Future looks bright for Dufur Seniors who will take home $160k in scholarships
The Jerri Walker Depriest Memorial Scholarship funds will be awarded during graduation on Henderson Field, Saturday, June 1st at 11 a.m.
Dufur School honored the achievements of the graduating class of 2024 through a scholarship program on Wednesday, May 29, that saw $83,000 handed out with more to come at graduation on Saturday, June1.
By TyLynn Wenzel - good friend, great teacher and married to my pal Gale
Dufur, Ore., May 30, 2024 — Wednesday evening, May 29, the Dufur School community convened in the school’s cafeteria to honor the graduating class of 2024 and applaud the efforts of high school students and their academic achievements.
Superintendent Jack Henderson welcomed students, parents, staff, and community members. After which each senior introduced themself and shared their post-secondary plans. Dufur seniors have a wide range of ambitions, whether it will be attending community college, a four-year university, a trades program or heading off to the workforce; they all have great plans.
Mrs. Sarah Anderson took over the microphone to introduce the graduating National Honor Society students and awarded them their NHS chords. These seniors include Audrey Anderson, Molly Cochenour, Alasey Hodges, J.J. Johnston, Mason Morris and Maddelynn Tierney.
The best part of the evening was next; scholarship awards. Dufur students were awarded $83,000 during the evening. With more to come from the Jerri Walker Depriest Memorial Scholarship fund which will be awarded during graduation on Saturday, June 1st on Henderson Field. This total does not include the amounts the students were awarded from their prospective colleges. After Saturday’s awards, the Dufur scholarship total will be over $160,000.
Mrs. Leona Egeland had the privilege of awarding the Barbara Paist Technical Scholarships. Students who were awarded this money can use this towards any program in which they would earn a certificate for a trade career. The recipients were Johnathon Ancheta and Breanna Elliott; they each received $5,000.
Three scholar-athletes were honored with several scholarships. Receiving $500 each for the Big Sky Conference scholarship were JJ Johnston and Maddelynn Tierney. Andrea Vannata presented the Bob Stevenson Athletic Scholarship to Hayley Peterson and JJ Johnston, with both student-athletes receiving $1,000.
The Crosby Scholarship for the Advancement of the Sciences will benefit four graduating seniors. Winners will receive $10,000 each. Audrey Anderson, Aladsey Hodges, Molly Cochenour and Maddelynn Tierney were the deserving recipients.
Mrs. Kristin Whitley continued presenting several other local scholarships to Hayley Peterson and Maddelynn Tierney. Both $1,000 awards came from the Dorothy G. McManigal Memorial Scholarship fund.
The last Ranger Pride Education Foundation scholarship to be presented by Janna Hage, was the Don Heisler Scholarship. This is awarded to a deserving student in the top one-fourth of the class. Maddelynn Tierney was awarded $10,000.
Several other local entities were present to hand out their awards. Hew Hillis from the Wasco Masonic Lodge presented both Audrey Anderson and Maddelynn Tierney scholarships for $3,000 each.
Northern Wasco PUD Scholarship fund was on hand to present a newly created scholarship for $10,000. Karl Wilson, former Dufur High School graduate and previous recipient of a Barbara Paist scholarship, was present to share the good news with Maddelynn Tierney that she was the first-ever recipient at Dufur School to receive this award.
Maddelynn Tierney
Mr. Jack Henderson presented the OnCourse scholarship of $1,500 to JJ Johnston and finally Mrs. Leona Egeland awarded Maddelynn Tierney the Ridgeline Plumbing Community Service award with a check for $500.
Once all of the money was announced, the evening continued with student awards and recognition. Many seniors were given their earned graduation cords for student council, FFA, Community service and Honors graduates. Several spring sports athletes were recognized for their efforts in golf and track. Mr. Henderson also presented the Rangers of the Year awards. The trophies go to the most deserving male and female student-athletes who performed consistently throughout their high school careers.
The high school teachers took the time to award students of the year in their content areas. Students from all grade levels received recognition for their outstanding efforts in the classroom.
Before the evening ended, Mrs. Whitley, the principal, was able to recognize the Salutatorian - Molly Cochenour, and the Valedictorian - Maddelynn Tierney. At the conclusion of the awards, Mrs. Lindsey Black presented the senior slideshow.
Dufur School and the Dufur community congratulate all graduating seniors on each of their accomplishments and wish them the best of luck as they embark on their next adventure.
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