WHS Alumni Association Scholarship spotlight

WAITSBURG - Since 2014, the Waitsburg High School Alumni Association has awarded an estimated 50 scholarships to WHS graduates for college and postsecondary education.

The first recipient of the program was Nicholas Pearson, a member of the class of 2014. Following graduation, Dr. Pearson earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Whitworth University in 2018 and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2024.

At the UW, Pearson was one of 8 of 72 dentistry students selected for the Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program. The program trains dentists to practice in rural and underserved communities.

Pearson is the fourth in his family to graduate from the UWSOD, following his grandfather, uncle, and father, Dr. Randy Pearson. After graduation, Nicholas joined his father's dental practice in Walla Walla.

Dr. Nicholas and his wife, Amy, have moved to Spokane, Washington, where he has purchased his first practice, Grand Corner Dental. He said he wants to continue learning and becoming a better dentist every day.

"You can always be learning something new," said Pearson.

He said he was thankful for his upbringing and education at WHS, which prepared him for the challenges of his studies and developing career. Although it was a long journey, he's happy to be where he is today.

Pearson said he has fond memories of growing up in Waitsburg, including the year the Waitsburg/Prescott football team won the 2B State Championship in 2011. It was his first year as a starter on the Cardinal's varsity squad, and he played with his team against Morton-White Pass in the championship game at the Tacoma Dome.

Pearson feels very fortunate to be a graduate of WHS and grateful for the financial support he received from the WHS Alumni Association to help him get through school.

His advice for future WHS graduates is, "Always be willing to learn. You can always learn something new or useful, and although you may think you have everything figured out when you're 18 (I for sure did), you'll always find out something else exciting about yourself if you keep an open mind."

The Waitsburg Alumni Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed for the purpose of encouraging a spirit of fellowship among the graduates of Waitsburg High School and awarding scholarships to Waitsburg High School graduates. Since 2014, the Association has awarded approximately 50 scholarships totaling over $50,000. If you, or someone you know, are interested in applying for a scholarship through the Association, contact Kim Hamann at Waitsburg High School.

This year's awardees are:

Amy Farley, Cedar Stegall, Monte Pettichord, William Daves, Alyssa Hollingsworth, Jackson Karl, and Lucas VanHoose.