The idea came in the aftermath of a memorial for a fallen Kent Police officer.<\/p>\n
The family of Diego Moreno wanted to do something special to honor the man, an eight-year veteran who was killed in the line of duty last July.<\/p>\n
Moreno’s mother, Lizzie Lee, struck up a conversation with Police Chief Rafael Padilla.<\/p>\n
“She stopped me and said, ‘What I really want to do, Chief, is establish a scholarship in Diego’s name,’ ” Padilla said. “And I gotta tell you, that sent a tear (drop) through my heart. … I didn’t know what to do, but I bet I could find some people who do.”<\/p>\n
In stepped the Kent Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has awarded $372,400 in scholarships and $491,000 in grants in serving the greater Kent community since 1986. The Kent Police Foundation offered its support.<\/p>\n
Lee said the scholarship, which was officially established on Feb. 14, will “honor Diego’s life through the powerful legacy he left. A legacy of love and service that must live on.”<\/p>\n
Family and friends gathered in the cafeteria at Kent-Meridian High School last Saturday for a community fundraiser. The pasta dinner, dessert dash and auction raised $25,000 for the scholarship, ensuring its endowment and availability for years to come.<\/p>\n
Additional donations will allow for larger or multiple awards to Kent students.<\/p>\n
“The great thing about tonight is that we get to establish a living legacy for him and what he’s about – about serving community, about kids, about having fun,” Padilla added.<\/p>\n
The scholarship will be awarded each year to a graduating senior from a Kent high school who has demonstrated a commitment to serving his or her community, and intends to use his or her education to make the world a better place.<\/p>\n
The scholarship can be applied to either a two- or four-year program. Preference will be given to students who intend to pursue a career in civil service. Applicants must be graduating seniors from any high school in the Kent School District.<\/p>\n
The Kent Community Foundation will name the first scholarship recipient on May 14.<\/p>\n
“On behalf of the organizing committee for the event, we want to extend a sincere thank you to the Kent community and everyone who came to the fundraiser for their support,” Kate Matos said.<\/p>\n
Food, desserts, beverages and auction items were donated by sponsors Frankie June; EJ’s Catering; Alki Bakery; the accesso ShoWare Center; Mama Stortini’s Restaurant and Bar; Renton Technical College; Pie Lab; and the Kent School District. Kent Rotary Clubs provided volunteers to serve at the event, in addition to contributing funds.<\/p>\n