Big Bend Community College Foundation’s annual Star Scholars luncheon
Photo: Big Bend Community College Foundation
Big Bend Community College Foundation’s annual Star Scholars luncheon
Photo: Big Bend Community College Foundation
MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College Foundation continued its long-standing tradition of connecting scholarship donors with student recipients during this year’s Star Scholars Luncheon — an annual celebration of generosity, perseverance, and academic success.
The event gives donors and recipients the chance to meet face-to-face, share stories, and build meaningful connections. Attendees spent the afternoon in conversation, discussing educational journeys and future goals.
This year, the Foundation awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships to students. The funds came from individual donors and proceeds from the Foundation’s annual Cellarbration! for Education scholarship fundraiser.
Executive Director of the BBCC Foundation LeAnne Parton said these scholarships have a profound impact on students’ ability to stay in school.
“We have students who wouldn’t be able to stay in school, they wouldn’t be able to do it without your generosity,” she said.
Student speaker Judah Tadema shared how the support he received allowed him to graduate debt-free and focus on his studies.
“Scholarships enable a student to take their minds off the worry of having to pay back tuition and fees and allow them to focus on what’s truly important,” he said. “And that is gaining an education so that they can go on to change the world with their talents.”
Tadema reflected on his personal journey—moving to the U.S. at age seven without knowing English—and how the encouragement of teachers inspired him to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at Central Washington University.
“I stand here before you today as a testament to a support system that willingly gave their time, experience and resources that helped enable me to succeed,” said Tadema.
He encouraged donors to consider the lasting impact of their generosity.
“Some of you know what it’s like to be in their shoes, some of you understand the struggle and persistence it takes to succeed, and some of you may even be looking at a younger version of yourself,” he said. “That’s what makes giving so special. You’ve given out of compassion, kindness and out of a desire to see your recipient succeed and carry forward that great gift of generosity.”
Attendees also heard from BBCC President Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy and Microsoft’s Lisa Karstetter, who served as the event’s keynote speaker.
The luncheon once again underscored Big Bend’s mission of empowering students through community support and educational opportunity.