Shoreline resident Rhys Kroehler wins $7500 IPOEF Top Prize in Age Group

Rhys at awards banquet in
Washington D.C.

By Luanne Brown

Christmas came early for 19-year-old Shoreline resident, Rhys Kroehler.

On December 11, he attended award ceremonies in Washington, D. C. where he received a $7500 scholarship for a short video he created that explored what the world would be like without patents. The annual contest is sponsored by the Intellectual Property Owners Education Foundation (IPOEF).

Kroehler, who graduated from Shorecrest High School in 2017, currently attends the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. 

He traveled to Washington D.C. with his 16-year-old sister Talis, a sophomore at Shorecrest. “It was the first time just the two of us had travelled together, and it was a great way to hangout and catch up with her after months apart,” Kroehler said.

Kroehler is thrilled with the time he spent in the nation’s capital.

Before the ceremony, he and his sister were treated to a tour of Capitol Hill with IPOEF representatives who took them to meet with Washington State (and Shoreline’s own) Senator Patty Murray. “She taught at the pre-school I attended,” Kroehler said.

Rhys chats with Washington Senator and Shoreline resident Patty Murray
in her office in Washington, D.C. 

Then they met Washington State Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who presented him with a certificate of congressional congratulations.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal presents Rhys with a
certificate of congressional congratulations 

“We also got to see the Supreme Court and other governmental buildings that we’d only heard about or had seen on TV,” Kroehler said.

And then it was off to the award ceremony, which was held at the National Building Museum.

According to Kroehler, “When we arrived, my breath was taken away. The place was beautiful and packed with people wearing tuxedos and the most elegant dresses I’ve ever seen. We were ushered to a red-carpet area where we took photos before being let loose to mingle and enjoy hors d'oeuvres. It was so much fun to get to talk to such creative and driven minds who were enjoying the night meant for celebrating their ingenuity.”

Awardees at the formal banquet
Rhys is standing, on the right

Manny Schecter, IPO Education Foundation Board President praised Kroehler’s accomplishment.

"Rhys' IP Video Contest submission did a great job of showing how important intellectual property is to our everyday lives,” he said. “Without saying a word, Rhys showed that there are countless items we use daily that wouldn't exist without patents. The video was a winner because it was creative, informative, and unique."

Rhys and Talis in
Washington, D.C.

It really was an unforgettable experience,” said Kroehler.

"I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have been able to have this opportunity -- on top of the scholarship which is already such a huge honor -- and how truly thankful I am for everybody who helped and supported me when I was in the running for this."

Kroehler, who appears to be on a winning streak, was also awarded the Justin Amorratanasuchad (J-Dogg) Scholarship which is given to graduating high school students in the Puget Sound area who plan to pursue post-secondary studies in film/tv/media. 

This is a renewable scholarship, based on merit. Kroehler also received the scholarship in 2017.

Kroehler’s prizewinning IPOEF film can be viewed HERE