The Olympic Peninsula Sequim Chapter 74 of the International Footprint Association has announced $1,000 scholarship awards for 2024 to two recent graduates of Sequim High School who will pursue an education in public safety.

Chapter 74 members hosted the winners and their families at a recent dinner meeting held at the Sequim Elks Lodge. Chapter scholarship co-chairs Maura Mattson and Cindy Reandeau and President Sandra Strafford presented awards to Susannah Sharp and Ayden Holland.

Sharp is the daughter of Derrell and Rachel Sharp. She has been involved with Clallam County Fire District 3 Explorers (CCFD3), gymnastics, trap shooting, FFA and firefighting camps in the summer to gain knowledge in the pursuit of her goal to becoming a firefighter.

Sharp said she was inspired by her father’s career and dedication for 34 years as a firefighter. She plans to enroll at Peninsula College and then attend the Washington State Fire Academy.

Holland is the son of Larry and Meg Holland. He also was involved with CCFD3 Explorers, and he too plans to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter. Holland credits his sports background, its challenges and its successes for his resiliency in achieving his goals. He will be attending Everett Community College to study fire science.

The Footprinters scholarship program was initiated in 2005 for graduating seniors pursuing a career in public safety and thus far has awarded nearly $40,000 in scholarships.