The Sammamish Independent has honored three youth journalists—Kelly Lin, Rhyley Pruitt, and Mehek Sathe—by awarding each a $2,000 scholarship to support their educational journeys. These young talents have dedicated extensive time and effort to producing quality content for the newspaper, enhancing community engagement and local discourse. Lin, the Editor in Chief, emphasized the importance of maintaining community spirit and enthusiasm, which are vital for a successful online publication. Pruitt, a sports reporter, shared his insights on the passion necessary for covering athletes and their challenges, while Sathe, the Podcast Lead Producer, reflected on her responsibility to positively influence society through her work. These scholarships not only reward these promising journalists but also highlight the critical role youth play in the media landscape, aiming to inspire the next generation and promote active participation in local journalism.

The Sammamish Independent's commitment to fostering youth journalism demonstrates its dedication to community service.