Celebrating Achievements: The Ralph Pistorese Scholarship Award Recognizes Carter Carrizales

As the school year draws to a close, we take a moment to celebrate one student's incredible achievements. This year, the Ralph Pistorese Scholarship Award proudly goes to Carter Carrizales, a remarkable young man who embodies academic excellence and a commitment to community service.

Carter Carrizales will be attending WSU in the fall.

Carter is not only a dedicated student with a GPA of 3.56 but also a passionate athlete, having played three years of Varsity Baseball from 2022 to 2025. Beyond his accomplishments, he isn’t just focused on his future; he's actively engaged in making a difference in the lives of others.

He comes from a close-knit family, with his parents, Angel and Andy Carrizales, supporting him every step of the way. His siblings, Jansyn, a 2023 graduate, and Kylie, who is just starting her journey at 13, are part of the dream he's cultivating for the future. Carter reflects on the importance of family in shaping his ambitions, saying, “I hope to give back to the community that supported me through it all one day.”

“I have been very blessed to have had many people in my life who have shaped and provided experiences for me to grow.”

Carter's commitment to community service is truly inspiring. He has coordinated three successful blood drives through the American Red Cross, meeting donation goals each time. His fundraising efforts for the Children’s Miracle Network during the Mr. SHS Pageant helped raise an impressive $11,000. His involvement with the Special Olympics has been particularly impactful for him, where he forged relationships that reminded him that even small efforts can lead to significant change in the lives of others.

Looking to the future, Carter plans to attend Washington State University this fall, with aspirations of majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His vision extends beyond academics. He hopes to secure a stable and meaningful job that will allow him to support a family and ensure that his children have access to quality education and a safe environment.

As he shares in his application, “I have been very blessed to have had many people in my life who have shaped and provided experiences for me to grow.” This acknowledgment of gratitude highlights his character and his desire to contribute positively to the world around him.

Carter was a three-year baseball letterman.

In a time where youth engagement in community service is more important than ever, Carter Carrizales is a shining example of how dedication, hard work, and a strong sense of purpose can create a lasting impact. We look forward to all he will achieve as we celebrate his accomplishments today. Congratulations, Carter! Your journey is just beginning; we can't wait to see where it takes you.

ABOUT THE RALPH PISTORESE SCHOLARSHIP

The Pistorese family established the Ralph Pistorese Endowment Scholarship to honor the life and work of their father, Ralph Pistorese, former Sunnyside School District Superintendent. The family awards two (2) $2,500.00 scholarships each year to one boy and one girl.