STEM Scholar Recognition Event with Keynote Speaker Darienne Highsmith

Since 2001, AAUW Seattle has been recognizing and honoring high school students for their talents in math, science, and technology. We believe it’s critical to honor and encourage them to continue their studies in STEM fields. Every year in April, we hold a reception and invite the awardees and their families to celebrate their considerable success. This year, we honored more than 30 11th graders who self-identify as women or were assigned female at birth and self-identify as non-binary.

On April 24, the Seattle Branch hosted its 24th annual STEM Scholar Recognition award ceremony at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture. Honored for their excellence in math, science, and technology were 33 students from 11 local high schools. Over 100 people, including the majority of the awardees, their parents and family members, and AAUW members, attended this celebratory event.

After a welcome by STEM Scholar Recognition co-chairs Liz Ebersole and Dani Dinlocker Santiago, the program began with Tonna Kutner providing an overview of AAUW’s mission, research, and advocacy, highlighting AAUW’s relevance in our world today and specifically to our honorees. The evening’s keynote speaker was Darienne Highsmith, U.S. Green Building Council Project Manager for Washington and Oregon. Darienne shared how the hands-on explorations she experienced during her childhood in California spawned her own STEM journey, which was furthered by the encouragement of an amazing educator. Not only did Darienne develop a love for life and environmental sciences and systems, but she was also inspired by the many hands-on sustainability projects available in everyday life.

In college, Darienne seized many opportunities, a practice she has continued as she has progressed through her personal and professional journeys, along diverse paths, leading her to where she is now. A key point made by Darienne to our award recipients was that, especially in the STEM fields, things are always evolving and that the jobs that the students will hold during their careers do not yet even exist. She wrapped up by cautioning all never to underestimate the power of lifelong learning and by stressing to the students that the future of STEM is theirs to shape. She was an inspiration.

After a short break and an opportunity for students to talk with our keynote speaker and each other, co-chairs Liz and Dani presented the award packets to each student by school. Each student received a Certificate of Excellence, a $500 check, and a copy of the book Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX. Many thanks to co-chairs Liz and Dani, and to everyone else who helped make this yet another successful STEM Scholar Recognition event!