Medford, Ore. — June 14, 2023 — 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 2023 Ferguson scholarship recipients are:


Dakota Blackburn, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology, with plans to major in medical imaging and pursue a career as a radiology and medical imaging technician. Dakota assisted in teaching art class at Henley Elementary School, participated in multiple volunteer projects with Citizens for Safe Schools (CFSS), and played soccer and volleyball. Additionally, Dakota was on the grand honor roll in 2023.

Kristalina Derry, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Klamath Union High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology, with plans to major in pre-medical imaging technology and pursue a career as an ultrasound technician. Kristalina participated in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program, assisted in teaching STEAM at local elementary schools, and played basketball. Kristalina served as Student Body President, received first place in a nation FBLA competition for business communication, and was on the honor roll.

Layla Chavez, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Southern Oregon University, with plans to major in human services and pursue a career as a social worker. In addition to shadowing in a dental office, Layla played volleyball and softball and participated in multiple volunteer projects for her sports teams. During the 2022-2023 academic year, Layla received a Varsity Volleyball Certificate of Award and The Skyline Conference 3.5 or Above G.P.A. Varsity Letter.

Josie Cole, Bonanza, Oregon, graduating from Bonanza High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the College of the Siskiyous, with plans to major in nursing and pursue a career as a registered nurse. Josie played volleyball, basketball, and ran in track. She also participated in 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and volunteered for multiple organizations, including Big Spring Park Events and her local church. Josie was on the honor roll from 2019-2023 and received a scholar athlete award and a Bonanza Lions Club award in 2022.

Gracelyn Hedlund, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon State University, with plans to major in kinesiology and pursue a career in physical therapy. Gracelyn volunteered at the local food bank and assisted at multiple retirement homes. She also played soccer and in 2022 received the All-Conference Goalkeeper of the Year and the Oregon Scholar Athlete Award. Additionally, Gracelyn served as the senior class Vice President.

Delaney Moritz, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Crosspoint Christian School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend George Fox University, with plans to major in elementary education and pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. Delaney was a part of the National Honor Society, student government, choir, band, and the cheerleading team. In 2021 and 2022, Delaney was an all-state vocalist, and in 2023 she was an all-Northwest vocalist. Additionally, she was on the high school honor roll from 2019-2023.

Naomi Pope, 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 pre-medicine and pursue a career as a dermatologist. Naomi was a student leader in the Associated Student Body (ASB) and participated in the women’s weightlifting club and the cross-country team. In 2019, Naomi went on a volunteer trip to Mexico where she assisted at an orphanage. She was also a recipient of the Academic Excellence Award in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Hailey Villegas, Merrill, Oregon, graduating from Lost River Jr./Sr. High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology, with plans to major in radiologic science and pursue a career as a radiation therapist. Hailey participated in the Leo’s Club, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program, and the Lost River Future Farmers of America. Additionally, Hailey played basketball, volleyball, softball, and track, and received multiple scholar athlete awards.

Since the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund awarded its first scholarships in 1999, the fund has awarded $93,000 to Klamath County students. “We are so grateful to the Fergusons for their generosity and support of students pursuing higher education, and for the committee of community volunteers who review and select recipients” says Kaylin Preston, a program associate for scholarships with Oregon Community Foundation.

OCF awards approximately 60 scholarships each year to Klamath County students, for a total of nearly $800,000 in awards during the past five years. Since 2008, OCF has awarded over 5,000 scholarships in Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, and Lake Counties for a total of over $14 million to students pursuing higher education.

Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship 2023_Naomi Pope_Courtesy of Oregon Community Foundation

Earl_and_Jane_Ferguson_Scholarship_2023_Layla_Chavez_Courtesy_of_Oregon_Community_Foundation

Earl_and_Jane_Ferguson_Scholarship_2023_Kristalina_Derry_Courtesy_of_Oregon_Community_Foundation

Earl_and_Jane_Ferguson_Scholarship_2023_Josie_Cole_Courtesy_of_Oregon_Community_Foundation

Earl_and_Jane_Ferguson_Scholarship_2023_Hailey_Villegas_Courtesy_of_Oregon_Community_Foundation

Earl_and_Jane_Ferguson_Scholarship_2023_Gracelyn_Hedlund_Courtesy_of_Oregon_Community_Foundation

Earl_and_Jane_Ferguson_Scholarship_2023_Delaney_Moritz_Courtesy_of_Oregon_Community_Foundation

Earl_and_Jane_Ferguson_Scholarship_2023_Dakota_Blackburn_Courtesy_of_Oregon_Community_Foundation