Wheat Foundation awards scholarships to students in Wasco, Gilliam & Sherman counties

The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 9, 2026 — The Oregon Wheat Foundation announced the recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards, naming 12 graduating seniors who will each receive a $2,000 scholarship to support higher education.

The 2026 Oregon Wheat Foundation scholarship recipients are:

George Barnett, a proud Redside Senior in Maupin

George Barnett, Wasco County
Ryder Steward, Gilliam County
Addison Smith, Sherman County
Madison Cranston, Sherman County
Hunter Hansell, Umatilla County
Katelynn Melville, Wallowa County
Owyhee Harguess, Wallowa County
Keira Counsell, Union County
Taylor Weishaar, Union County
Ella Wilde, Baker County
Addie Saunders, Malheur County
Sophia Seeder, Marion County

Scholarship winners are selected on school and community involvement, scholastic performance, and an essay on the wheat industry. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, according to its website.

Amanda (Remington) Hoey

Annually, the foundation selects up to 12 graduating high school seniors who are children of a grower member of the Oregon Wheat Growers League, whose parents are employed by a grower member, or who have worked for local growers.

“The Oregon Wheat Foundation is pleased to support such an exceptional group of students this year,” said Amanda Hoey, Oregon Wheat CEO. “These students have a deep commitment to their communities and a bright future.”

The Oregon Wheat Foundation was formed in 1980 to raise funds for specific projects, including the annual scholarship program. The foundation works to promote Oregon’s wheat industry by providing funding for education and the welfare of communities.

For more information, go to owgl.org. Or, to learn more about the scholarships, click here.