Lila Rice Awarded Prestigious Pistorese Family Scholarship to Attend University of Washington

Lila Rice has been awarded the revered Pistorese Family Scholarship, granting her $2,500 to further her education at the University of Washington (UW) Seattle Campus this fall. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence and dedication in classwork, school activities and athletics, and Lila exemplifies these qualities.

“I am incredibly thankful for my parents, Laura and Tyler Rice,” Lila expressed. “They have always encouraged me to pursue my goals while allowing me the independence to achieve them. Their support means everything to me.”

Congratulations, Lila! With an outstanding 3.96 GPA, she graduates from SHS, ready to chase her dreams. We wish her all the success in the future!

Lila comes from a family of achievers: her brothers include Jacob, a 2021 graduate; Braden, a 2024 graduate; and Asher, who will be a freshman at SHS this fall. She credits her first teacher, Miss Mary, as a significant influence in her early education and personal growth.

An athlete in track and field, Lila lettered in her first yearand qualified for all varsity meets, including the prestigious Pasco Invite and the 4A District Competition. She intends to study Pre-Environmental Science at the UW and hopes to become an Environmental Scientist or Consultant.

Lila takes pride in her community involvement through activities that included

Miss Sunnyside Queen, Youth Representative on the SS Parks and Recreation Board of Directors and creating care packages for hospital patients at Astria Sunnyside Hospital.

Lila has an impressive record of leadership and participation in various school activities, including Associated Student Body Treasurer, Associated Student Body Assistant Treasurer, and Freshman Class Vice President. School Clubs and Organizations that included: Science Fair and Science Club (4 years),  ASB Executive Council and Link Crew during her Junior and Senior Years, A member of the National Honor Society, a Thespian, and a member of  Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

Lila Rice recently received a $2,500 scholarship check from Alumni Fund Board Members Pete Marquez and Karst Brandsma at SHS!

Lila received prestigious awards for her hard work and contributions, including Miss Congeniality, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, and the City of Sunnyside Mayor's award on two occasions. She also earned First Place at the Local Science Fair and was recognized as Student of the Month multiple times.

The SHS Alumni Fund Scholarship Selection Committee received nearly 60 applications, making the selection process highly competitive. Lila stood out due to her reflective application, where she shared, "The science fair showed me an opportunity to help people and make a difference in the world. I have competed in various science fair competitions, developing projects in Environmental Science that address pressing environmental concerns."

About the Ralph Pistorese Family Scholarship 

The Pistorese Family Scholarship awards $2,500 each to one male and one female scholar-athlete with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who plans to pursue a degree in health sciences, engineering, business, education, or trade school. Recipients must have earned a varsity letter in at least one sport at Sunnyside High School (SHS). The scholarship honors Ralph Pistorese, who served as Superintendent of Schools in Sunnyside from 1970 to 1979.

For more information about the scholarship, please visit PRESS HERE.