The Student Civic Leadership Awards recognize outstanding student leaders at Washington campuses for their work in civic engagement, community leadership and social entrepreneurship. 

The Washington Campus Coalition for Public Good, hosted by Western Washington University, asks its members to select two students to receive the President and Chancellor’s Student Civic Leadership Awards from their campus. Of those students, the governor’s office chooses several students to receive the Governor’s Student Civic Leadership Award.  

Makenna Falkenstein-Barker, a senior majoring in elementary education, minoring in music and a community engagement advocate for Whitworth’s Dornsife Center for Community Engagement, was the recipient of this award. The award ceremony occurred on April 19, 2024, at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.  

“I have learned a lot from the different fellowships and especially working with kids. I have learned so much from them and it has always been my passion for loving others,” said Falkenstein-Barker.

Falkenstein-Barker was nominated by Meredith Devey, director of the Dornsife Center for Community Engagement. “I never thought I would be rewarded for something I love to do and am passionate about,” said Falkenstein-Barker.

Some of Falkenstein-Barker’s recent advocacy projects were with the Gary Middle School clothing drive, the enrichment program at Northwood Middle School in Mead and many more leadership and community-oriented projects.  

Governor Jay Inslee presented Falkenstein-Barker with the award of a $1,000 scholarship. This link highlights the recipients’ contributions.