The Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association and the family of Graham Morin recently announced that Jamie Rakevich of Elma has been named this year's recipient of the Graham Baker Morin Memorial Scholarship Award. The scholarship, awarded annually to a graduating senior from the State of Washington, is based upon strong academic performance in school, leadership qualities, and wrestling talent. Rakevich, who will receive $3,000 as the winner of the first scholarship awarded, will be attending Oregon State in the fall. The family of the Graham Morin feels that Jamie has all of these qualities and represents the goals of the scholarship extremely well.

Jamie Rakevich has served as the ASB President and Vice-President, captain of three athletic sport teams at Elma High School as well achieving a 3.81 cumulative G.P.A. He is a decorated wrestler winning multiple State titles and reached All-American status at National level tournaments. The scholarship committee would also like to recognize the other top candidates; Justin Moody of East Valley High School, Paul Sewell of Inglemoor High School, and Avery Bowles of Rainer High School.
“The Washington State Wrestling Coaches Association is proud to be able to offer this scholarship to the high school students of the wrestling community," said Craig Hanson, President of WSWCA. "Supporting education, leadership and the future of wrestling will continue to be an important goal of our organization and the scholarship."

The scholarship was created from funds from generous people starting at Graham Morin’s memorial service, with help from the WSWCA and the wrestling community of Washington. According to Vice-President of the WSWCA, Brian Smith, "the process of creating the scholarship has been amazing. The public outpour is enlightening. Graham Baker Morin affected a lot of people and in his memory this scholarship will continue to do the same."