Hope for the Future met with Talent and
Generosity on May 6th
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| Rainier Scholars who attended the luncheon and provided inspiration to the audience |
Held on May 6th at the Seattle Sheraton Metropolitan Ballroom, Rainier Scholars’ 2nd annual luncheon attracted a diverse crowd of educators, business and community leaders, corporate sponsors, volunteers and friends of the program. Attended by over 650 people who contributed over $800,000, the luncheon was a celebration and recognition of the hard work and results achieved by the students, families, staff and teachers.
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| Dr. Ronnie Cunningham with Chris Prentice, RS Board of Trustees and Julie Prentice, Event Committee volunteer and table captain |
Focusing on the journey students take to achieve academic success, the program featured oratory and reflections from the stage by a selection of Rainier Scholars, a keynote address from Dr. Ed Taylor as well as a new video. Produced by SpyGirl Productions with funding from the Sessions Family Foundation, the video was inspired by poetry written by Rainier Scholars. The video included interviews with parents, Cohort I Student Advisors, Leadership Retreat participants and commentary from Executive Director Calvin Lyons.
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View the 2008 rainier scholars video |
The story of “Where I’m From”
During the 14 Month Academic Enrichment phase, students participate in a second summer class called Invictus, based on the poem by the same name and containing the famous line “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” This class is designed to explore issues of social equity and justice, sharpen critical thinking skills and reflect upon the roles students can play as community members and leaders. |
| Scholars who performed the "Where I’m From” poem included representation from all six cohorts |
During this past summer Cohort V students were given a poem by George Ella Lyons and asked to mimic the format in a creative writing exercise. Rainier Scholars teacher Lauri Conner says “In giving the exercise I wanted to remind students that knowing where you come from is one of the most important factors in knowing where you are going.”
Taking inspiration from their familial and cultural background, Cohort V students wrote individual poems telling their stories. From this body of work, a composite piece called “Where I'm From” was created and performed by twelve different scholars from our six cohorts. The result is a moving and inspirational piece that truly reflects the spirit of all Rainier Scholars.
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View the "Where I'm From" video |
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Read the "Where I'm From" poem [PDF]
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For more information on the luncheon or to volunteer to be a table captain at our next luncheon in May 2009, please contact Mary Bristow, Director of Development (206) 407-2115 or mbristow@rainierscholars.org.
To schedule a 2008 Summer Tour of the Rainier Scholars Program at The Bush School, please contact Carrie Madden (206) 407-2147 or cmadden@rainierscholars.org.
"I want to be remembered as the person who worked for her future. People will see me as a person of color who is smart, talented and succeeded in her life."- Vanina, Cohort IV
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| Board Member Tom Ellison surrounded by Cohort I scholars |
Make a Donation
You can support the work of Rainier Scholars through financial giving in a variety of ways. To make a personal donation directly to the organization, simply print out the donation form and mail it with payment, to our offices. Online giving to Rainier Scholars is facilitated through Network for Good and allows credit card transactions and the option to schedule continuing support throughout the year. Stock gifts and other security transactions are coordinated by the Development Director, Mary Bristow.Donation Form
A form to Print and Mail
Donate Online
Donation handled by NetworkForGood.org
Rainier Scholars is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Volunteer
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| Rainier Scholars volunteers hosting the annual Welcome Brunch for new students and their families. |
Most volunteers work in one of the following areas:
- Tutoring Center (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons)
- Administrative Support
- Committee Workgroups
- Marketing Projects
- Special Events
- Fundraising Activities
- Photographer
- Newsletter
Volunteer Application Form
If you would like to volunteer, please complete and mail or FAX our volunteer application form.