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Five Klamath County Students Awarded $5,000 in Scholarships by Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund of Oregon Community Foundation
Medford, Ore. — June 14, 2021 — The Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund of Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) announced today that it has awarded $5,000 in scholarships to five Klamath County 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.”
Merrill, Oregon, Karla Hernandez-Maya, graduating from Lost River Jr./Sr. High School will receive a $1,000scholarship to attend Southern Oregon University, with plans to major in elementary education and pursue a career as an elementary teacher. Karla has been selected as school valedictorian and has been recognized for academic excellence in English language arts, geometry, and robotics. Karla was an active member in the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and several community-service clubs. Karla also participated in robotics competitions and a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Klamath Falls, Oregon, Elli Smith, graduating from Henley High School as a salutatorian will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the University of Portland, majoring and pursuing a career in nursing. Elli participated in the National Honor Society, Key Club, and student government. Elli was active in varsity swimming and tennis and spent time volunteering with the local food pantry and the Red Cross as well as projects serving local youth.
Klamath Falls, Oregon, Kayden Kappas, graduating from Mazama High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Washington State University, with plans to major in and pursue a career in bioengineering. Kayden participated in STEM programs and robotics competitions, volunteered with several local organizations, and served as a member of student government and the National Honor Society. Kayden has been active in a regional competitive soccer league as well as varsity soccer, track & field and cross-country teams.
Klamath Falls, Oregon, Nora Schaeffer, graduating from Eagle Ridge High will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, with plans to major in civil engineering and pursue a career in architectural drafting. Nora was a volunteer for the Special Olympics, participated in choir competitions, and earned honors for achievements in French language studies.
Klamath Falls, Oregon, Yatnary Villaneuva, graduating from Henley High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Portland State University to major in business technology and analytics for a career as a business intelligence analyst. Yatnary was a member of the National Honor Society and worked at a family restaurant as well as providing cleaning services to the school. Yatnary volunteered at SMART Reading, Moore Park, and Merrill Presbyterian Church in addition to working at a local ranch and a local farm.
Since the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund awarded its first scholarships in 1999, the fund has awarded more than $85,000 to Klamath County students.
OCF awards approximately 50 scholarships each year to Klamath County students, for a total of more than $600,000 in awards during the past five years. Since 2008, OCF has awarded nearly 4,000 scholarships in Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake Counties for a total of more than $11 million to students pursuing higher education.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation puts donated money to work in Oregon — more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving — time, talent, and resources from many generous Oregonians — creates measurable change. Throughout 2020, OCF responded quickly and urgently — distributing a record-setting $220 million in charitable dollars to more than 3,000 nonprofits throughout Oregon working to address urgent needs, stabilize communities and prepare for long-term recovery in Oregon. OCF donors responded to the magnitude of need, as reflected in a 44% increase in donor advised fund grantmaking from the previous year. For more information, please visit: oregoncf.org.
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