Nippon Dynawave Foundation awards scholarships to family of Longview staff

The Nippon Dynawave Foundation named its 2026 scholarship recipients Tuesday.

Pacific Lutheran University student Paityn Mackin received the first place $2,000 scholarship. Mackin recently finished her freshman year studying exercise science with an emphasis in sports physical therapy.

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She hopes to return to Kelso after graduation and pursue a career in physical therapy. During her summer break, she is volunteering as a youth softball coach and working for the city of Kelso.

She is the daughter of Ksandra Mackin in supply chain.

Paityn Mackin

Paityn Mackin received a $2,000 scholarship from the Nippon Dynawave Foundation.

Rainier Jr/Sr High School student James Watkins won second place with a $1,500 scholarship. Watkins plans to study at Lower Columbia College before transferring to a four-year university to pursue a degree in engineering. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school, and hopes to continue playing baseball while attending college.

He is the son of Jake Watkins in maintenance.

James Watkins

James Watkins received a $1,500 scholarship from the Nippon Dynawave Foundation.

Kyra Gressett received the third place $1,000 scholarship. She has ben a certified nursing assistant for four years and is pursuing a career in dental hygiene.

She is the fiance of Hunter Rothfus in the chips department.

Kyra Gressett

Kyra Gressett received a $1,000 scholarship from the Nippon Dynawave Foundation.

The scholarships are funded by donations to the Nippon Dynawave Foundation, according to a press release. It has a goal of raising $20,000 each year to fund the scholarships and other projects.

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