WVC at Omak Foundation awards Nelson Accounting Scholarships

Media Contact: Jennifer Short, WVC at Omak Foundation, 509.422.7835, or, Libby Siebens, community relations executive director, 509.682.6436 (Mon. – Thurs.)

November 20, 2015

The Wenatchee Valley College at Omak Foundation awarded four Nelson Accounting Scholarships to current WVC at Omak students pursuing degrees in accounting. The scholarship is one of the largest scholarships offered to an individual student. The total award of $5,000 has been distributed among the four students.

Jose Alvarez, of Okanogan, plans to use his degree in accounting to help his parents run their business. He recently collaborated on a social change project that raised awareness about water waste in the U.S. "Seeing that my hard work is paying off keeps me pushing forward and propels me to always perform at my best," Jose said.

Jennifer Farmer, of Okanogan, plans to open her own business in Omak. "I have always wanted to own my own business and assist others in achieving their goals and dreams," she said. Jennifer is a volunteer hunter education instructor and has assisted her grandparents in teaching hunting education since she was 16. She is also a member of Amateur Radio Emergency Service/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (ARES/RACES).

"My interests are inspired by my education," said Melissa Meza, of Coulee Dam. "I love to learn. And so, my interests consist of traveling 100 miles round trip to attend WVC to continue my education in accounting and business." Melissa said she intends to work for the Colville Confederated Tribes in order to help future generations prosper and succeed. She is president of the WVC at Omak Red Road Association, and she is active in volleyball, basketball and softball.

Erik Wilson, of Klamath, Calif., plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in accounting and become a CPA. "I have always had an interest in numbers and math," Erik said. "Accounting is very finite; the numbers either add up or they do not. That is part of the reason I enjoy it. It fits very well with my process-oriented style of thought, and I know I can succeed with that." Erik repairs computer hardware and software, assists in food collection for the local food bank and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

The Nelson Accounting Scholarship was established in 2009 by former Omak High School graduates, Richard "Dick" Nelson and Susan Featherstone Nelson, who believed in giving back to the community that helped them. Following Richard's recent passing, Susan continues the generosity of the Nelson family with this annual scholarship. She is a former certified public accountant and certified financial planner, now retired.

Other organizations and people interested in making a tax-deductible donation are encouraged to contact Jennifer Short, WVC at Omak Foundation board executive secretary, at jshort@wvc.edu, or call 509.422.7835. Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 1374, Omak, WA 98841-1374. WVC at Omak Foundation is an I.R.S. Code Sec. 501(c)(3) Charitable Corporation and all donations are tax deductible.