Sabas O. Rousseau, Chief Sealth High School student, received a $5,000 scholarship called the Sun Life Rising Star Award given by Sun Life Financial June 10 in the Sealth lunchroom. Over the past four years, Sabas has participated in the full breadth of Treehouse Education and Enrichment programs. He brings his high school homework to the after-school Treehouse Learning Center three times a week to receive support from a tutor. He has volunteered for the United Indians' drug and alcohol prevention program and Latino Voices, an organization for Latino Americans. Treehouse strives to give foster children a future. Sunlife and Treehouse representatives were on hand to present.

Sabas will attend South Seattle Community College with the goal of transferring to a four-year college.

"To have a financial gift like this is really special," said the happily-stunned Sabas. "I grew up in Burien and West Seattle and went to high school here for three years. That I succeeded and that I'm following my dreams is really special. I'm very excited actually."

The same day, Sun Life awarded a total of $165,000 in scholarships and grants to three nonprofit organizations for their commitment to providing academic opportunities to at-risk youth, and to an exemplary student nominated by each organization. They include New Futures, Treehouse, Rainier Scholars and three area students who have overcome the odds to stay in school.

Sun Life Rising Star Awards Programs recognizes and provides resources to high school students who have overcome the odds and remained committed to furthering their education as well as the nonprofit organizations that advocate on their behalf.

In conjunction with Sun Life Financial’s official sponsorship of the 2010 Cirque du Soleil Big Top and Arena Touring Shows, winners will have the opportunity to attend a Cirque du Soleil performance. On Saturday, June 12, each organization and student will be recognized at an award ceremony prior to the Cirque du Soleil show at King County’s Marymoor Park.