Baeza Lakew. COURTESY PHOTO

Baeza Lakew. COURTESY PHOTO

Kentlake senior Baeza Lakew wins prestigious Jefferson Scholarship

Award worth more than $293,000 over four years

Kentlake High School senior Baeza Lakew has received a prestigious Jefferson Scholarship to attend the University of Virginia.

It is one of the most highly selective merit scholarships in the nation and is worth more than $293,000 over four years. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia selected Baeza as one of 38 recipients of the award. She will commence her studies in the fall at the Charlottesville school.

In order to be named a scholar, candidates must undergo a rigorous, highly competitive, multi-stage selection process. First, they are nominated by their high schools based on their demonstrated excellence and exceptional potential in the areas of leadership, scholarship and citizenship.

Once nominated, the students go through at least one round of regional interviews. If selected as a regional finalist, students are then invited to participate in a final round of interviews. This year, over 2,100 students were nominated for the scholarship, and 125 finalists were invited to take part in remote interviews conducted by University of Virginia alumni and faculty.

The selected recipients of the 2021 Jefferson Scholarship boast a number of significant achievements and Baeza is no exception. In addition to receiving the full cost of attending the university for four years, Jefferson Scholars benefit from a number of enrichment programs sponsored by the Foundation, including travel abroad, career networking activities, an outdoor challenge program and a leadership speaker series.

Total value of the Jefferson Scholarship exceeds $293,000 for non-Virginian students, according to the scholarship website.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
Kent-based UTOPIA Washington partners with Seattle nonprofit

HealthierHere announces 4 new partnerships to help residents get essential health and social services

t
King County buys building for new Kent animal shelter

Plans to close current site in Kent and move 2 miles north in 2027 at cost of $19.5 million

Courtesy Photo, Kent Cornucopia Days
Street list closure for Kent Cornucopia Days

Downtown streets to close Thursday evening, July 10 through Sunday night, July 13

COURTESY PHOTO, ShoWare Center
The city-owned accesso ShoWare Center in Kent continues to lose money, including about $2.5 million over the last three years.
City of Kent-owned ShoWare Center loses $1 million in 2024

Record-high operating loss since arena opened in 2009; city covers losses from its general fund

Kent Police officers examine a black 2013 Chevrolet Camaro after it crashed July 7 into a day care facility along East Smith Street. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Man, 42, could face vehicular assault charge in Kent crash

Federal Way man driving westbound down Smith hill when Chevy Camaro crashed into building

File Photo, Kent Reporter
Kent Police Blotter: June 23 to July 5

Incidents include construction site burglary, cable wire theft, rock thrower

t
City of Kent receives two state grants for park projects

Awards of $939,600 and $500,000 from Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program

t
Two people in car injured in Kent after crash into building

Incident at about 1:38 a.m. Monday, July 7 at day care facility along East Smith Street

t
Kent once again a Sister City with El Grullo, Mexico

Both cities reaffirm their commitment to strengthening partnership at Kent City Hall gathering

(File photo)
Fourth of July weekend weather in King County

Expect mostly sunny and warm weather for the Fourth of July weekend… Continue reading

t
Kent man, 22, charged in May 27 Auburn shooting

Documents allege that the suspect, along with others, ambushed Keivon Bias, 21.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Christopher Gadd’s mother Gillian Gadd, left, comforts his wife Cammryn Gadd during the sentencing hearing at the Snohomish County Courthouse for Raul Benitez Santana on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Man sentenced for death of Washington State Patrol trooper

Will serve more than 10 years for vehicular homicide for death of Christopher Gadd, a Kentlake High graduate