THE 2024/2025 $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP
The deadline to apply was May 16, 2025.
Essay By Sydney Martinez
Graduate of Mount Vernon High School
I was first introduced to the power of advocacy when I watched my father, who had immigrated to the US from El Salvador, negotiate the complex immigration laws. His fortitude inspired me to stand up for voices often silenced not just immigrants but all marginalized communities. As I consider my time in college and beyond, I’m determined to use my training and love of justice to support the rights of trans people, who still encounter many obstacles in their pursuit of acceptance, equality, and safety.
In order to prepare for law school, I intend to major in Political Science with a Human Rights concentration in college. I intend to expand my knowledge of legal procedures and policy reform through volunteer work and internships with LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. I would especially like to collaborate with groups that offer legal support to trans people who are fighting discrimination in the workplace and housing market. These encounters will give me the real-world experience and compassion I need to effectively advocate both inside and outside of the courtroom.
My objective is to become an immigration law specialist with an emphasis on intersectional advocacy, which encompasses racial justice and gender identity. Healthcare disparities, job discrimination, and housing instability disproportionately affect trans people, especially trans people of color. Through community outreach, policy reform, and strategic litigation, I hope to break down these barriers in my future legal career. I see myself collaborating with local organizations to promote systemic change that benefits the larger community in addition to securing individual legal victories.
In High school I founded Project Peace a club that advocates for mental health. This club has shown me how crucial mental health services are to creating inclusive settings, especially those of trans and LGBTQ+ youth. I intend to keep pushing for LGBTQ+ student access to services and mental health awareness while I’m in college, establishing safe spaces where support and conversation are valued. I also organized Mount Vernon High School first ever pride rally, in order to guarantee the high school policies, actions, and celebrations represent the diversity and dignity of every student, I also hope to collaborate with campus organizations in university to advance trans inclusivity.
One goal will guide me throughout my time in college and law school: to establish avenues for marginalized communities to achieve justice, with a particular emphasis on transgender people who experience exacerbated forms of discrimination. I’m dedicated to creating a future where everyone, regardless of their gender identity, can feel safe, respected, and empowered through advocacy, education, and legislative change. In addition to reducing the cost of my education, this scholarship would free me up to concentrate on volunteer work, internships, and advocacy projects that will improve my capacity to effect significant change.
As a queer person myself, who grew up in not the most accepting household/ community, I see my role as a bridge between marginalized communities and the legal systems and or communities that often overlook their needs. I am dedicated to becoming a lawyer who listens, advocates, and fights tirelessly for the rights of those who have been historically silenced. With the support of this scholarship, I can take the next steps toward making this dream a reality, ensuring that trans voices are not only heard but actively represented in the fight for equality.
2023/2024 Winner
The PFLAG Skagit Scholarship Fund
PFLAG Skagit is proud to announce the recipient of the 2023-2024 PFLAG Skagit Scholarship. This scholarship is given to honor the dedication of the Robert Reim family to the PFLAG mission of support, education, and advocacy for the LGBTQ community, family, and friends. Helping young people achieve their dreams is the closest hope of their hearts.
Congratulations to Nathan Ojeda Lopez, graduate of Burlington Edison High School. Nathan will be attending Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. His goal is to become a nurse. His winning essay is below. We wish him all the best and applaud him for having the courage to be himself. Good luck, Nathan!!!
2022/2023 Winner
The PFLAG Skagit Scholarship Fund
Alyssa Baydak from Sedro Woolley High School is this year’s winner. She demonstrates a strong commitment to living authentically and being an example for others in our community. She has been awarded a $1500.00 scholarship which will be sent to the University of Washington where she will be attending in the fall. She also received a Chrome Book courtesy of Bill (the late) and Sally Pfeifer’s generous donation. Kathy and Robert Reim presented Alyssa with the award at the ceremony at the high school.
2021/2022 Winners
The PFLAG Skagit Scholarship Fund
Jake Bronoske from Burlington Edison High School has been awarded a $1000.00 scholarship to attend the Cornish School of the Arts in Seattle. We wish him the best of luck as he pursues his art career. In his time in high school, Jake demonstrated a respect for diversity and equality. PFLAG Skagit is grateful to the generosity of its donors for making this award possible.
