
• Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs
• Support in Zonta International's mission of empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy

Applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district/region where no clubs are located will be considered and eligible to apply for the district/region Award.

Application process

The application must start with any Zonta club. All application materials must be received at a Zonta club by the March 1st deadline (see below). The recipient of the Yakima Valley Zonta Club Scholarship is also entered in a competition for the District 8 scholarship which is for $1,000.

Checklist to be completed by applicant:

• Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official
• Letter from Employer stating employment (if applicable)
• Completed application materials, typed in English
• Two confidential recommendations with signatures (can be digital)
• Applicant’s Signature (original signature required or application can't be considered)

The Zonta Scholarship Committee sends letters to the counseling office of each local high school, encouraging them to get the word out to their seniors. Applicants are screened by a committee of Zonta members who are provided with specific criteria to assist in the consistent evaluations of the responses to the written questions.

Download the 2025 Scholarship Application

DEADLINE for application submission of 2025 applications (for fall 2025 admissions) is March 1, 2025.

Zonta Club of Yakima
311 North 66th Avenue
Yakima, WA 98908

Submissions can be made by mailing the full application to the address above. Or, The signed, scanned document can also be emailed to yakimazonta@gmail.com.

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

Because Zonta International believes in gender equality, the Jane M. Klausman (JMK) Women in Business Scholarship program helps women pursue undergraduate and master's degrees in business management and overcome gender barriers from the classroom to the boardroom.

Eligibility for the Women in Business Scholarship

Women of any age, pursuing a business program with major field of specialization in accounting, economics, finance, business management, business technology, information technology, marketing, operations management, human resources management, international business, or entrepreneurship at an accredited university/college/institute, who demonstrate outstanding potential in the field and are living or studying in a Zonta district/region, are eligible. Online students are also eligible to apply if enrolled at an accredited university/college/institute.

Students must be enrolled in at least the second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a master's program at the time the application is submitted to the local Zonta club. Applicants must be in school at the time the scholarship funds are disbursed and must not graduate before April 2025.

Contact Us to apply for the scholarship.

----

Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipients

Evangeline Knerr, 2024 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

The scholarship Committee met on March 19, and chose the winner of this year’s Young Women in Public Affairs award. Evangeline Knerr is a senior at Eisenhower High School, where she is Associate Student Body President, swim team captain and yearbook editor. Evangeline served as coordinator for the Mr. Ike organization for two years. This organization helps raise money for the Yakima Children’s Village through fundraisers, volunteer services and a talent show. She has also worked for an outreach mentoring program that matches high school leaders with at risk youth from the community.

Evangeline started her own business, to provide private and group swim lessons for at risk youth. In addition to school and running her business she has found time to volunteer with organizations focused on helping those who are experiencing homelessness.

She has lived many places, including a small Caribbean Island. On the Island she learned the importance of the ocean and marine life and how it affects life on our planet. She also desires to explore other cultures and environments.

Evangeline plans to major in marine biology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii, and wants to work on solutions for international environmental challenges.
Evangeline is the daughter of Michelle Knerr and Holly Barnett and lives in Yakima.

The scholarship committee received seven applications. Committee members were Kathy Greninger, Terese Abreu and Pat Reynolds.

Carynn Miller, 2023 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

This year’s Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship was awarded to Carynn Miller, a senior at Eisenhower High School. She plans to major in accounting with a goal of working for organizations that might not be able to afford a regular accountant. She also plans to return to the Yakima area to work with youth, teaching them to be financially responsible.

Carynn is a three year speech and debate student for which she holds the title of President for her team. She is a fellow in Eisenhower’s Student Voice Council; an organization working with the superintendent to create school policy. One of the leading action projects they are focusing on, is student’s mental health. Carynn is employed by Safe Yakima Valley, working with clubs at Eisenhower and Davis to prevent the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Carynn has volunteered with Catholic Charities, Yakima Southwest Rotary and Truth Sanctuary. She has also volunteered with Yakima Association of Faith Communities working on a drive for supplies and
money for the refugees and citizens affected by the war in Ukraine. She has worked as a Youth Camp Leader (YCL) for girls aged 11-17 through her church. She taught important notions of self-efficacy and self-confidence as well as cooking, navigating and teamwork. She also volunteers with Freedom Kits, an organization that sews washable, reusable pads for girls in countries that don’t have access to feminine hygiene products.

Carynn believes we should support developing countries in any way we can and empowering women in school, in government and politics. Carynn is the daughter of Scott Miller and LaVon Miller, and lives in Yakima.

Olivia Stoller-Black - 2022 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

The Scholarship Committee has selected Olivia Stoller-Black as our 2022 YWPA winner. Olivia is a Senior at Wapato High School where she is President of the Wapato Math Club and a member of the Wapato Mariachi Club, AP English Club, Knowledge Bowl team, and National Honor Society. In addition, she is involved in the Health Organization for Students of America, serving as Treasurer from 2020-2021 and currently serves as Vice President. Olivia is a member of the Superintendent’s Student Voice Matters Group, which is an advisory committee for students to voice their concerns and provide advice on how to improve the Wapato School District.

Olivia has been involved in the Wapato FFA chapter for the past four years, serving as Treasurer from 2018-2019 and Vice President from 2019-2022. She has shown swine for the Central Washington Junior Livestock Show, as well as the livestock judging contest. Olivia has participated in the agricultural display contest at the Central Washington State Fair. Additionally, she has volunteered annually at the Harrah Community Christian School fair booth at the Central Washington State Fair.

Olivia has worked to empower women through her social media by bringing attention to the numerous Native American women who are missing or have been murdered. Olivia wants to be a high school teacher, majoring in history and returning to her rural community to be a role model for young women. She is the daughter of Ben and Risa Stoller-Black.

The scholarship committee consisted of Terese Abreu, Kathy Greninger, Dr. Joddi-Jay Babcock, Nancy Charron, and Pat Reynolds.

Haidyn Hall - 2020 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

The Scholarship committee has selected Haidyn Hall as the 2020 Young Women in Public Affairs recipient for the $2,000 award.  Haidyn was selected for her leadership roles in student and community service and her views on the status of women in our country and worldwide.

Haidyn is a senior at A. C. Davis High School in the International Baccalaureate Program.  She is also a member of the National Honors Society and president of the Interact Club.  She has volunteered for the Salvation Army, Northwest Harvest, and Rod’s House.

Haidyn is a certified lifeguard for Yakima Parks and Recreation. She has volunteered for the Special Olympics for three years and is a basketball and golf coach. Haidyn is a member of a young people’s political organization and created and maintains their Instagram social media forum.  She has organized a blood drive at her school, and volunteered for Camp Prime Time and the Rotary Club.

Haidyn skypes with a woman in Asia, enabling both women to learn about the other’s language and culture. She has served as President of the Asian Culture Club for three years, volunteering at a Japanese Cultural Festival where she exposed children to toys and songs from Japan and Japanese culture. This spring Haidyn will walk again, in the Walk for Water program, to help raise awareness and funds for women and children who must walk more than three miles to get water.

Last summer Haidyn was a delegate at the American Legion Evergreen Girls State, a government training program that is self-governed by female students. They created their own cities and government, ran for office, presented and passed bills. They addressed and solved city problems.

Haidyn plans to attend the University of Washington. Her career objective is to become an obstetrician. Haidyn is the daughter of Dave and Heather Hall.

As the local winner, Haidyn's application was forwarded to Zonta District 8 and she was chosen as the District winner for an additional $1,000.

Gabriela Sanchez - 2019 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

The scholarship committee has selected Gabriela Sanchez as this year’s winner of the $2,000 YWPA award. Gabriela is a senior at White Swan High School, where she has been class president for three years. In addition to class president, she is a member of the National Honor Society and won the President’s Award at her school, for academic achievement.  She is editor of the yearbook and is involved in FFA, Pep Club, Band, Basketball, Track and Field, and Volleyball. Gabriela plays club volleyball which has taken her around the United States. Last summer she coached volleyball for elementary and middle school children through Yakima Valley College’s summer camp.

Gabriela views race and social class as the hindrance to advancement of women in her community. She plans on becoming an English teacher and volleyball coach and return to her community to improve the lives of young women.

Gabriela is the daughter of Marcy and Rudy Sanchez and she lives in Toppenish. Gabriela plans to attend Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon.

Madelyn Quigley - 2018 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

The Scholarship committee has selected Madelyn Quigley as the winner of the 2018 Young Women in Public Affairs Award, in the amount of $2,000. Madelyn was selected on her leadership roles, her student and community service and her views on the status
of women in our country and worldwide. Madelyn is a senior at Selah High School where she is ASB Secretary, President of National Honor Society, a leader in the Adopt-A-Family Program and has been named MVP for her volleyball team.

In addition to school, Madelyn has assisted with the volleyball kids camps and is a regular volunteer at Rod’s House and the Pediatric Unit and Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit at Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital. Madelyn plans on attending a
university this fall, majoring in microbiology in preparation for medical school. She is the daughter of Chad and Jennifer Quigley.

McKenna Kappenman - 2017 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

The Zonta Club of Yakima Valley has chosen McKenna Kappenman as the winner of the 2017, Young Women in Public Affairs Award, in the amount of $2,000.  McKenna is a senior at A.C. Davis High School where she is also an International Baccalaureate student and ASB President.  McKenna was selected on her leadership role, her student and community service and her views on the status of women in our country and worldwide.

As a freshman, McKenna was awarded the Microsoft Certification for her production of the first of four major video productions.  Her Junior and Senior year, she has been a Link Crew Commissioner who helped plan freshman orientation.

As Co-President of Northwest Harvest Teenboard, McKenna helped lead the meetings, set up the agenda and took the lead in contacting the necessary people for the food drive events.
The past two summers McKenna volunteered at Younglife Camps.  She led Younglife Capernaum; Younglife for kids with special needs.  It was through Younglife that McKenna met students from other countries.  Those relationships led her to Younglife International.

On January 21, 2017, McKenna was empowered by her participation in the Women’s March.  “It was amazing to peacefully protest with and for women and to show the world that we would not take opposition lightly,” she wrote.

McKenna plans to attend a four year university this fall to study Pre-Law and, or Political Science and minor in Spanish.  She is the daughter of Cyndi Kappenman and Kyle Kappenman.

Mariana Renteria-Hernandez - 2016 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

Mariana Renteria Hernandez, a senior at Eisenhower High School, was awarded the $2,000 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship by the Zonta Club of Yakima Valley. Mariana was selected for her leadership skills, community services and her desire to improve the status of women worldwide.

Mariana is the head coordinator and founder of the “Run for Hope” 5K which raised money to for the Yakima Youth Suicide Prevention Center and the Seattle National Association on Mental Illness. Mariana will pursue a career in psychology and non-profit leadership which will focus on mental health awareness and creating affordable programs for victims of human trafficking and youth in low income communities.

Mariana hosted a mental awareness month at her school and found that at least one student was helped through the program. Mariana also coordinated the Mr. Ike Pageant for Children’s Village for special needs children which raised $21,000. She has been a Children’s Village mentor and works with special needs children. Other activities that Mariana has been a part of is Northwest Harvest, Salvation Army, and community programs such as raking leaves.

Samantha Valdez - 2015 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

The scholarship committee met on March 24th and selected Samantha Valdez as our 2015 YWPA Winner.  Samantha is an International Baccalaureate senior at A C Davis High School.  She was selected for her leadership, student and community service and international awareness for improving the lives of women. Samantha is a correspondent for the Yakima Herald-Republic’s Unleashed supplement and President of Davis Interact club. She is vice president of her senior class. Samantha has organized food drives for the Union Gospel Mission and has led the 5K “Walk for Water” to raise money and awareness towards the need for fresh drinking water in third-world nations. She is also a Young Life student leader.

In 2014, Samantha traveled to Holland right after the downing of Flight #MH17.  She interviewed the Dutch people, visited the memorial of flowers and witnessed the impact that event had on its citizens.  It was that experience that led Samantha to want to be a journalist.  She plans to attend the University of Washington. Samantha is the daughter of Adam and Julie Valdez.  She lives in Yakima. 

Lily O’Connor - 2014 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

Lily O’Connor, senior at LaSalle High School, was awarded the $2,000 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship by Zonta Club of Yakima Valley. She was selected for her leadership, student and community services and her views on the status of women in the community and worldwide. O’Connor is a member of the National Honors Society, La Salle’s Student Life Leadership Class, and Student Service Coordinator. She participated in two service trips through the Yakama Nation Service Immersion program and was selected for the 2014 Rochester Service Immersion in Rochester, New York. She is a four-year varsity soccer player, which earned her the Co-League MVP and is a leader for girls’ soccer camps. She is an eight-year piano student, member of the Washington State Music Teachers Association, and piano teacher to younger students.  She has organized biannual community recitals. She was a two-year Chair of the Sophomore Retreat Committee, Class Vice President, and Co-chair of the Tolo Dance Committee, as well as a member of the Prom and Homecoming Dance Committees. Lily plans to double major in Biology and Education to become a high school science teacher. She lives in Yakima.

Erica DeMond - 2013 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

The Zonta Club of Yakima Valley has chosen Erica DeMond as their 2013 Young Women in Public Affairs scholarship recipient.  Ms. DeMond is a senior at A.C.Davis High School and will be awarded $2,000 towards her education.  She was selected on her leadership role, her student and community services and her views on the status of women in our community and worldwide.

Erica is President of her class and is a member of the National Honor Society at Davis High School as well as in the International Baccalaureate program that is only offered at Davis High School.

Erica has been the head coordinator for the last two years of the Youthworks' Mr. Davis Pageant who works through the Memorial Foundation to raise money for the Children's Village and Yakima Memorial Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  She also serves as tutor in the library's after school tutoring program, working to help those struggling students complete class work in their second language.   For the last three summers she has volunteered as a tennis instructor through the Yakima Parks and Recreation tennis program to provide tennis lessons for kids and teens who come from modest backgrounds learn the game of tennis.

Ms. DeMond plans on attending a four year university to study economics and hopes to give back to the community that originally inspired her.

Erica and her parents, Brad and Miyuki reside in Selah.

Funds for this scholarship were raised by the Zonta members with generous donations from the Yakima community at our annual fundraiser - the Zonta Dinner Theatre on March 2, 2013.

Felisa Gonzalez - 2012 Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Recipient

The Zonta Club of Yakima Valley has chosen Felisa Gonzalez as their Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship recipient for 2012.  Ms. Gonzalez is a senior at La Salle High School.  She was selected based on her leadership role, her student and community service and her views on the status of women in our country and worldwide. 

Felisa is President of her class, as well as the National Honor Society at La Salle.  She represented her school for the Lasallian Convocation on the Rights of the Child at the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, in New York City.  While there, she visited the U.N. headquarters and met ambassadors from around the world.

Felisa served on the Yakima Valley Community Foundation Youth Advisory Board during 2010-2011.  That group consisted of 12 high school students who were charged with distributing $50,000 in grant money to non-profit organizations in need.

Ms. Gonzalez plans on attending a four year university to study International Relations and Contemporary World Issues.  She aspires to work with children through UNICEF.

Felisa and her parents, Maria and Jose Gonzalez, reside in Wapato.

List of YWPA Scholarship Recipients

The following young women from Yakima Valley high schools received the Zonta Status of Women in Public Affairs scholarship in recent years: