07/04/2026
National Grange
Scout Starkovich of Cle Elum/Roslyn High School, son of Michael and Amy Starkovich, was awarded the Violet Carollo Burke Scholarship of $3,000. Scout plans to attend the University of Puget Sound to pursue a Pre-Physical Therapy degree, followed by a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Growing up in the Teanaway Valley shaped Scout Starkovich into a young leader rooted in responsibility, service, and community pride. As captain of his high school football team, Starkovich carried the American flag onto the field at each game — a symbol, he says, of unity, respect, and the shared commitment that binds teammates together. Life on his family’s farm reinforced those values. Daily challenges taught him efficiency, problem-solving, and the importance of contributing to something larger than himself. From learning about water rights and hay markets to repairing equipment and helping build fences, he credits his parents and grandparents with instilling a deep appreciation for hard work and civic duty.
Starkovich’s dedication extends beyond the farm and the football field. An Eagle Scout with 26 merit badges, he has long believed in passing knowledge from one generation to the next. This fall, he plans to study Pre-Physical Therapy and Exercise Science at UPS, funding his education in part by fighting wildfires over the summer. Starkovich hopes to return to the Teanaway Valley after college, using his skills to support his community, preserve local farmland, and honor the place that shaped the person he has become.
