The Pistorese family is establishing the Ralph Pistorese Endowment Scholarship to honor the life and work of their father and former Sunnyside School District Superintendent, Ralph Pistorese.
Ralph was the son of an immigrant coal miner in Cle Elum, Washington. He had grown up poor by any of today’s standards, but because of his athletic abilities, he was able to secure a football scholarship and attend college at Washington State University (WSU).
He clearly recognized the value of and was thankful for this financial support. Despite this, his road to education was not easy. During school he was called up first to service in World War II, where he served in the Marine Corps overseas.
Subsequently, he began teaching in Arlington, WA until he was called back to active duty prior to completing his graduate degree, to serve again in the Korean Conflict in 1951. Honorably discharged from the Marines with the rank of captain in 1952, Ralph continued teaching and coaching football in Arlington, WA, while completing his master’s degree at WSU and becoming the Superintendent of Schools in Arlington from 1959 to 1967. The family eventually moved to Sunnyside, where he became the Superintendent of Schools from 1970-1979 when he retired.
“Our dad believed in hard work and education”, said his oldest son, Brent Pistorese, 1971 SHS graduate. Until his children, no other family member had ever attended college. Our father believed that hard work and education would broaden future horizons and lead to greater success in life. He worked to assure that all his children were able to complete advanced college degrees and was proud of his contributions to their educational success.
Daughter Jan Pistorese and SHS Class of 1976 Alumnus said, "Sunnyside was our home and where dad worked in public education for many years. We believe he would be particularly happy to provide educational assistance to worthy graduates at Sunnyside High School."
They're specifically supporting those students interested in business, engineering, or medicine and/or a trade educational programs in appreciation of the many individuals who, like many of their family, become adept at a trade and work to provide a valuable service. That was something their father also respected.
The family in establishing this Endowment believe their dad would be proud to have a scholarship endowment program in his name, and with it, support the educational efforts of future Sunnyside High School graduates.
The SHS Alumni Scholarship Fund is an IRS recognized 501(c)3 Tax Exempt Educational Foundation that was created and dedicated to help SHS graduates pursue their post-secondary educational goals!
To learn more about our Endowment PRESS HERE.
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