Kip Hacking, a South Whidbey High School 2011 graduate was recently awarded a scholarship from South Whidbey Republican Women’s Club.

Hacking was selected from several candidates for submitting an essay on the United States Constitution and also for his extensive service and contribution to school organizations and the community including: Honor Society, student government leadership roles, youth president and vice president of his local Boy Scout troop, Interact Club Public Relations Officer (a club sponsored by Rotary International), the founder and president and APIA team captain for the robotics club that competed regionally and internationally, and a MAN Club co-founder and president (a club that promotes service and patriotism).

His many achievements and awards include an Eagle Scout award, the “You Make A Difference Award” given by the school district for his many hours spent mentoring elementary students, and many APIA team member awards, including a first place in Pacific Northwest competition and 15th internationally.

He has devoted many hours of community service, including working with and helping to develop a science curriculum for fifth-graders and also “STEM” (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to challenge a group of gifted elementary students. Hacking has worked on trail restoration projects, and he also designed, organized and executed a mentoring program called “Lunch Buddies,” which paired South Whidbey High School leadership students with elementary age students who were deemed “at risk.”

It’s estimated that Hacking has participated in more than 2,320 hours of community service through school and church youth groups and Scouting service.

Hacking plans to attend Brigham Young University to pursue a mechanical engineering degree with a minor in electrical engineering, to be followed by pursuit of a master’s degree in robotics.