The William and Pauline Scott Memorial Scholarship was created through the generosity of community members of Kent. The purpose is to provide students the opportunity to pursue general studies at any accredited post high school institution.

This scholarship will be awarded to a student who believes in the value and contribution of the entrepreneurial spirit, minority- and women-owned businesses, and demonstrates a commitment to community service. The scholarship is a one-time payment of $2,000 and will be paid directly to the institution.

Applicants must be a graduating senior attending any Kent high school, public and private, OR graduating seniors who have a Kent mailing address. We are looking for applicants with passion, drive, and curiosity.

Submit your response to the essay below, along with all the information in the Scholarship Application Form here, including:

The Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) received funding allocated from the state legislature in 2020 to research, explore, share and celebrate the history of Black Washingtonians; to recognize and connect Black history across Washington in communities both large and small; to lift up voices;  and to lay the groundwork for a permanent display at the state capital acknowledging Black Washingtonians contribution.
 
William and Pauline Scott, the first Black pioneers to live in Kent, are part of this American story. William was born in August 1819 in North Carolina and his wife Pauline was born in October 1840 in Alabama. The Scotts moved to Kent after losing their barbershop business during the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. While living in Kent, they remained successful business owners, owning over 160 acres, and from their property sold timber, leased roads that crossed their land to timber companies, and operated a “truck farm” which sold commission houses in Seattle.
 
The Scotts final resting place is the Saar Pioneer Cemetery with a visible marker in Kent, Washington.