Ellie Syverson
Graduated from East Valley High School as Valedictorian in 2022

Through the Running Start program, she completed two full years at Eastern Washington University during her junior and senior years of high school. She transferred to University of Montana, where she is finishing her third year of college as a true freshman. She is pursuing a five year degree and plans on graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. Her goal is to then get accepted into the University of Washington’s PA school in Spokane where she will further her education in the medical field. Her ultimate aspiration is to work abroad on a medical mission’s team.
Ellie played varsity basketball all four years at EVHS and was team captain for Junior and senior year. In 2022 she was named Female Student-Athlete of the year and First Team All-League for the GNL. Ellie is the daughter of Sean and Andrea Syverson.

Ellie was awarded $1,000.

Sarah Friendshuh
Graduated from Mt. Spokane High School in 2023
She is enrolled at Spokane Falls Community College as a full-time Running Start student and is looking
forward to continuing her studies at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, as a Biology/Pre-Med major.
Her goal is to complete her biology major, complete a medical degree, and then become a doctor.
Sarah accepted the leadership role as the head of the FRA Youth Committee and managed the youth
events for the last six years. Her efforts and dedication to the FRA youth is greatly appreciated and will be sorely missed as she moves onto the next chapter of her education. Thank You Sarah
Sarah is the daughter of Mark and Sandra Friendshuh. Sarah was awarded $1,000 and was also recognized as this year’s Blue Ribbon Circle designee.

Eli Amend
Graduated from Mt. Spokane High School in 2023
He participated in honors classes including AP engineering driven classes to get college credit.
He plans on attending the University of Idaho for Mechanical Engineering.
Eli is an Eagle Scout (BSA) and is a founding member of Troop 203, and served in many leadership positions, including a Senior Patrol Leader as well as running the troop. He also lettered in orchestra and band all four years of high school.
Eli is the son of Jon and Kristi Amend. Eli was awarded $500

Leah Syverson
Graduated from East Valley High School as Valedictorian.
She is currently in her junior year at Eastern Washington University.  Through the Running Start program, she completed two full years at Eastern Washington University during her junior and senior years of high school. She chose to stay at EWU to finish her degree, a double major in political science pre-law and international affairs. With this degree, she plans to attend law school and hopes to become an international lawyer.  As a student at EWU Leah has tutored Biology while earning her College Reading Language Arts
certificate in levels one through three. She was appointed as a court justice for the Associated Students
of EWU. The skills associated with this appointment; Legal documentation of the school, student affairs, elections, and analysis of constitutional bylaws, directly complement her future life goals.
Leah is the daughter of Sean and Andrea Syverson. Leah was awarded $1,000.