MOSES LAKE — Krystal Salmeron thought she was headed to take a passport photo. Instead, she walked into her workplace at KFC to find flowers, a crowd of supporters and a giant check with her name on it — for $20,000. 

“I didn’t think it was going to be for $20,000,” she said. “I thought it would probably be, like, the $5,000 one, if I got anything. I didn’t expect it to be the big one.” 

Salmeron said she remembers filling out the scholarship application with the help of her TRIO advisor but didn’t think it would result in much. However, on April 6, she was honored as one of only 11 KFC employees nationwide to receive the KFC Foundation’s top scholarship award this year. 

A hardworking student and mentor 

Salmeron has worked at the Moses Lake KFC for two and a half years, where she’s known for stepping up to help new hires. 

“I like helping them… especially the new hires,” she said. “Sometimes I feel like a mentor.” 

At school, she’s a full‑time Running Start student who has already completed college‑level statistics, precalculus, U.S. history and political science. She maintains a 3.75 GPA. 

“There were some classes where it got a little hard, but I still managed,” she said. “It feels rewarding… like it paid off.” 

She plans to attend Gonzaga University to study accounting – a field she says fits her love of numbers and clear solutions. 

“I like that there is only one right answer and there’s one right way to do it,” she said.  

A proud dad — and manager 

Her father, Ladimir Salmeron, has managed the Moses Lake KFC for 25 years. Watching his daughter receive the franchise’s highest scholarship was emotional. 

“It feels exciting… proud dad,” he said. “She is very hard‑working, self‑motivated… she always wants to learn something more.” 

He’s watched her curiosity since childhood. 

“When she was five years old… she was always wanting to know what I was doing,” he said. “She likes to be on top of things. She’s goin take my job over — become the next manager.” 

As a first‑generation college student, the scholarship eases a major financial burden, he said. 

“It’s some pressure off me and her mom,” he said. “Twenty thousand goes a long way.” 

Investing in local students 

KFC Moses Lake franchise owner Calvin White said the scholarship is funded largely through customers who choose to round up their purchases. 

“Right now, they’re issuing $2 million in scholarships to KFC employees,” he said. “It’s a way to elevate education in the community.” 

White said the foundation also supports employees facing hardships, from funerals to natural disasters. 

But scholarships, he added, are especially meaningful. 

“I want them all to have one of these,” White said. “It really helps us build our teams, and our teams are more educated.” 

Looking ahead 

For Salmeron, the moment felt surreal – from the fake passport errand to the unexpected celebration. 

“I’m excited for college life… and learning new things,” she said. 

And as she prepares to become the first in her family to earn a degree, she carries both pride and determination. 

“Hopefully I get it done,” she said with a smile. “I feel like I’m going to.” 

Her dad chimed in. 

“You are definitely going to,” he said. 

    Krystal Salmeron thought she was going to get her passport photo taken Monday afternoon, instead she stopped by her workplace and was awarded a giant check for $20,000 to help pay for her upper education. She smiles for photos with her managers and store owner.
  

    Krystal Salmeron’s family surprised her at the Moses Lake KFC as she was awarded her $20,000 scholarship.