Yadira Garibay-Castaneda Awarded Inaugural Rey Pascua Family Scholarship in Memory of Sandra Lee Pascua and Tiffany Marie Pascua
The Pascua Family and the Sunnyside High School Alumni Scholarship Fund are proud to announce Yadira Garibay-Castaneda as the distinguished recipient of one of three inaugural Rey Pascua Family Scholarships, awarded in loving honor of family members Sandra Lee Pascua and daughter Tiffany Marie Pascua. This prestigious scholarship reflects the Pascua family’s enduring commitment to uplifting youth who embody academic excellence, resilience, and a spirit of giving back to their community.
Yadira, daughter of Oscar Garibay and Teresita Castaneda, resides in Sunnyside, Washington, with her family, including her older sister, Nathalie, and younger brother, Martin. Throughout her high school journey, Martha has excelled academically, earning an impressive 3.60 GPA, and has proven herself to be someone who values the opportunities before her!
Martha credits her AVID advisors, Mr. Aguilar and Mr. Cullen, for inspiring her to pursue her dreams and instilling in her the importance of supporting others in reaching their fullest potential.
Yadira is a standout student whose high school years have been defined by leadership, curiosity, and service. She played volleyball and was an active member of the Science Club and AVID throughout her early high school career, later excelling in the Running Start college program. Her commitment to academic excellence is matched only by her passion for giving back—she has volunteered in local elementary schools, assisted at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, and mentored youth as a volunteer soccer coach.
Her achievements have been recognized with several top honors, including three Rising Star Awards, placing highly at the Washington State Science & Engineering Fair, and winning the American Indian Science and Engineering Society Award for three consecutive years. Yadira has also been named to the President’s List for Highest Honors at YVCC, underscoring her dedication both in and out of the classroom.
After my family lost everything in Nevada, we moved to Washington with nothing but hope.
From her scholarship application, Yadira writes:
“After my family lost everything in Nevada, we moved to Washington with nothing but hope. We slept on relatives’ couches and depended on school donations to survive—an experience that forced me to grow up quickly. Today, while our situation has improved, financial challenges remain. As a first-generation college student, I’m determined to break the cycle. My hardworking parents simply can’t take on the burden of tuition alone, so I’m taking the initiative for my future. I plan to earn my Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene at EWU and continue on to a Master’s and Doctorate, with the goal of returning to serve Lower Valley families who struggle as mine once did. My past has shaped my resolve to give back—and to show others with similar stories that their scars are reminders of their resilience and proof of how far they can go.” A passion of the Pascua Family.
Yadira guiding philosophy is encapsulated in her favorite quote from Bad Bunny: “I never stopped believing in myself. You should also believe in yourself. You are worth more than you think. Believe me.”
The Rey Pascua Family Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Sandra Lee Pascua and Tiffany Marie Pascua and to empower and educate future generations. Yadira's passion, leadership, and unwavering resolve make her the ideal recipient of this inaugural award.
Comments