23rd Annual “Excellence in Education” Scholarship

Cascadia Eye takes great joy each year in reaching out to young people. Our Excellence in Education scholarship has been going strong since 2003, giving us a chance to assist high school graduates grow their education with an eye to the next generation. In fact, we have been able to expand our scholarship and now award two scholarships of $1,500 each to students with:

1) a GPA over 3.25

2) graduating from the following local areas

• Skagit Valley/North Snohomish County (includes Camano Island)
• Whidbey/Island County (not incl Camano Island)

3) plans to study in any field/major at a university, college, or trade school.

We have been inspired by each students’ passion, excellence and dedication to improving their local communities and think you will be too!

23rd annual 2025 “Excellence in Education” scholarship winners:

Zander Pulliam:

Pulliam’s journey has been marked by courage, persistence, and an unwavering love for sports. At three years old, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which left him with weakness on one side of his body. But Pulliam never let those limitations define him. Instead, he used them as motivation to push forward.

Throughout his life, he has faced physical therapy, multiple eye surgeries, and the challenge of learning to walk more than once—but he’s done so with determination and grace. He excelled at his studies, participated with varsity football and basketball teams, and became a role model to those around him.

Pulliam is now setting his sights on a degree in Sports Business and Management, a field that will allow him to combine his love of athletics with his desire to inspire others. He dreams of creating programs that motivate young people, especially those facing their own struggles, to keep going—just as he did.

“To be a role model to a whole city or state,” he says, “would give me the ultimate feeling of success.”

We are honored to support Pulliam as he continues his journey to show the world what is possible in the face of adversity.

Alyssa Railing:

As the oldest of three siblings, Railing embraced the responsibility of setting an example—not just for her sisters, but for her community. That sense of responsibility led her to an early connection with elderly members of her rural Skagit Valley neighborhood, where she found fulfillment in helping with everyday tasks and meaningful conversation.

Those experiences opened Railing’s eyes to how easily older generations are overlooked. She made the conscious choice to challenge that narrative. From sewing and watering plants to simply listening, Railing learned that respect and patience creates bridges between generations—and she wants to continue building those connections.

That passion, combined with a love of protecting and uplifting others, has inspired Railing to pursue a career in law enforcement. She envisions a future where she can continue serving her community, creating safer spaces, and bringing dignity to often-forgotten voices.

Railing’s path is built on courage, integrity, and a heart for service. We’re honored to support her next steps and proud to help lift up a voice that’s already making a difference.

Reece Carr:

Despite facing significant challenges growing up—including navigating a difficult home life and stepping into a mentor role for her siblings—Carr remained focused on one thing she could control: her education. Through her own determination, she found success in the Running Start program, earning both her high school diploma and Associate’s degree this June—all while maintaining excellent grades.

Carr’s creative spirit will lead her to the University of Oregon, where she will pursue a degree in Interior Design and Architecture. What began as a childhood love for art has evolved into a vision for a future where she can help others shape meaningful, personal spaces.

We’re honored to support Carr as she begins this next exciting chapter. Her story is a reminder of the power of courage, education, and hope—and the impact one person can make when they choose to rise above their circumstances.

Past recipients