List of Scholarships
Here at Blue Mountain Community Foundation, we manage the funds for different types of scholarships. The first type of scholarship fund we manage is for scholarships you will find in the Common Application. If you apply using the Common Application, all those scholarships are included, so you only need to apply once.
The second type of scholarship fund we manage is for Outside Scholarships—scholarships where we manage the fund but they have their own committees and applications. In the scholarship descriptions, you will find how to apply for these scholarships.
The list of scholarships includes information about the donors, as well as the criteria for each scholarship. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us!
Common Application Scholarships:
These are the scholarships contained in the Common Application. If you qualify to apply using the Common Application, you only need to apply once to have all these scholarships considered.
Please see the bottom of the page for other scholarships we help manage.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is an organization dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Walla Walla Branch of AAUW provides a yearly scholarship to support women with a declared major in a STEM area of study. Past recipients have attended public and private institutions and come from a variety of backgrounds. AAUW believes that education is an important part of establishing equality for women and is paramount to the AAUW mission. This scholarship is for women residing in the Walla Walla area.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is an organization dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Walla Walla Branch of AAUW provides a yearly scholarship to support women who are pursuing trades such as welding, plumbing, electrician, etc. AAUW believes that education is an important part of establishing equality for women and is paramount to the AAUW mission. This scholarship is for women who are enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a trade certificate or degree program in the Walla Walla area.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is an organization dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. The Walla Walla Branch of AAUW provides a yearly scholarship to support women who are returning to college or university after an interruption in their education called the AAUW Women RISE Scholarship. RISE = Resilient, Independent, Self-Sufficient through Education. Past recipients have attended public and private institutions and come from a variety of backgrounds. AAUW believes that education is an important part of establishing equality for women and is paramount to the AAUW mission. This scholarship is for women residing in the Walla Walla area.
The Bayne Family Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Scott Bayne, who was active in ASB and student government at Walla Walla High School, along with his siblings Jennifer and Kevin. The award is given to a Walla Walla High School graduate who has demonstrated leadership and involvement in student government, success in the classroom, and has shown concern for their fellow students and the greater community.
Betty Rae and Luetta Anderson were sisters who were born in Pomeroy, Washington; Luetta in 1923 and Betty Rae in 1928. They moved to Walla Walla in 1933 and attended Green Park Elementary school, eventually graduating from Walla Walla High School. The sisters loved traveling, which took them to Europe, Hawaii and throughout the U.S. They were particularly fond of the Oregon coast. This scholarship is for Walla Walla High School graduates who plan to continue their foreign language education at the college level, particularly for students studying German.
Bill and Kaye Miller were both born in Washington state, and they met while attending Western Washington University. They married, and both later graduated from Central Washington University, and both pursued careers in education, ultimately becoming the first husband-and-wife teaching team at Blue Ridge Elementary School, where they both taught until retirement. The Bill & Kaye Miller Family Scholarship is for high school seniors in the WWPS district who are first generation college students pursuing a teaching career.
Charles Julius Broughton, Jr. (Chad) was raised in Dayton, Washington. Darlene Beckman Broughton was raised in Ely, Nevada and Ogden, Utah. They met in San Francisco in the late 1940s, where some of their first dates included attending ballets and operas. Chad and Darlene made their home in Dayton in the mid-1950s and raised their family. They remained lifelong patrons of the performing, film, literary and fine arts. They supported local arts productions in Dayton and Walla Walla and made frequent sojourns to San Francisco and Seattle to get their fill of world-class offerings. In the 1960s, Chad and Darlene founded the Dayton Film Society and brought foreign films to Dayton with screenings at their home or in a rented meeting room. After Chad’s death in January 2016, his family decided to honor his memory by providing scholarships to students pursuing higher education in the arts they loved and supported. This scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing a degree in the arts.
This scholarship was created through the Altrusa Club of Walla Walla (a women’s service club) in the early 1970s to honor longtime members Charlotte Hart and Mabel Groseclose. Charlotte “Char” Hart was born in Illinois in 1925. She married Ted U. Hart, and together the couple owned Any-All Printers in Walla Walla. Char believed strongly in women helping women, and upon her death in 1976, her loving husband Ted established an endowment for scholarships as a living memorial to honor her dedication to her community and to women. Mabel Groseclose was born in Kansas in 1901. She taught elementary school in Kansas before moving to Walla Walla at the age of 26. She taught at Sharpstein and Berney schools until she married Robert Groseclose in 1928. At that time, married women weren’t allowed to work as teachers and she was forced to quit. An independent and courageous woman, she owned and directed a private kindergarten for 10 years; was Vice President of the State Association of Childhood Education; and served as the only woman on several boards. She was also a speaker at the United Nations when it was organized. Mabel died in Walla Walla in 1994. This scholarship recognizes and supports women who are beginning or who are returning to post-secondary education after a gap in their educational progression.
Charlotte was born in 1900 in Endicott, Washington. She graduated from Walla Walla High School and attended WSU until health issues forced her to end her studies and return to Walla Walla. On Christmas day in 1923 she married Earnest Mikkelsen. They farmed land on Lower Waitsburg Road until Earnest’s death in 1988. Charlotte passed away in 2000 at the age of 100. The Charlotte Mikkelsen Scholarship is for graduates of Waitsburg High School.
The College Place High School Scholarship was started in 2025 by Brad & Arleen Rice and Gayle & Dan See. The donors felt it was important to empower local youth and address the financial barriers that many students face today. They wanted to invest in the future of College Place by enabling promising students access to quality post-secondary education. The College Place High School Scholarship is for College Place High School seniors, with a preference for those pursuing post-secondary tech-education.
Collin Ray Snider was born May 31, 1993, in Pendleton, Oregon, the son of Timothy L. & Deanna M. Sloan Snider. He was a senior at Weston-McEwen High School in Athena, Oregon, at the time of his death. During his life, Collin had worked with the Walla Walla Forestry Service in the Youth Corps program as well as for local farmers. Collin was also completing a certificate in wildland fire fighting at the time of his death, and intended to continue his education in Forestry/Fire Fighting. This scholarship is for students who wish to pursue a career as a firefighter or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
David Bjorklund graduated from Weston-McEwen High School in 1984 and went on to graduate from Oregon State University in 1989. David is an avid photographer, and even won “People’s Choice” in a photography contest with the submission of a photograph of Sacred Heart’s old wooden church. Ken Bjorklund grew up in Minnesota, graduating from Breckenridge High School in 1956. Ken has two degrees, one from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a Master’s in Education from North Dakota State University (’63). Ken and his wife Dorothy moved to Oregon shortly after their wedding in 1964. In 1986, Ken received the “Citizen of the Year” award in Athena, Oregon. This scholarship is for students who have completed at least one year of college and who are active members of Sacred Heart Church in Athena, or St. Mary’s Church in Pendleton.
The Brock Family of Prescott, WA established this scholarship fund in memory of David Sevrin Brock, who tragically passed away from medical complications of pneumonia in 2024 at the age of 31. After working many summers on his family’s wheat farm, David graduated from Prescott High School and went on to graduate from the Welding Program at WWCC as a certified welder. The trades were what he knew, but art and music were what he loved most. After building and repairing multiple pieces of equipment and making some amazing metal art, he took a leap of faith in late 2018 and moved to Nashville where he made quite a name for himself with a successful music career as a drummer. This scholarship will provide a single scholarship each year to graduates of Prescott, Waitsburg, Dayton, or Touchet High Schools to enroll in a trade school—including trade programs at community colleges or other colleges or universities—or to pursue a degree related to music—including music performance, music education, music production, or similar—with first consideration given to graduates of Prescott High School.
Denise Richmond was a graduate of Walla Walla High School, an actress, musician and cheerleader. Students active in music and theater at Walla Walla High School are eligible for this award.
Donald and Ruth Roff married in Spokane, Washington, on June 28, 1934. Donald attended Dixie High School and graduated in 1925, while Ruth attended Walla Walla High School as well as Whitman College. Both were hard workers who contributed much to their community. Donald worked in many industries during his life, including a grocery store and fruit company in California; a biscuit company in Spokane; and the Green Giant company in Waitsburg. Donald and Ruth were also farmers from 1945-1949, before moving to Walla Walla where Donald worked at Fred Becker Dodge and Plymouth Agency. Donald later worked for Lewy Carpenter as a realtor, eventually becoming a real estate broker at J.F. McDonald Agency. Ruth was a field consultant for the American Red Cross, with territory boundaries in Baker, Oregon; Yakima, Washington; and Lewiston, Idaho. Ruth was also a 25-year member of Rebekah Lodge in Dixie, as well as the Sunshine Club and the Tuberculosis Association. The scholarship is for graduates or residents of Walla Walla County that are enrolled in a graduate school program at an accredited college or university within the United States. Financial need may be considered.
Dorothy grew up in Osakis, Minnesota, and graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in Breckenridge, Minnesota. Upon moving to Oregon with her husband Ken, Dorothy began working part-time as a nurse in Pendleton. After her children graduated from high school, she began volunteering as a hospice nurse. In 2001, Dorothy was awarded “Citizen of the Year” in Athena, Oregon. Dorothy remained actively involved in the Athena community alongside Ken until her passing in 2020. This scholarship is for students who have completed at least one year of college and who are active members of Sacred Heart Church in Athena, or St. Marys’ Church in Pendleton.
Dorothy & Ken Bjorklund moved to Oregon in 1964, shortly after they got married. They were very involved in the Athena Weston community, and this is but one of the scholarships they have set up. Dorothy passed in 2020, but Ken is still very active in community philanthropy and received the Spirit of Giving award in 2024. This scholarship is for graduates of Weston-McEwen high school entering their 2nd year of post-secondary education, who have received a scholarship from Athena Civic Memorial Association.
Earl Blake grew up in Elk, Washington, where he was born in 1906. He attended Eastern Washington University and graduated with a teaching degree. Lucille Heidenriech was born in Farmington, Washington, in 1903, and also attended Eastern Washington University. She began teaching in Pasco, then moved to Walla Walla to continue her career at Green Park Elementary School. She was the Librarian at Pioneer Junior High School, where Earl was the first principal. They married in 1931 in Walla Walla. The Earl & Lucille Blake scholarship is for graduates from high schools in Walla Walla County.
Edward Fields was born on May 24, 1910, on a small wheat and cattle ranch in Walla Walla County. During World War II, he toured England, Africa and Italy while in the Army Air Corps. This scholarship is for a student graduating from a high school in Walla Walla County who has been active in 4-H and/or Future Farmers of America (FFA).
In many cultures, the firefly symbolizes hope and personal growth. The donors’ own educational and career journeys made them strong believers in the power of education to change lives. They are deeply grateful for the financial aid and scholarships that allowed them to graduate, find rewarding careers, and achieve financial stability. Their education opened doors to new opportunities and provided the tools to continue to grow and adapt to changing circumstances. Now retired, they worked with BMCF to establish the Firefly Fund to contribute to the community they love, honor the assistance they received in the past, and keep the light shining for future generations. The Firefly Fund supports this scholarship program and programs that provide scholarships for women and assistance to those who live in poverty. The Firefly Scholarship provides support to male students who need financial support to pursue education beyond high school. The scholarships are available to Walla Walla Valley graduating seniors and recent graduates. They can be used for training needed to qualify for a career in a trade or to earn a college degree.
With the support of her children—Karen, Wayne, Steve, and David—Jean Frank created this scholarship to assist older students going to college, preferably to pursue a teaching career. The scholarship fund was her late husband Gene’s idea. Education was important in the lives of the Frank family. Walla Walla’s “famous pair of jeans,” both graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1946. They married in 1948 and soon had two children. Gene worked at the family business, the Delishus Bakery on Chestnut Street. The Franks could see that the bakery business wasn’t going to support their growing family, so Gene started attending Whitman College at the age of 25. He continued to work full-time at the bakery while he completed his education. Jean worked as a bookkeeper at Naimy Furniture to help support the family. Gene’s college graduation was a family affair, as seen in the photo above. He had a long and successful career as an elementary school principal in the Walla Walla Public Schools, serving at Washington, Sharpstein, and Berney, from which he retired. This scholarship is for BMCF service area graduates returning to or starting their education after a break to pursue a degree in teaching or K-12 administration.
Glenn Baker and Sally Chase Baker are both graduates of Waitsburg High School. They are also proud supporters of Washington State University. After teaching at Wa-Hi, Glenn spent many years as an executive with the Green Giant Company as well as Pillsbury. He was also an executive with trucking firms until he and Sally purchased McFarland Truck Line in Austin, MN in 1992. Both Glenn and Sally are grateful for the opportunity to grow up in Waitsburg and to have benefitted from the advantages they received. This scholarship is intended for graduates of Waitsburg High School or those living within the boundaries of the Waitsburg School District enrolled in a program or any type of post-secondary institution that awards a credential. This may also be available to a student going back to school or a part-time student.
A Walla Walla native, with deep roots in the community, Hannah was the founder and chef of Brasserie Four (2008-2016). She believes the sincerity, perseverance, dedication, and vision of those in the agriculture, wine, restaurant, and service industries in the valley has led Walla Walla to be the beloved and unique destination that it is today. A scholarship fund for those dedicated families in the hospitality industry was founded in 2016 in her name to applaud, highlight, and support those pursuing their very own dreams of a higher education. The goal of this scholarship is to provide financial support for employees, or the children of employees, in the hospitality and service industries in Walla Walla County. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and merit.
Henry Athol Worden, affectionately known as ‘The Duck,’ was born on April 8, 1925, to William and Clara Worden. He spent his early years working hard as a sheepherder before becoming a dedicated farm worker for McDole Farms. Henry had a deep love for fishing, hunting, storytelling, and cycling through Touchet, where he was cherished by the community he loved. In his will, he left instructions to establish a scholarship in his name. This scholarship supports graduates of Touchet High School who demonstrate a strong desire to learn and have financial need.
Dr. S. Roger and Laura Jean Hevel established the Hevel Waitsburg Scholarship Fund in December 2005 to help students and community members in the Walla Walla Valley pursue high education. Roger and Laura have known each other since grade school, having both grown up in Pendleton, Oregon. They moved to Waitsburg in 1953 when the Waitsburg Commercial Club recruited Roger to be the town physician. This scholarship is for graduates of Waitsburg High School.
The purpose of this scholarship is to honor and demonstrate appreciation for the agricultural heritage of the Walla Walla Valley. This scholarship is a tribute to all the farmers and workers of the past and all agricultural dreamers of the future. The I’ll Be Farming Scholarship is for a Touchet High School senior who has demonstrated an agricultural focus in their life or school activities, with a preference for a student who intends to pursue an agriculture degree.
Jack and Natalie Fredrickson were married in 1959. Throughout their lives, they enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Their travels took them around our state, nation, and world. Natalie and Jack prioritized education and travel. Harvey Lloyd said, “Travel is like an endless university. You never stop learning.” When students get an opportunity to study abroad, they get both formal and informal educational experiences that can last a lifetime. Jack and Natalie’s scholarship assists students in gaining these valuable experiences. The Jack & Natalie Fredrickson Scholarship for Study Abroad is for graduates of high schools in Washington or Oregon who are studying abroad in the upcoming school year. Financial need will be considered.
Jack McDonald was born in Walla Walla on August 7, 1928. He attended Sharpstein Elementary, Walla Walla High School, and Whitman College, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and ran track. He began working as an insurance agent/broker at the J.F. McDonald Agency in Walla Walla (now known as McDonald Zaring Insurance) the day after his graduation from Whitman College. Jack’s father, John Frederick McDonald, founded J.F. McDonald Agency in 1946. Jack was active in the Walla Walla community and encouraged everyone to live life to the fullest, worry less, and laugh often. Jack passed away surrounded by family and friends on May 21, 2012. This scholarship is for Walla Walla High School graduates who participated in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, and were involved in track.
Established in 2010, the James McClellan Annual Lecture Fund supported the James McClellan Lecture: Humanity in Clinical Care and Caregiving, an annual event at Whitman College. In 2021, the donors chose to transform the fund, converting it into the James McClellan Pre-Medical Scholarship to better support aspiring medical professionals. The James McClellan Pre-Medical Scholarship is for graduates of high schools in Walla Walla County, or Mac-Hi in Milton-Freewater, who plan to pursue a medical degree (MD or DO). Financial need will be considered.
After James “Jim” Kibler passed away in April 2008, his friends and family endowed a scholarship to honor his lifelong contributions to local, regional and national farm and livestock interests. This scholarship is for students in Washington, Oregon and Idaho with farming backgrounds who wish to further their education in farming, animal or plant science, veterinary medicine, natural resource management, technology, marketing or agri-business.
John William McGillis, Jr., was the only child of John “Jack” and Lois McGillis. He was born in 1957 and passed away at age 20, during the summer of his sophomore year at Whitman College. His family remembers him for many things, but his academic achievements especially stand out. He had a 4.0 GPA and was named Valedictorian at DeSales High School in 1975. During college, John wanted to pursue a career in academia. John may have never had the opportunity to educate students, but the scholarship fund in his memory has helped dozens of students achieve their college dreams. After his son’s death, Jack created this scholarship fund to support students who have graduated from high schools in the Walla Walla Valley who have demonstrated academic excellence. To best honor John’s legacy, the John W. McGillis Jr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded to local, well-rounded academic achievers, regardless of their financial background.
Katherine Guinn passed away on February 12, 2001 near Cheney, Washington, when she was involved in a tragic car accident. She was a 2001 Wa-Hi graduate and had just begun her freshman year at Eastern Washington University. Katherine’s family created this fund to honor her memory. This scholarship is for Walla Walla High School graduates with accomplishments in work and extra-curricular activities.
Keith and Helen had each suffered the loss of their spouses when they met. Keith had been employed by Birds Eye Foods since 1938 when he moved his family to Walla Walla from Hillsboro, Oregon, in 1973. Helen grew up in Athena, Oregon, and later moved to Walla Walla with her family. Keith and Helen were married in 1974. They traveled extensively with the International Executive Services Corps, with which they were active members. This scholarship is for graduates of high schools in Walla Walla, Umatilla, or Columbia counties who demonstrate leadership and good citizenship.
Ken & Dorothy Bjorklund moved to Oregon in 1964, shortly after their marriage. Deeply involved in the Athena-Weston community, they established multiple scholarships to support local students. Dorothy passed away in 2020, but Ken remains active in community philanthropy. This scholarship is for a full time Blue Mountain Community College student in their second year who has maintained a GPA of 2.5 or better.
Ken and Vivian Garner supported their alma mater, Whitman College, for more than 80 years. Part of that support included these scholarships, a legacy for local students. Vivian studied English and earned her library credentials at the University of Washington, and Ken studied Political Science. Vivian spent her career as a librarian at the Walla Walla Public Library while Ken operated Table Supply Grocery for nearly 40 years. Together with Ken’s Sister, Mary Garner Esary, they provided generous support for Whitman College and the Walla Walla community. Among their many gifts to Whitman were the Charles B. and Anna V. Garner Library Book Endowment to honor Ken’s parents, and the Kenneth E. and Vivian C. Garner Library Endowment. They also provided support for Whitman’s Penrose Library expansion and renovation in 1999. The Kenneth Garner Scholarship Funds are for graduates of high schools in Walla Walla County.
Born on April 4, 1933, Kenneth Dean graduated from San Jose State College in 1956. Kenneth spent a decade in various sales positions for three different Fortune 500 companies. The next 18 years of his life, he helped transform failing divisions of major corporations, such as Kraft Foods and Conrail. Kenneth was also an instructor at various workshops relating to business finance, operations, administration and business plan development. The Kenneth M. Dean-Quixote Fund is for students who have graduated with an Associates of Arts degree from Walla Walla Community College and who are continuing their education to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting.
Larry Jay Brittain was the oldest of three sons born to Bart & Carolyn Brittain. After graduating from Walla Walla High School in 1970, he continued his education and love of baseball by playing at the collegiate level for Eastern Washington University. After graduating in 1976, he worked in the insurance industry in the Tri-Cities, where he was living when he passed away from undiagnosed coronary heart disease. Larry’s father encourages all people to watch their cholesterol and blood pressure, and to be aware of the signs of heart disease. This scholarship is to benefit Walla Walla County high school graduates who were active in youth baseball.
Marilyn Jensen was born in Pendleton, Oregon, in 1939. She moved to Weston, Oregon, with her family and graduated from high school in 1957. She went on to graduate from Walla Walla Beauty College a few years later. Marilyn married Gary Jensen in 1958. She worked at Baker Boyer Bank until her retirement in 1999. Sadly, Marilyn was tragically killed on the morning of August 10, 2005, during her morning bike ride. Her husband Gary, along with other family members, created this scholarship to honor her memory. This scholarship is for seniors of Weston-McEwen High School who have been active in extracurricular activities. Preference is given to students pursuing a college degree in engineering, health/medicine, or the ministry.
Mary Jane Aylward was born on July 24, 1927 in Yakima, Washington, and moved with her family to Walla Walla in 1932. She graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1944, where she was class President and Salutatorian. She attended college in Portland and at WSU, from which she graduated in 1948. She married James F. Aylward in 1950. Mary Jane was active in the Washington Association for Mentally Disabled Citizens, serving as chapter president from 1967-1969. This scholarship was created by Mary Jane’s late husband James to benefit students attending Roman Catholic schools in Walla Walla.
Colee & Mary McJunkin moved to Hermiston, Oregon, from California in 1949 with three daughters, Myrna, Anita and Sandra. Colee & Mary worked hard all their lives. Mary was a 1933 graduate of the University of Montana and taught elementary school in both Montana and California. Colee was a carpenter and worked construction his entire life, having only completed two years of high school. Colee, with his brother-in-law and father, started a lumber company. Both Colee and Mary valued higher education and ensured their daughters would attend college. The McJunkin Scholarship is for Hermiston High School graduates.
A 1942 graduate of Walla Walla High School, Melvin married Marian in 1944. The two raised their children in Walla Walla where they were active members of Blue Mountain Community Church. Melvin was a lifetime member of the local Elks Lodge and was inducted into the Washington State Horsehoe Pitcher Association Hall of Fame. This scholarship is for high school seniors in Walla Walla & Columbia Counties.
The Natalie Calkins Fredrickson Scholarship is for women pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in education or fine arts, art studies, art instruction, or studio & arts management. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference will be given to applicants that have demonstrated leadership experience in their school or community. Financial need may be considered.
Robert Abbey was born in Walla Walla and raised in Waitsburg, Washington. He graduated for Waitsburg High School and attended Walla Walla Community College. He married Barbara Gayle Saxon in 1965 and worked on the family farm near Waitsburg and at Standard Oil. For over 25 years, he worked for Touchet Valley Grain Growers. At the time of his death, Robert was the general manager of Touchet Valley Grain Growers, Inc., and played an important role in the formation of Northwest Grain Growers, Inc. This scholarship is for members, children of members or children of employees of NWGG, Inc., who are graduating seniors or past graduates of high schools in Walla Walla, Waitsburg, Prescott, Touchet, Milton-Freewater, Dayton, College Place, Athena, Weston, Pendleton, Helix, Endicott, Colfax, St. John, Garfield and Lacrossse. This is a four-year renewable scholarship for recipients who maintain at least a 2.75 GPA.
Paula Renee Eakin was raised in northern Idaho and Kennewick, Washington. She attended Kamiakin High School, Columbia Basin College, and the University of Idaho, earning a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition in 1993. After a brief tenure at Lamb Weston, she began a nearly 30-year career in winemaking at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, where she advanced from lab technician to enologist and assistant winemaker. In 2015, she was promoted to sparkling winemaker, a role that allowed her to pursue her passion for sparkling wine and the winemaking process from vine to bottle. She worked her final harvest in the fall of 2022 before passing away unexpectedly just days before Christmas. Beyond her career, Paula was an avid reader and lifelong learner who loved to travel both domestically and abroad. She combined her passion for personal and professional growth with her love of exploration by participating in the AgForestry program, a journey that included a memorable trip to Cambodia and Vietnam. The Paula Renee Eakin Memorial Scholarship is for a graduate of a high school in Walla Walla, Benton, or Franklin Counties, OR a student currently residing in one of these three counties who has been employed for at least one year in the wine industry AND who is attending either Washington State University OR the University of Idaho.
Ralph was from Walla Walla and Elsa was from Wild Horse Creek (near Athena, Oregon). They met at a Walla Walla teachers’ picnic at Pioneer Park; they were working for Walla Walla High School, he as a teacher and she as head of the cafeteria. Ralph graduated from Whitman College in 1922 following service in World War I. Elsa graduated from Oregon State College in 1928. While Ralph was in high school, he was on the Walla Walla football team that won the Pacific Northwest Championship in 1917. After college, during the Great Depression, Elsa sometimes worked in Walla Walla for $.50 an hour doing house work, cooking and childcare. They were both tireless and thrifty workers throughout their long marriage. The Emighs lived in the home they built themselves for 71 years. Ralph passed away on December 7, 1973 at 75 years old; Elsa passed away on January 4, 2008 at the age of 101. Each year, over ten scholarships are awarded from their scholarship funds to students who have financial need and have demonstrated merit.
Ralph Raymond Bennett was born in 1897 in Batavia, Iowa. In 1918, his family moved to a farm near Valley Grove, West Virginia. He met and married Mary Ellen Murphy in 1931, and together they farmed the Bennett family land for 48 years before relocating to Walla Walla in 1966. Though they never had children, they shared a deep commitment to education. After Ralph’s passing in 1973, Mary Ellen bequeathed a significant portion of their estate to the Blue Mountain Community Foundation in 1984, establishing a scholarship for students with financial need before her own passing later that year. This scholarship is for graduates of high schools in Walla Walla County.
Roberta was born on Christmas Eve in 1911 in Spokane, Washington, to Dr. Robert and Jessie Robertson Bell. She graduated from North Central High School in1929, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Idaho in 1932. On October 26, 1935, Roberta married J. Hugo Kraemer in Albany, New York. She later earned her Master’s degree from Purdue University in 1951. Roberta and Hugo traveled extensively before Hugo passed away in 1986. Roberta lived in the Odd Fellows Home in Walla Walla for many years. The Roberta Bell Kraemer scholarship is for students who have graduated from high schools in Walla Walla County.
Sue Waldman’s career began as a math teacher, but she later excelled as a computer scientist at the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center, USDA, in Pendleton. In this role, she supported scientists at the experiment station and co-created a computer wheat model. Passionate about her work, she once said, “There are all kinds of things to be discovered and endless challenging questions waiting for solutions.” After her passing, the Pendleton AAUW Memorial Committee worked closely with Sue’s family to establish a memorial fund in her honor. This is an AAUW scholarship for women who have graduated from a high school in Umatilla County, are currently attending a post-secondary institution in Umatilla County, or who are seeking financial support for their second year (sophomore year) or higher in a STEM field.
Thompson Elliott, also known as T.B. or “Thompy,” passed away on April 5, 1990. He grew up in Walla Walla and graduated from Amherst College in Massachusetts in 1922. T.B. married Irene Cleveland in 1927. His mother was the daughter of Dorsey Baker, a founder of Baker Boyer Bank. In 1937, T.B. was vice-president and treasurer of the White Horse Clothing Co. Inc., a men’s clothing store on Main Street in Walla Walla. This scholarship is for high school graduates in Walla Walla County.
Terry studied Fine Arts at the University of Washington. He enjoyed painting and sculpting and his fountain art can be seen along the waterfront of Seattle and in Portland. Terry passed away in 1996 after a long battle with cancer. Former friend and classmate Mike Repass established this scholarship shortly after Terry’s death. This scholarship is to support students who graduate from Walla Walla High School and plan to major in the visual arts at the college level.
Gabriel Tichi and Woodrow “Woody” Groom, Jr., both firefighters, were both tragically killed during an early morning fire in Downtown Walla Walla on New Year’s Day 1974. Gabe Tichi was 47 years old and Walla Walla’s Fire Marshal. He left behind his wife, Helen, and three children. Woody Groom was found responsive after the fire, but passed away a few hours later in a Richland hospital. Woody left behind his wife, Linda, and two daughters. The Tichi-Groom Scholarship Fund is for graduates of high schools in Walla Walla County who are dependents of fire fighters or law enforcement officers.
Tobin Zerba was born on September 17, 1972, in Walla Walla, Washington, to John and Alicia Zerba. His great-great-grandfather journeyed across the Oregon Trail from Missouri to Oregon at just 15 years old. Raised on a farm in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, Tobin excelled in athletics from a young age, becoming the Oregon state freestyle wrestling champion at eight years old. At Mac-Hi, Tobin was a standout athlete, earning first-team all-league honors in football, running track, and winning three district wrestling championships. He placed third at State and at the Western Regional Greco-Roman wrestling competition. He graduated in 1991 as valedictorian. Tobin continued his academic and athletic journey at Lewis & Clark College, where he played as a kicker on the football team, later inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. He later transferred to Pacific Lutheran University, earning a degree in Computer Engineering before spending over 20 years developing software at Microsoft. The Tobin Zerba Wrestling Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior or graduate of Mac-Hi in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, who was a member of the wrestling team.
Sergio J. Orozco was a dedicated farmworker for more than 40 years. A humble and hardworking man, Sergio was a true professional in agriculture. Over the years, he tended livestock, cared for alkali bees, and cultivated and harvested a variety of crops, including asparagus, onions, grapes, cherries, alfalfa, and wheat. To honor his memory, Sergio’s family established the Trigo de Oro Scholarship, which provides financial support to first-generation students from farming, seasonal, or migrant backgrounds, helping them pursue higher education.
The Danforth Farms scholarship is intended to honor a strong leader in the Waitsburg FFA (Future Farmers of America) program. This includes not only FFA contributions, but other activities in Waitsburg High School. The Danforth family has farmed in the Waitsburg area for nearly 100 years. This scholarship is meant to recognize current and future FFA leaders and their contributions to agriculture in southeastern Washington.
In 2013, founders Jeff Broom, Wes & Katie Leid, Glen & Sally Chase Baker, and Mary Lieberman Phillips donated over $24,500 to the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, establishing the WHS Alumni Scholarship Fund. Shortly thereafter, Barbara Cochran Danforth and her three adult children—Rob (Leslie) Danforth, David (Nancy) Danforth, and Susie (Mitchel) Payne—contributed an additional $10,000. These founders recognized the value of growing up and attending school in a small rural town and wanted to give back to future Waitsburg students. Twelve years later, the fund has grown to $181,000, with new contributions continuing to support its growth every year. This scholarship is available to any Waitsburg High School senior or graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
The Wait-Hi Joe McCown Scholarship is for either a current or past Waitsburg High School graduate.
Walla Walla High School alumnus Jerry Zahl founded the Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund in February 2012 to support graduates in furthering their education beyond high school. Originally established as a 50th reunion project for the Class of 1962, the fund has since expanded, allowing all friends and alumni of WA-HI to contribute throughout the year. Donations are often made in tribute to honor friends and loved ones or to celebrate birthdays and special occasions, as well as in memory of those who have passed. Jerry Zahl, who passed away in 2024, played a pivotal role in growing this fund and inspiring alumni to contribute so that all qualified graduates have the opportunity to receive a scholarship. The Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship is for graduates of Lincoln or Walla Walla High School.
Walter W. “Walt” Roloff was born January 28, 1920 in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. He attended Tum-A-Lum Grade School and McLoughlin Union High School, graduating in 1936. While in school, he worked on the family farm and part-time at the Red and White Grocery Store. After high school, he was the manager at the Stone Food Stores in Walla Walla. During World War II, he served with the navy in the South Pacific, and was discharged in 1946. In the spring of 1947, he began farming on his own with the lease of a 10 acre parcel. While helping with his father’s orchard business, he accumulated another 400 acres. He was very interested in sports and officiated football, basketball, and baseball games. He gave 25 years of service to World Shrine Football and was affiliated with the Blue Mountain Officials Association for 35 years. This scholarship is to assist meritorious students graduating from high schools in Walla Walla, Garfield, Columbia or Umatilla counties.
William and Mary Falconer married on May 25, 1932 and moved to ranch in Lowden, Washington, to raise wheat. William Falconer helped form the Port of Walla Walla in September 1952, and served as commissioner from 1952-1955. William and Mary were active in the community, and served as chaperones for the Walla Walla County Fair Court Royalty for decades. This scholarship is for graduates of Walla Walla County high schools with a preference for students studying agriculture or an agriculture-related field.
William and Delora Harpe were residents of the Touchet Valley for 44 years. During World War II, Bill was stationed on a battleship in the Pacific Theater, while Delora worked as a welder back home. Delora later attended Eastern Washington University and obtained a degree in Elementary Education. In 1956, Bill and Delora purchased acreage and 40 dairy cows to begin their own farm and dairy business. Delora taught elementary school at Touchet School while Bill farmed. They were both active in the Touchet community. This scholarship was created to help students from the rural communities of Touchet, Waitsburg, Prescott and Burbank attend college.
Outside Scholarships:
These scholarships are not on the Common Application, but you can apply for them either through a different application on our website (Prosser, Lamar, Walla Walla/Columbia County Retirees, Homer & Persephone Watts), or through your school. These scholarships will be decided by outside committees.
Make sure you are qualified for any of these scholarships before you commit your time and energy to the application! For instance, if you went to high school in Walla Walla, you do not qualify for most of these, so read the descriptions carefully.
Prosser High School Scholarships:
There are several scholarships available for students in Prosser High School. Please use the Prosser Application on this website to apply for all the Prosser scholarships at the same time.
The Prosser Scholarship Fund has long provided scholarships to graduates of Prosser high schools. A separate charitable organization, it has actively raised funds for scholarships in the Prosser area for many years. This tradition began when local businesses first provided financial assistance for local high school star-athlete Jim Houston. The Scholarship Fund was started soon after, with the support of Mr. Houston, in order to help other Prosser graduates. In 2016, the Prosser Scholarship Fund permanently transferred this fund and two other scholarship funds to BMCF for management and investment. The Prosser Scholarship Fund Organization continues to raise funds for scholarships for Prosser High School graduates.
In 2006, Leota Olney and her family provided funds to endow a scholarship fund for Prosser High School graduates. Leota wished to honor her parents, Edward and Julia Olney, who valued education, hard work, and the Prosser Community. The Olney Furniture store was located just down the street from the high school. Leota was a vital part of her parent’s business when she returned from college. The Olney Family Scholarship fund has grown to almost $1.5 million. A portion of the income from these funds provides $2,000 scholarships that are renewable for four years.
Merle Burnham grew up in Prosser, Washington, the daughter of William and Pearl Burnham. After high school, she relocated to West Seattle, where she lived with her aunt and uncle. While working in Seattle, Merle met Howard Caulkins and they were married in 1964. Merle worked in the accounting department of Sears & Roebuck for many years until they closed their Seattle office. She then worked for The Salvation Army in West Seattle, a job she held for the rest of her working life. She and Howard were both passionate about the Salvation Army’s mission. After Merle’s death in 2006, Howard continued to volunteer for the organization. Howard passed away in 2014. Together they left their estate to create a scholarship fund for post-high school training and education for graduates of Prosser High School.
This scholarship is in loving memory of Jordan Whitney Brown. Jordan was a Prosser High School graduate of 2008 and an outstanding basketball player like no other. She embodied hard work, commitment, and humbleness on and off the court. The Jordan Whitney Brown Prosser High School Basketball Memorial Scholarship will be awarded each year to one Prosser High School female senior basketball player who has played and completed four years of basketball with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Other Prosser scholarships included in the Prosser application are:
- The Margueryte & Bern Mercer Scholarship
- The Earl & Barbara Richman Scholarship
Dayton Scholarships:
These scholarships are for Dayton High School graduates only. To apply for these scholarships, please contact the Dayton School Office.
Dave and Rosie Archer, both graduates of Dayton High School, married in 1960 in Spokane, Washington. Dave and Rosie returned to Dayton after Dave attended Whitman College and California Polytechnic State University. Together they raised thoroughbred racehorses on their farm on Pataha Creek. Dave passed away in 2009, but Rosie still lives in Dayton and currently serves on the Archer Ranch Scholarship Committee. This scholarship is for graduates of Dayton High School seeking higher education.
Ben Dickinson was a truly compassionate, self-made man, who had a fierce loyalty to his community. He was born and raised in Starbuck, Washington and lived life to its fullest in Dayton until he passed in 1988 at the age of 70. In 1942, Ben joined the Army and became a tank driver and officer. After the war, he returned to Starbuck, where he met and married Susan Harris, a young school teacher from northern Idaho. Since childhood, Ben dreamed of becoming a farmer. He worked for other farmers while beginning to lease and buy his own land, eventually owning his own wheat and cattle operation. His formal education ended at high school, but Ben valued education and made sure his daughters had the means to attend college; all four of them graduated with Bachelor’s degrees. One of his best qualities was his ability to give people a chance, no matter how down on their luck they were, as long as they had the desire to work and do better. His family is proud to continue that tradition by offering the Ben Dickinson Memorial Scholarship each year.
In 2003, an anonymous 1937 graduate of Dayton High School bequeathed their estate to benefit the citizens of Columbia County, aiming to improve the community and support local youth. Upon the donor’s passing, 17 community members established criteria for annually distributing grants to nonprofit organizations in Columbia County and scholarships to graduating seniors of Dayton High School.
This scholarship fund was established by Emory Clapp to assist Columbia County 4-H Youth in obtaining advanced training at an accredited college, university or technical school. Mr. Clapp’s instructions were that the grant be used for education scholarships in the field of agriculture & conservation. For high school or college students who are members of Columbia County 4-H at the time of application.
Donald Fix is a 1943 graduate of Dayton High School as well as standout athlete. Don was offered football scholarships at three universities, but his football days were interrupted by WWII, when he joined the Marines. After his discharge from the military, Don enrolled as a 21 year old freshmen at Stanford University where he met Nancy J. Riesenbeck. They both graduated from Stanford University, Don with a BA degree in Civil Engineering and Nancy with a BA degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in accounting and economics. They started a family and their own business in Fullerton California. This scholarship is for Dayton High School graduates.
Grace Scribner was a long-time resident of Dayton. Grace was an energetic, out-going, friendly, and enthusiastic person. Grace was active in the Dayton Hospital Auxiliary, and this scholarship is established in honor of her commitment to the community of Dayton and to the health profession. For graduates of Dayton High School pursuing a degree in a health profession.
The Nyda Prater Scholarship was created by a trust in Nyda Prater’s will for graduates of Dayton High School who wish to further their education. The scholarship preference is for students in need of financial assistance, pursuing agriculture studies, and attending their first year at a college, university, or technical school, though all Dayton High School graduates are eligible.
The John Israel Scholarship Fund was created in 1991 by Anne Israel in honor of her late husband. John Israel was born Feb. 16, 1911 and attended school in Dayton. After graduating from high school, he attended Washington State College (now Washington State University) at Pullman for three years. He was employed as a grain buyer by the Columbia County Grain Growers until moving to Walla Walla in 1937. He and Anne P. Biersner were married Sept. 3, 1938, in Walla Walla. During World War II he served as a sergeant in the Army in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. After his discharge, John returned home and was transferred to Lewiston by the Continental Grain Co. in 1946 and retired from the firm in 1975. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at WSC, was a life member of Elks Lodge No. 287 in Walla Walla, and was a member of the Congregational Church in Dayton. He also served for a year on the board of directors of the Lewis-Clark Broncs baseball team. This scholarship is for graduates of Dayton High School.
Merwin and Althea Neace were lifelong residents of Dayton, Washington, and alumni of Dayton High School. They were married on January 4, 1948. Merwin served in the U.S. Army during World war II, where he was stationed in the South Pacific. After the war, he returned to Dayton and worked on the family farm. Althea attended Whitworth College and St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed at the medical offices of Dr. W.W. Day and Dr. E.J. Harri. The Neace Family Scholarship is for Dayton High School graduates.
Ward and Vera were married in 1930 and were both Columbia County natives. In 1952, Ward and Vera were named Mr. and Mrs. Soil Conservationist for their efforts in protecting and conserving their 320 acres of farmland in Columbia County. Ward passed away on February 6, 1984 and Vera on May 6, 1985. Their Son, Conrad Hoskins, established this scholarship fund in June 1985 in memory of his parents.
All Other Outside Scholarships:
For these scholarships, see the corresponding description for instructions on how to apply.
Amalia “Molly” Baker was born in Frank, Russia, in 1901. She came with her German family to a farm in Colorado and went to work in town after completing the 8th grade. Although her parents didn’t feel women would benefit from further education, Molly was a strong advocate for higher education. She worked as a nurse for 35 years and attended night school so that, at the age of 56, she proudly received her LPN certification. Molly’s story inspired her granddaughter, Peggy Baker Mudd, to go into the nursing profession; Peggy is now a school nurse in the Tri-Cities. Molly passed away in 1988 and her family established this scholarship for nursing students at Walla Walla Community College in her honor. This scholarship has been available to second-year students since 1989. Please contact the Walla Walla Community College Foundation to find out more about this scholarship.
Baker Boyer Bank partnered with EVERFI to offer a digital financial education program that helps students develop the skills to make informed financial decisions and build long-term financial well-being. Through an interactive digital platform, students engage with real-life financial scenarios using problem-solving, self-reflection, and digital games, enhancing their financial literacy in a practical and engaging way. Three scholarships are awarded each year. Please contact the Baker Boyer Financial Literacy Team at financialliteracy@bakerboyer.com to find out more about this scholarship.
This scholarship was created by generous donors in 1978 to support graduates of Kiona-Benton High School. Please talk to your High School Advisor to find out more.
Robert “Bob” Burgess and Eleanor Anderson were both born on the East Coast in the 1920s. They married on January 11, 1946, shortly after bob finished his service with the U.S. Navy in World War II. Eleanor was a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Chemistry. She taught at Walla Walla High School, St. Paul’s Episcopal School for Girls, and Whitman College. Both Bob and Eleanor were tennis coaches; Eleanor at Walla Walla High School and Bob at Whitman College. The Bob & Eleanor Burgess scholarship is for students attending Walla Walla Community College after a break in their academic career. Please contact the Walla Walla Community College Foundation to find out more.
In 2003, Clarkston High School class of 1962 created this scholarship fund to help Clarkston High School graduates attending college. This scholarship can be awarded to current or past graduates during their first four years of higher education. Please contact an advisor at Clarkston High School for more information.
Dayl and Doris met at the University of Montana in 1939. They married in 1940 and began traveling extensively due to Dayl’s service as a naval officer. In 1950, they moved to Walla Walla and started a family. Doris was a stay-at-home mother to two sons, Bill and Mark. In April 1950, Dayl started his own automobile business called Graves-Anderson. In April 1973, Dayl and Doris purchased land on South 9th Street and relocated their business (now named Dayl Graves, Inc.). Dayl and Doris were active in the Walla Walla community. Doris was a founding member of the Carnegie Art Center, where she was a volunteer for over 30 years. She participated in Art Walla, which placed public art downtown and in Pioneer Park. She supplied funding for the famous bronze dog sculpture located on First and Main streets in downtown Walla Walla. The Dayl and Doris Graves Scholarship is for students enrolled at Walla Walla Community College Auto Mechanics and Body program or general education programs. Please contact the Walla Walla Community College Foundation for more information.
Earl and Jane Ferguson grew up in Weston, Oregon, in families with little means. Both graduated from Weston High School in the early 1950s and they married in 1952. After finishing their educations at Oregon State University (a doctorate and staff position for Earl, a Bachelor’s degree for Jane), they departed for Klamath Falls, Oregon. Earl served as a school superintendent for 24 years, and Jane was an elementary school teacher for 20 years. They return to Weston often and enjoy the Pioneer Picnic. This scholarship is to help students from Weston-McEwen High School get a financial start in college. Students are awarded between $1,000 and $2,000 based on good scholastic record, demonstrated leadership qualities, good citizenship and respect for the law. They must have a desire to excel, an aptitude for post-high school straining, and financial need. Please contact your advisor at Weston-McEwen High School to find out more.
The FirstFruits Scholarship program began in 1990 as a response to some of the challenges that migrant farmworker families were facing as they prioritized their children’s education. This scholarship is intended for children of FirstFruits Farms employees, designed to support students as they graduate high school and pursue higher education as first-generation college students. A FirstFruits Scholar is a person who has demonstrated leadership through service to others, is passionate about learning, has shown resilience in response to challenges they have faced, is ready to make a difference in their community, and holds the belief that we are all connected to one another. Please contact the FirstFruits Farms Scholarship Coordinator, Melissa Wisner, at scholarships@firstfruits.com to find out more about this scholarship.
This scholarship is for a senior attending Flathead High School or Glacier High School in Kalispell, Montana. Applicants should be studying at Montana State University in the College of Agriculture, with a preference for those who were active in FFA. Please contact your school advisor for more information.
Homer I. and Persephone B. Watts were longtime residents of Athena, and the Watts Memorial Trust for civic and educational purposes in the Athena, OR area was created in 1968. Homer was Umatilla County Circuit Court Judge for many years. Persephone was a former schoolteacher with the desire to provide students the opportunity and assistance for higher education. Although these scholarships are made without any requirement, it was Mrs. Watts’ hope that the scholarship recipients might make a donation to the Trust, if, in later life they are financially able to do so. Please complete the separate application for this scholarship on our website.
Howard and Pearl Burgess moved to Walla Walla in 1930 when Howard joined the Extension Service of Washington State University. Howard was a graduate of Washington State College (later University) in 1916, with a degree in general agriculture. He was high point man on the livestock judging team that won the Pacific Coast Conference. This scholarship is for students in Walla Walla County who were active in 4-H. The WSU Extension Office will determine who the recipients are.
Originally from Weston, Missouri, James Lamar bought land in the part of Walla Walla County known as the Eureka Flat in 1872. His brother Joseph joined him a few years later. The Lamars were an interesting family. Based on articles written around 1912, the brothers were known for having a good sense of humor as well as being particularly frugal. Despite their frugality, they were also known for being warmly hospitable. They gave generously to the Stubblefield Home for Boys and to Whitman College. They preferred to remain in the original cabin which was built in 1863, despite providing modern homes with electricity and running water to their employees, since they felt the cabin was more “homelike.” The historic cabin is one of the oldest in Walla Walla County, and is still located on the farm. The James N. Lamar Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing higher education. Half of the scholarships are for Whitman College students, and half are for students from Weston, Missouri. Whitman College students will contact the Whitman College Foundation for more information about this scholarship. Weston, Missouri students will complete the separate application on this website.
John and Anna Anderson were pioneer farmers in the Eureka Flat area in the late 1800s. Their son, Carl A. Anderson, was born in 1899. He attended local schools, eventually earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Washington State College (now University) in 1922. This scholarship is for students attending WSU majoring in agriculture. Please contact the WSU Foundation for more information.
A tremendous athlete and an excellent student, John played tennis, basketball, and football while attending Walla Walla High School from 1991- 1994. John graduated from WSU with a degree in Biology and published five laboratory text books during his undergraduate studies. John taught Anatomy and Physiology for the Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho Medical Extension Program (WAMI) at WSU. He coached boys’ high school tennis in Spokane and baseball in Walla Walla. In honor of John, Jessi Boschma created this scholarship fund to support other scholar-athletes who have faced adversity and are continuing their college education. While John loved academics and athletics, he would not have been able to attend college without financial support from others who believed in him. This scholarship will be decided by an outside committee.
Marjorie (Marj) Vincent Johnson was deeply moved by the dedication of the nurses who cared for her mother, Mildred Vincent, during her recovery from a broken hip. In gratitude, Marj and her daughter, Kay Johnson Lehmann, established a scholarship to honor and support future nurses, saying, “Thank you, nurses, for all you do!” This scholarship is awarded to nursing students at Walla Walla Community College, with a preference for women with financial need whose post-secondary education has been interrupted or who are beginning their college journey later in life. Please contact the Walla Walla Community College Foundation to find out more about this scholarship.
Lawrence and Margaret Slater met in Utah in 1939 where Margaret was teaching at Utah State University. They married in 1942 during World War II and moved to Pomeroy, Washington in 1946. They raised their family in Pomeroy, where Lawrence was a teacher and coach for the Pomeroy School District. The Lawrence & Margaret Slater Scholarship Fund is to support graduates of Pomeroy High School pursue higher education. Please contact your advisor for more information.
Lyle Hosier was born in 1909 in Mansfield, WA, where his family farmed wheat. That same year, Mildred “Milly” Inez Hosier was born in Hartline, WA. She attended school in Mansfield for 11 years before her family relocated to La Grande, OR, where she graduated from high school. Milly went on to earn a teaching degree from Eastern Washington University and taught as a primary school teacher for one year before returning to Mansfield. In 1930, she married Lyle. As dedicated wheat farmers, Lyle and Milly were deeply involved in their community. In 2000, they established the Hosier Education Trust to provide need-based scholarships for graduates of Mansfield High School. Though Lyle passed away in 2003 and Milly in 2008, their legacy lives on through the ongoing support their scholarship provides to Mansfield students. To find out more about this scholarship, please contact Jamey Jo Steele at Mansfield High School.
The Miller Family Scholarship was started in the 1970s by Gene Miller for students of Pomeroy Jr/Sr High School. Mr. Miller established the scholarship for students who, like him when he was in high school, are not necessarily high performing students, but who have native intelligence and realize that education is the route to success in life. It is a four-year scholarship. To find out more about this scholarship, please contact Fred Knebel at Pomeroy Jr/Sr High School.
The Nancy Oden Luce Trust Scholarship assists worthy, needy members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation who have completed 12th grade to obtain a liberal arts or professional education; and also assists such members who have completed 10th grade to obtain vocational education. Preference is for present members, or descendants of present members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Please contact CTUIR for more information.
A 1986 graduate of Weston-McEwen High School in Athena, Paul attended Blue Mountain Community College and graduated from the auto body tech program. Paul became a volunteer firefighter in Athena, Pendleton and Kennewick while working in the auto repair business. In 1992, Paul was tragically killed while fighting a fire in the Jump Off Joe area of Kennewick. This scholarship is for graduates of Weston-McEwen High School who have demonstrated outstanding citizenship. Please contact Kathy Baumann at Weston-McEwen High School for more information.
For current employees of the Walla Walla Country Club, in good academic standing at Walla Walla Community College, Blue Mountain Community College, or Walla Walla University. Please contact Greg Pepin at the Walla Walla Country Club to find out more.
Ted Berry was the first Emergency Medical Services (EMS) instructor in Eastern Washington. He was among the first paramedics in the state of Washington and the United States. Ted retired in February 1987 after nearly 30 years of service with the Walla Walla Fire Department. He was an honorary member of the Walla Walla Valley Medical Society and also a member of the Washington state Fire Chief’s Association. This scholarship is for graduates of high schools in Walla Walla and Columbia counties wishing to pursue certification in Emergency Medical Services as a First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic. The recipient for this scholarship will be determined by an outside committee.
In 1989, the Walla Walla-Columbia School Retirees Association established this scholarship fund to benefit students in Walla Walla and Columbia counties pursing a degree in Education. The Scholarship supports students who are currently completing their student teaching experience. Please apply for this scholarship using the separate application on our website.
Born in 1845 to William & Barbara (Eischelman) Keslar,1 Wesley Kessler was raised in the Donegal Township of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. Wesley married Mary Amanda Mosholder and together they had 13 children. In 1927, Wesley graduated from the School of Pharmacy at Washington State College (now University). He began working for the Upjohn Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan, one of the largest manufacturers of pharmaceutical supplies in the country. This scholarship is for students attending WSU studying Pharmaceutical Sciences. Please contact the WSU Foundation for more information on this scholarship.
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