When considering her future, Le’Asia Lane aims to work in a job she loves while unleashing creativity and perhaps leaning into the science realm.
The Mercer Island High School (MIHS) senior has developed an interest in art, psychology and environmental science while shining in her studies locally and within the Bellevue College Running Start program the last two years. Presently, she possesses a 3.9 grade-point average as she reaches toward attaining her associate’s degree while taking college courses.
In an immense moment on the morning of Oct. 2, Lane, 17, received a Toys for Kids $5,000 Hendu Scholarship from Seattle Mariners play-by-play voice Rick Rizzs in the MIHS Counseling Center. The four-year college or university scholarship honors the legacy of former Mariner Dave Henderson and his belief in upholding high standards and a commitment to the community.
While Lane hoped and wished to receive the scholarship, she was surprised when it actually happened and learned that she was one of 13 Washington recipients out of 100 applicants this year.
“It’s for sure going to be a big help and takes off a lot of stress of where do I want to go (to college or university). I have a little bit more options with that,” said Lane, who has also garnered a $10,000 university MILEAD Fellows Program scholarship.
Added Rizzs, president and co-founder of the nonprofit organization with Henderson, in a press release: “This is so rewarding. We get a chance to jump start a student’s educational career, to move on, not only to go to college, but maybe go to the college that they really want to go to.”
Also joining Lane and Rizzs at the check presentation event were Toys for Kids chairman Brett Alston of RedCloud Consulting, Henderson’s wife and organization board member Nancy and son and vice chairman Trent.
Lane’s confidence level has risen after receiving the scholarships as she traverses the path toward her next education level. The senior said her influential dad has encouraged her to keep pushing toward what she wants to achieve in her aforementioned educational interests. Lane is currently looking at a host of schools, including Rhode Island School of Design, Cornish College of the Arts and more.
In applicants’ 250- to 300-word essays sent Toys for Kids’ way, Lane and others discussed how continuing their education makes them smile every day. Lane delved into her life and explained how crucial it is for her to attend college because neither of her parents did so.
“The scholarship is a big help with that,” she said.
Community- and school-wise in recent years, Lane joined fellow MIHS Black Student Union members in partnership with the city of Mercer Island to present the first Juneteenth celebration. In the future, Lane would like to help others in the psychology or art therapy spheres.
Lane said that being organized is a good way for incoming freshmen to begin making their mark in the school community and beyond.
“Search for resources and just focus on what you want to do. I think that’s probably the biggest thing (and) whatever makes you happy if there’s a way that you can do that,” she said.
