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We are pleased to announce the Thurston County Democrats are offering a scholarship to four Thurston County high school seniors this year. In subsequent years, we will also offer scholarships to any Thurston County Democrat who is seeking a change in career or who needs retraining. We plan for this to be an annual event and are naming it in honor of a beloved and long time Thurston County Democrat: the Evalyn Poff Scholarship.
Evalyn was well known in local Democrat circles as a former chairwoman of the Thurston County Democrats, state Democrat of the Year in 2000 and campaign finance director for several candidates, state elected officials and political action committees, including Thurston County Democrats.
She served on the county Human Services Review Council, an eight-member group of citizens and local elected officials who make recommendations on how finite public funds in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston County should be spent on an infinite number of worthy social service causes.
Evalyn exemplified a woman who experienced career changes and supported education. Sixty-plus years ago, she paid her way through college -- earning master's degrees in education and business administration in five years -- as a performer in a three-ring circus. Evalyn spent her college summer years as a high-flying trapeze artist for a traveling circus! She taught school and eventually spent 20 years as an international buyer for Frederick & Nelson. Evalyn also worked as an accountant and instructor at The Evergreen State College.
In her “spare” time, she gave music lessons freely to the kids in her northeast Olympia neighborhood and worked in the state Legislature information center during sessions.
We are proud to name our scholarship after this accomplished woman, educator, Democrat, and friend.
Click here to apply for the scholarship if you're graduating high school this year and live in Thurston County.
