Donald Cheyette, a life-long Queen Anne resident, received a Presidential Scholar award from Western Washington University during Commencement on June 9.
Western Washington University President Bruce Shepard honored seven graduates as Presidential Scholars, an award instituted in 2000 to honor graduates for their exceptional scholarship and service to the university and community.
Cheyette earned his Bachelor of science degree in Environmental Science-Emphasis Marine Ecology from the Huxley College of Environment.
Cheyette is an avid kayaker and hiker is committed to environmental stewardship. A critical component of his education came from the opportunity to apply his knowledge in a real-world setting through case-study classes, which included working with the Port of Everett to evaluate its cleanup efforts.
As a research intern with Maul Foster and Alongi, a Bellingham environmental consulting firm specializing in remediation through redevelopment of contaminated sites, he surveyed more than 40 tribes in Washington, Oregon and Idaho and submitted a Tribal Brownfield Report to the Environmental Protection Agency. Cheyette plans to further his studies in a graduate program. Meanwhile, he hopes to find a job where he may apply his knowledge and passion.
The son of Cynthia Todd and David Cheyette, Cheyette attended John Hay Elementary School and The Northwest School.