A Number Of Top Local Grads Headed To CWU This Fall

July 7, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Each year, Ellensburg High School recognizes the students that finish in the top ten percentile of their graduating class. This year, six of those seniors have decided to attend Central Washington University in the fall.

Ellora Wahle, Rachel George, Bailey Minor, Benjamin Livingston, Marissa Pownall, and Mila Nelson, all plan to attend CWU. Most of them choose Central for its academic and social programs, as well as its proximity to Mom and Dad.

"I don't really feel ready to be far away from my parents yet," said Benjamin Livingston, an 18-year-old who plans to study history and mathematics in the William O. Douglas Honors College. Livingston plans to live at home, where he will be able to save on college costs.

Marissa Pownall agreed saving money is important. She too plans to live with her parents for at least the first year of college.

"I decided to go to Central because it's close to home, it's a good college, and I'll be comfortable there," Pownall said.

Ellensburg High School guidance counselor Jean Countryman said staying local has many benefits for new college students. Oftentimes being near parents means students are able to adjust with ease to their new academic life, they can be readily available for their family and maintain a lower cost of living.

"Living at home saves a lot of money. Many people don't want to take out loans if they can help it," Countryman said.

CWU is a great school for local residents, she added. Central "considers the fact that students are local and want to stay here," she said. "It values keeping local students, as well as brining in students from other places."

Countrymen said students, whether local or from out of town, choose Central for several reasons. Many of its future students choose CWU for a specific academic program. For Ellora Wahle, it was music.

"I'm hoping to study music. That was one of my deciding factors for attending Central," she said. "It has a very comprehensive music program - one of the best in the state. I'm excited to be a student there and take part in stuff like clubs, free movie nights, and other fun things."

Media Contact:
CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.