Two local students and current Small Faces Child Development Center staff were announced Sept. 27 as the winners of the first-ever Lynn B. Wirta Scholarships by the Wirta Scholarship Committee. Jane Pendras-Verdon and Kelsey Gray will receive scholarships in the amount of $500 each.

Pendras-Verdon, the winner of the Alumni Scholarship, attended Small Faces as a child and is currently enrolled at North Seattle Community College. She is also an assistant teacher in the Mountain Room at Small Faces.

“Jane is a natural," according to a Small Faces press release. "Her demeanor in the classroom coupled with her ability to focus on task is an example for everyone who works at Small Faces. She is such an asset to Small Faces, as well as the greater Seattle early childhood community.”

Gray, also a student at North Seattle Community College, received the Staff Scholarship. She is an associate teacher in Big Kids and Kangaroo Room at Small Faces.

“[Gray] knows that she can always learn more and does not hesitate to engage in her own learning," according to the press release. "She is a lifer who deserves to have her education supported by the community she so sincerely and authentically serves.”

Small Faces Child Development Center is housed in the Crown Hill Center and offers preschool through school-age programs for children 2 to 12 years of age.

The Wirta Scholarship, named in honor of Lynn B. Wirta, is open to current Small Faces staff and alumni students.

Wirta was employed at Small Faces for 30 years, 25 as director. In that time, she developed an accredited program for children where social, emotional, physical and intellectual skills could be creatively nurtured through purposeful play.

In addition to the children, Wirta encouraged staff to continue their adult education, specifically in the early learning field.

Upon her retirement in 2009, a scholarship fund was established to assist students who continue post-high school education in early learning, elementary or special education.