RENTON, Wash. – The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, in conjunction with the Dairy Farmers of Washington and Les Schwab Tires announced the 2nd Annual Smart Choices College Scholarship.

The Smart Choices Scholarship recognizes one female and one male high school student for their achievements in athletics/activities, the community and the classroom. The selected recipients will receive a $5,000 college scholarship that will be presented to them at the WIAA Hall of Fame Banquet held at the Renton Pavilion Event Center in May.

“The Smart Choices College Scholarship is a great opportunity for two high school seniors to leverage their participation in WIAA activities toward building their college fund,” WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese said.

Applicants have until April 1, 2014 to submit their applications. In addition to a series of background questions, each applicant will be required to write an essay or provide a personal statement video about “How you plan to use your education to benefit others.”  The judging criteria is based on 35 percent athletic/activity excellence, 35 percent academic achievement, 15 percent leadership, 10 percent citizenship/community service and five percent on originality/creativity of the essay or video submitted. Applications for the Smart Choices College Scholarship Fund are online at www.wiaa.com/smartchoices.

Representatives of the WIAA, Dairy Farmers of Washington and Les Schwab Tires determine the final scholarship awards.

Last year, Kendall Todd of Odessa High School and Tanner Perry of Snohomish High School were selected as the scholarship winners.  Todd is currently enrolled in the honors program at Whitworth University, while Perry attends Pacific Lutheran University and plays football for the Lutes.

The Dairy Farmers of Washington have sponsored the WIAA championships for the past 17 years.  That sponsorship was enhanced seven years ago when Les Schwab became a co-title sponsor.