Mayor Selena Benitez and the Mount Rainier City Council presented seven youth scholarships during the Dec. 17 special legislative meeting, awarding each recipient $3,000.

The awards recognize local students’ academic work and community service and are intended to support recipients’ college expenses. “These are our 7 award recipients for this year,” Mayor Selena Benitez said as she read the winners’ names. The recipients listed by the mayor were Anthony Romero Gonzales, Montana Norman, Kaylin Nova, Kevin Agustin, Jodzie Escobar Delgado, Rolfel Taver Rodriguez and Justice Belle Perry.

Rolfel Taver Rodriguez, one of the recipients, said the scholarship matters because it supports his studies and community work: “For me, this is really important…education is not only important for me, but also for older people.” Montana Norman, a University of Maryland student and three‑time recipient, said the award “helps me out with my tuition and college is very expensive,” and called the scholarship “very meaningful.” Other recipients described the awards as easing financial pressure and motivating them to give back locally.

The mayor noted the city has invested “a little over $100,000” in scholarships over recent years and described the recipients as “youth ambassadors for education” who have volunteered in community activities. The city clerk, Melissa Sam, was identified in the meeting as the staff liaison who coordinates the scholarship program and interviews applicants.

The presentation did not include a council vote; it was a ceremonial presentation and recognition of awardees scheduled under the meeting agenda. Mayor Benitez encouraged recipients to remain active in the community and thanked parents and volunteers who supported the program.