Astoria High School Scholarship, Inc.

Over the next several weeks, we'll be highlighting AHSSI scholarship funds established in memory of people who left a lasting mark on Astoria High School and the Astoria community. Behind every named scholarship is a story worth telling and we're honored to share them.

We're starting with someone who was a Fishermen long before she became one of AHS's most beloved teachers and coaches.

Dena Bondietti Marsch, AHS Class of 1972, came back to Astoria High after college and spent 28 years teaching P.E. and Health, coaching varsity volleyball, and pouring herself into the students and athletes who passed through her classroom until she retired in 2009. She was inducted into the AHS Hall of Fame in 2014 — not just for what she coached, but for who she was. When she passed away in August 2015, students, alumni, and colleagues across the community came together to honor the impact she made.

The Dena Bondietti Marsch Scholarship carries her legacy forward, supporting the next generation of Fishermen the way she supported so many before them.

Did you know Dena as a classmate, her student, or as a colleague? We'd love for you to share a memory in the comments.

We have exciting news to share — AHSSI is hiring an Executive Director!

As our organization continues to grow and deepen its impact on Astoria students, we're looking for someone who is passionate about our mission and ready to help carry it forward. This is a meaningful opportunity to be at the heart of work that changes lives right here in our community.

For more information and to learn how to apply, visit www.astoriascholarshipfund.org/careers.

The Class of 2026 scholarships have been awarded, but the words from this year's applicants continue to stay with us.

Zander's application moved us deeply. Having experienced the loss of a loved one early in life, he has carried that experience with him. Rather than letting it define him, he has let it shape the way he sees the world.

"Loss is something we go through one way or another. But it really made me appreciate living, and appreciate the world around me."

That kind of wisdom and perspective will linger in our memories. Congratulations, Zander! We are rooting for you every step of the way.

Last Thursday, AHSSI awarded $513,000 in scholarships to the Astoria High School Class of 2026 on behalf of a community that continues to show up for our youth.

None of this happens without the generosity of individuals, organizations, and small businesses who believe in these students. Every donation, no matter the size, helped make Thursday night possible, and helps us continue doing this work for future classes of Astoria seniors.

If you'd like to be part of what we do, learn more at www.astoriascholarshipfund.org.

Last week's excitement is still fresh in our minds, especially one of the biggest moments of Awards Night.

The Hall Family has long been one of AHSSI's most dedicated partners, and this year they went above and beyond. They gave their annual $5,000 scholarship in memory of Edward R. Hall through OSAC but they didn't stop there. Impressed by three more outstanding applicants, they partnered with us to give three additional scholarships, for a total of $20,000 given to AHS graduates.

The reaction of these grads when they heard the news is one we will remember for years to come.

Four Astoria seniors. One incredibly generous family. We are so grateful for their partnership and their ongoing commitment to our graduates.

Congratulations to all four recipients — Anmaree, Malia, Kahlil, and Alexis.

It's Graduation Day! AHSSI is proud to support Astoria High School's graduates and wish each and every one of them all the best into their next chapter.

Congrats, AHS Class of 2026! We can't wait to see where you go from here! 💛💜

Tonight, we celebrated the seven millionth dollar in scholarships awarded to an AHS graduate... and then we kept handing them out until we reached $7,286,162!

We are incredibly grateful to our donors and community supporters whose generosity makes these opportunities possible. Thanks to you, we had an amazing evening celebrating the Class of 2026 and their bright futures.

Photos coming soon!

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

In a week full of graduation events and excitement for the Class of 2026, we're taking a moment to spotlight the Holen Family Scholarship.

Chris and Jennifer Holen established the Baked Alaska Culinary Arts Scholarship in 2016 to support students pursuing careers in the culinary field. In 2020, it was renamed the Holen Family Scholarship to reflect the family’s broader commitment to vocational education. This scholarship supports students continuing their education in Culinary Arts or other vocational training programs, helping them build the skills needed for rewarding, hands-on careers. Thank you to the Holen family for investing in the future of our students!

We'll find out who the 2026 Holen Family Scholarship recipient is in just a few days - Awards Night is Thursday, June 4!

As a runner, Will knows a thing about clocks - "Don't watch the clock, do what it does. Keep going no matter what."

Will took his own advice to heart this week and became the State Champion in the OSAA 4A Boys 3000m race. Congrats, Will! Keep chasing your goals and showing others what's possible through commitment and hard work.

Students like Will are exactly why we award scholarships. We want to support young people whose hard work, character, and determination inspire their communities.

Next week, we're taking over the Liberty Theatre to celebrate the Astoria High School Class of 2026! We are immensely proud of what they’ve achieved so far, and even more excited for where they’re going next.

Astoria High School Awards Night
June 4, 2026 at Liberty Theatre
Event begins at 7:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm
All are welcome - no tickets required

Join us one week from tonight to show them the community support they deserve!