EIGHT KLAMATH STUDENTS AWARDED $8,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS BY EARL AND JANE FERGUSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND OF OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Medford, Ore. — June 15, 2021 — The Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund of Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) announced that it has awarded $8,000 in scholarships to eight Klamath students to support their academic and career goals.

“Students will work for their education if given the opportunity,” said donor Jane Ferguson. Earl Ferguson, donor and former school district superintendent added, “My family had needs when I was growing up, and the community helped us. Jane and I felt that if we were ever in a position to pay the community back, helping those less fortunate, we would.”

The 2022 Ferguson scholarship recipients are:

Hector Briseno Pena, Malin, Oregon, graduating from Lost River Jr./Sr. High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon State University, majoring and pursuing a career in civil engineering. Hector participated in student government, Future Farmers of America, and Future Business Leaders of America. Hector was active in track, where he earned state champion in the 4×400 meter relay race. He also played JV basketball and volunteered for the Merrill Malin Beef club, Klamath Country Fair, and ASPIRE.

Cassidy Mahan, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Klamath Union High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon State University, with plans to major in environmental science and pursue a career as an environmental engineer. Cassidy was a participant in the National Honor Society and was a varsity athlete on the basketball and soccer teams. Cassidy also volunteered with SMART Reading where she spent time with students at Joseph Conger Elementary School.

Melody Martino, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, with plans to major in nursing and pursue a career as a traveling critical care nurse. Melody was a part of her school yearbook and served as the editor in 2021. She also participated in multiple varsity sports, the student council, and the National Honor Society. Additionally, Melody volunteered with SMART Reading and Camp Invention.

Madeline Lowry, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls with plans to study agricultural business and pursue a career in agricultural appraising. Madeline was a member of the wind ensemble, the varsity soccer team, and the 4-H club, where she served as vice president from 2020-2021. Madeline also spent time helping senior citizens in her community and volunteering with St. Pius X Catholic Church. In 2022 she was awarded Henley High School Valedictorian.

Mikell Lowry, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls with plans to pursue a career in rangeland management and ecology. Mikell was a member of the wind ensemble, the varsity soccer team, and the 4-H club, where she served as president from 2020-2021. Mikell also spent time helping senior citizens in her community and volunteering with St. Pius X Catholic Church. In 2022 she was awarded Henley High School Valedictorian.

Kinsey Hullman, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Boise State University, majoring in kinesiology with plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Kinsey was a scholar athlete and played on a variety of varsity sports teams. She was a member of the Key Club and served in the student government as class treasurer for all four years of high school. Additionally, she volunteered with many organizations including the National Honor Society and Hunger: Not Impossible.

TayLee Young, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Lost River Jr./Sr. High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the DigiPen Institute of Technology, with plans to major in computer science and game design with the goal to pursue a career as a programmer. Kaylee was an athlete on the track and wrestling teams. She also participated in ASPIRE and the robotics team, where she received the Robotics Excellence Award in 2022.

Vanessa Lopez, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Klamath Union High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, with plans to major in biology and pursue a career as an OB/GYN physician’s assistant. She was a member of DECA, the Liberal Arts Academy, and student government where she served as sophomore class president in 2020. Additionally, Vanessa played volleyball and was active in the Latino club.

Since the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund awarded its first scholarships in 1999, the fund has awarded more than $90,000 to Klamath County students. “We are tremendously grateful for the Fergusons’ generosity and the volunteer committee in Klamath that selects scholarship recipients each year,” said Heidi Binder, a donor relations officer for the Southern Oregon region at OCF.

OCF awards approximately 50 scholarships each year to Klamath County students, for a total of more than $750,000 in awards during the past five years. Since 2008, OCF has awarded over 4,500 scholarships in Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake Counties for a total of over $13 million to students pursuing higher education.