Carpe Diem! SHS's Aaron Waywell Seizes Alumni Endowed Scholarship

The Sunnyside community is bursting with pride as Aaron Waywell, a 2026 Sunnyside High School graduate and Class Valedictorian, has been awarded an Alumni Endowed Scholarship and will attend Western Washington University this fall to study Business Finance.

Aaron received a $3,000 Endowed Scholarship, this one in recognition of staff members who volunteraily donate monthly to the Endowment.

The endowed scholarship exists thanks in part to the generosity of Sunnyside School District staff, who each month choose to donate a portion of their paycheck to the “Grizzly Nation Donation”—a tradition that reflects their ongoing commitment to supporting students like Aaron.

Aaron, the youngest of four children of Jana and Scott Waywell, has already built an extraordinary legacy of service, achievement, and leadership. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, Aaron is more than just a scholar—he’s a difference-maker. He’s held a dazzling array of leadership roles, including National Honor Society President, Senior Class Treasurer, and Mariachi Club Treasurer, and has energized his peers through clubs, community events, and volunteer projects. He credits Sunnyside District staff members Ms. Bator and Ms. Peabody for their unwavering dedication, noting how they consistently go above and beyond to support students on their paths to success.

"Serving others has been a great priority for me,"

Aaron’s drive to uplift others is at the heart of his story. “One goal I am passionate about is being in the community,” he shares. “Serving others has been a great priority for me,” he adds, aiming to “contribute to a happier world with more support.” From revitalizing hospital gardens to championing inclusive events like Special Olympics, Aaron’s commitment to service is both authentic and inspiring.

Aaron plans on studying Business and Finance at WWU and becoming an Financial Advisor.

His future is just as bright. Aaron plans to become a Personal Financial Advisor to “guide others through financial issues and teach them how to better achieve financial goals.” He’s determined to “give back to my community, using my personal skills and career to get there,” and credits the Alumni Endowed Scholarship with helping him “secure a position as an advisor, solidifying my ability to help others.”

A true Renaissance student, Aaron has excelled in Track & Field, music, and leadership, all while embodying his favorite motto: “Carpe Diem.”

Sunnyside salutes Aaron Waywell—a scholar, a leader, and a beacon of service—on his journey to “Seize the Day” and shape a brighter tomorrow.

ABOUT THE SHS ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

For the last 11 years, the Alumni Association has received contributions from SHS Alumni, Sunnyside Community Members, Businesses, Parents and Friends of SHS, and the greater Sunnyside Community. We have invested these contributions in an Endowment Account.

We use the earnings and interest earned to award scholarships to deserving SHS Senior Graduates each year. As the Fund grows larger, the scholarships do too! This year, we increased the number of scholarships awarded from the Fund from three (3) to four (4) Scholarships and the amount of each scholarship from $2,500 to $3,000. We hope that as the Endowment grows, we can help more graduates reach their post-secondary goals.

Thank you to all of our Contributors!

Find out more by visiting our website by pressing HERE!

GO GRIZZLIES!!

Published June 25, 2026