MEDFORD, Ore. — The Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund of Oregon Community Foundation announced that it has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to ten 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 2024 Ferguson scholarship recipients are:
Jace Stringer, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the University of Oregon. He plans to major in business and pursue a career that incorporates disability studies into business practices. In high school, he dedicated his time to volunteering with Elevate Physical Therapy and the Joint Base Lewis McChord Pride Basketball Team. Jace experiences a lifelong disability but maintained academic focus while working on his mental and physical health and creating a peer support system. Notably, Jace built a disability-friendly gym and invited peers to be a part of a self-development process either independently or with his support.
Meredith Brown, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Grand Canyon University. She plans to complete a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and pursue a career as a forensic chemist. Meredith was an honor student but also found time to participate on several sports teams and community clubs such as honor society, Key Club, FFA and 4-H. She was proud to volunteer at many organizations, including Camp Invention, where she spent time teaching science through STEM based programs to elementary students.
Celeste Cobian Valadez, Merrill, Oregon, graduating from Lost River Jr./Sr. High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the University of Oregon. She plans to major in business administration and marketing and pursue a career as a marketing manager. Throughout high school, Celeste was a leader in her community, participating in activities such as the LatinX club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and student government. She also dedicated her time to volunteering at Czech Malin Lodge, The Kindness Club and various other organizations. Celeste was co-valedictorian of her class, a scholar athlete and Oregon FBLA January 2024 Spotlight Member of the Month.
Annie Campos, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology. She plans to major in applied mathematics and pursue a career as a high school math teacher. Annie thrived in sports, playing on both the varsity softball and basketball teams since 2020. She also served as a member of the student council, honor society and Key Club. Annie received many honors in high school including Salutatorian, Basketball Skyline Player of the Year and Softball First Team All-State Pitcher.
Isabela Coffman, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Klamath Union High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Utah Tech University. She plans to major in elementary education and pursue a career as a special education teacher. Isabela was passionate about high school extracurricular activities. She was a member of three bands, played three sports, served on the National Honor Society and was the Young Women’s President of her church group. She also volunteered as the Crater Lake Rim Run Co-Director and a Special Olympics coach.
Betty Kay Overcash, Merrill, Oregon, graduating from Lost River High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Lassen Community College. She plans to obtain an associate transfer degree in animal science with an emphasis on equine science and pursue a career in equine management and training. In addition to her passion for animals and the outdoors, Betty Kay was on the honor roll, served as the class secretary, participated in FFA and played a variety of sports. She also spent her time volunteering at the Klamath Falls Fairgrounds, the Merrill Civic Center and other local events.
Augustus Hendricks, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Klamath Union High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Hamline University. He plans to major in environmental science and pursue a career as a soil scientist. Augustus was a strong school athlete, participating in swim team, track and tennis. He also participated in the National Honor Society and the math team, where he consistently placed in the top three. Outside of school, Augustus worked as a lifeguard and taught swim lessons.
Makay Clark, Klamath Falls, Oregon, graduating from Henley High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the University of Nevada Reno. She plans to major in mechanical engineering and pursue a career as a mechanical engineer. Makay was dedicated to many school activities including student government, the robotics club and sports teams such as golf, wrestling and soccer. Notably in 2023, she served as the varsity wrestling team captain and was part of the Vex Robotics Excellence and Design Awards.
Morgan Herring, Merrill, Oregon, graduating from Lost River High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend either Southern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology or Klamath Community College. She plans to major in psychology or criminology and pursue a career in the counseling or legal-related field. In addition to being an honor student, Morgan played multiple sports, served on her local FFA chapter, was on student government and participated in Future Business Leaders of America. Morgan received the excellence awards for sports medicine, English arts, and anatomy & physiology.
Alyse Perez, Klamath Falls, graduating from Klamath Union High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend Oregon State University. She plans to major in marketing and secondary education and pursue a career as a director of marketing or business teacher. Throughout high school, Alyse had an array of interests. She was a member of the band, associated student body, tennis team, Klamath Union DECA and the Klamath Union National Honors Society. She also dedicated many hours of her time as a volunteer for local events with her church and the community.
Since the Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund gave its first scholarships in 1999, the fund has awarded more than $110,000 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.
In 2023, Oregon Community Foundation awarded more than 3,400 scholarships totaling $12.2 million, 48% of which were first generation students and 49% were students from rural communities.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In partnership with donors and volunteers, OCF strengthens communities in every county in Oregon through grantmaking, scholarships and research. In 2023, OCF distributed $225 million in grants and scholarships. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, please visit oregoncf.org.