San Juan Island high school senior Isabel Gabriel is one of six Washington state students to receive a Quality Communities Scholarship for the 2015-16 academic year.

Gabriel is Friday Harbor High School’s first-ever recipient of the a Quality Communities award.

Gabriel, who plans to attend the University of Washington in the fall, was nominated for the award by the Town of Friday Harbor.

The Association of Washington Cities represents 281 cities and towns in Washington. Its Center for Quality Communities promotes leadership development and civic engagement. The Center believes in educating student leaders who care about their communities. The scholarship monies are provided for the recipients to pursue post-secondary education.

A leader in the Friday Harbor Soroptimist teen club, Gabriel and fellow S’Club members helped raise more than $6,000 to help to defray the cost of chemotherapy for one the the students’ teachers. In a essay submitted to the town as part of its nomination, Gabriel talks about her love of Friday Harbor and how islanders stand up for what they believe.

“We are very proud of Isabel and her accomplishments,” Mayor Carrie Lacher said. “I think she will make a great ambassador for the town as she sets out on her educational pursuits.”

Gabriel intends to pursue a career in biological sciences and eventually work with Doctors Without Borders.

“I want to thank the Association of Washington Cities for this honor and I would also like to thank my awesome teachers and friends from Friday Harbor High,” she said.