Footprinters awards scholarships to future first responders

June 25, 2025 1:30 am
Photo courtesy Olympic Peninsula Footprinters Sequim graduating seniors Conner Kautzman and Grace Gardner, both of whom plan careers as first responders, were recently presented scholarships from Olympic Peninsula Footprinters.
Photo courtesy Olympic Peninsula Footprinters Sequim graduating seniors Conner Kautzman and Grace Gardner, both of whom plan careers as first responders, were recently presented scholarships from Olympic Peninsula Footprinters.

Olympic Peninsula Footprinters presented $1,000 scholarships to Sequim High School graduating seniors Conner Kautzman and Grace Gardner to further their education towards a career as first responders. Each was presented a certificate and they and their families were hosted at the recent monthly Footprinters dinner meeting.

Gardner plans to become a firefighter. She is currently in the Explorer program in Sequim and has done some ride-alongs to experience the daily life of a firefighter.

She earned a GPA of 3.6 and was on the honor roll. She was also active with FFA. Gardner played on Sequim’s high school softball team and contributed to the winning season with impressive hits in the playoffs. She has a strong desire to achieve and to dedicate herself to help people in crisis. She plans on attending Peninsula College to earn her certification/associate degree and then earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Kautzman was home schooled but then transitioned to Sequim High School. He finished his year by earning a spot on the honor roll. He is employed at Les Schwab.

Kautzman wants to serve the community as an EMT and has a strong commitment to his goal. He plans on attending Peninsula College in the fall to earn his EMT certification.