Grays Harbor Spotlights

Arianna Alavez has big plans for her future. Graduating as one of four valedictorians from Aberdeen High School this year, she plans to attend Grays Harbor College and then pursue a four-year degree in Architecture. Throughout her time at Aberdeen High School, Arianna was on the swim team and also worked as a lifeguard and coach at the YMCA. She said of her award, "This scholarship means the world to me, helping me achieve my goals one step at a time!"

Arianna's award is in honor of George Hitchings. Born in Hoquiam in 1905, George H. Hitchings grew up in a family of shipbuilders. Hitchings’ father, George, Sr., worked at and eventually managed the Hoquiam shipyard that his father-in-law, Peter Matthews, established in 1897. A master shipbuilder like his father before him, George, Sr., eventually became a noted marine architect. The family left Hoquiam when George was five years old, but those early connections were still traceable in 1990 when, as an esteemed scientist, he returned to Hoquiam for the Centennial celebration. In 1988, Dr. Hitchings shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine for discoveries that led to the development of a series of new drugs, including drugs for leukemia, malaria, and gout. The Weatherwax Prize is awarded to the Valedictorian(s) from Aberdeen High School each year. Thanks to these two awards, Arianna received $4,000 to support her studies in the 2026-2027 school year. Congrats, Arianna and we look forward to following your success!