August 24, 2023

Washington Assoc. of Sewer & Water Districts

The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD) announced scholarship awards to five recipients — Ella Brees, Corbin Hale, Austin Popoff, Geneva Schlepp, and Cayden White — in recognition of their intention to pursue a career in the sewer and water utility industry. Scholarships in the amount of $2,500 per person were awarded for two types of applicants: those attending college, and those who wish to seek technical training toward a utility operator position. Named in honor of Walt Canter, an industry advocate and Commissioner of the Cedar River Water and Sewer District for nearly 50 years, the Scholarship Fund helps facilitate and encourage entrance, advancement, and retention of employees in the water and wastewater industry. To date, WASWD has been able to award over $132,000 since the program's inception in 2000. Brees of Snohomish is seeking a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations in accounting and information systems, and is currently on track to graduate a year early from California Polytechnic State University. Hale is seeking a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Eastern Washington University, having worked as a water system field technician at Alpine Environmental. Popoff is attending Washington State University with a major in chemistry engineering. He has been interning three summers in a row at RH2 Engineering, a local consulting firm that specializes in water and sewer utility work. Kenmore native Schlepp has attended Washington State University, and is currently a research assistant in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Washington. Originally from Lake Stevens, White is currently in his fourth year of studies in mathematics and computer science at Minot State University in North Dakota. WASWD exists to advance the work of over 175 special purpose districts that provide water and sewer utility services throughout Washington through education, advocacy, and collaboration.