She’s the first Puyallup student to receive this $80,000 honor. Here’s what she’ll do
A soon-to-be graduate of Puyallup High School is on her way to reaching her dream of becoming a pediatric psychiatrist.
Vanessa Caldwell is a senior about to earn her high school diploma this month. She will then move to Omaha, Nebraska, where she will pursue a degree in biology from the College of Saint Mary with the help of an $80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship.
Caldwell is the first student from Puyallup High to receive this scholarship. She is also the only Washington state recipient out of the eight students who received the scholarship this year, Heather Stigge wrote in an email.
Stigge is an assistant professor of biology and also helps coordinate the Marie Curie Scholars program. Stigge said Caldwell can use the scholarship for tuition expenses. It’s funded by the National Science Foundation.
“The goal of the Marie Curie Scholars Program is to support women … so that they will lead future generations of female scientists, mathematicians and researchers,” Stigge wrote.
The scholarship committee chooses students by judging their essays, letters of recommendation, academic records as well as their answers in an interview. The committee looks for academically-talented students who are genuinely interested in STEM, Stigge wrote.
“Additionally, students with a desire to pursue non-medical STEM careers, those with financial need, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds are given priority,” Stigge wrote.
Caldwell grew up in the Puyallup School District. Her parents also grew up in the area. She is part of many school clubs and organizations, including the National Honor Society, Key Club and the Spanish Honor Society.
Caldwell also frequently volunteers at a local church, working with children during services. Caldwell said she is often referred to as “the mom friend of the group.”
She found out in late April that she was a Marie Curie Scholarship recipient.
“It was really great,” Caldwell said. “I was super excited and it was kind of surreal.”
Caldwell said two of her passions — psychology and caring for children — are what sparked her interest in becoming a pediatric psychiatrist. She decided on the College of Saint Mary because she wanted to experience a new environment as she has lived in Washington her whole life.
“I think I’ll really like it there,” Caldwell said.
Puyallup High’s class of 2022 is scheduled to have their commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at the Washington State Fair Events Center, according to the school district’s announcement.
This story was originally published June 2, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
