|Scholarships
Newberg Rotary Scholarship Winners for 2024
- Application with your signature (if you are under 18, your parents must also sign).
- Required essays.
- Recommendation letters from your high school counselors/staff/instructors/other adults. Do not submit recommendation letters from your family members.
- Media release form with your signature (if you are under 18, your parents must also give consent).
- Transcript release form (if you are under 18, your parents must also give consent).
How To Apply: Ask your high school college/career counselor for an application packet. All materials must be submitted by April 4, 2025.
Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship
Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee was the last member of the Parrett family to be born and raised on Parrett Mountain. At a young age Crystal developed an understanding of the hardships required to carve a living from the land. At the same time, she developed a passion for family history and a fascination with how her family had helped shape the land and how the land had shaped their lives in return.
Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship
Leaving Parrett Mountain to pursue a career in government service during World War II, she met and married a Navy man, Robert Rilee. Together they returned to Parrett Mountain in 1953. As the decades passed and Portland’s suburban development reached the mountain, Crystal and Bob became deeply concerned about the future of her family’s land. Their most fervent wish was that the remaining 368 acres of land, history, and traditions be preserved.
Upon their death, the land became a part of Chehalem Park and Recreation District to be preserved for the people of our area for generations to come. Her wish was that farming and its rich traditions be furthered by a scholarship to be presented to young students in our area. This is the Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee Scholarship now being conferred.
Joan Austin Scholarship
The Joan D. Austin Memorial Scholarship was established in 2013 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club. Joan was a 1948 graduate of Newberg High School. The focus of this memorial scholarship is to recognize a young woman graduate of Newberg High School who best emulates Joan Austin’s life values.
Joan Austin Scholarship
Joan was co-owner and co-chair of the Board of Directors for A-dec Inc., the largest privately owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the United States. Although Joan did not attend college, she was involved in the company’s administrative, personnel, philanthropic, financial, and legal operations throughout her lifetime. Joan was widely recognized as an influential philanthropist. Her legacy of generosity will leave its mark for many generations. The donation of property for the construction of Joan Austin Elementary School is just one example of the Austins’ generosity to our community.
Ken Austin II Scholarship
The Ken Austin II Scholarship was established in 2015 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. Ken Austin II was a 1949 graduate of Newberg High School. He continued his education at Oregon State University, graduating with a degree in engineering. This scholarship award is intended to recognize a male graduate of Newberg High School who emulates Ken Austin’s life values of perseverance, integrity, citizenship, service and vision. Ken’s legacy of giving will leave its mark for many generations. Property for the construction of Joan Austin Elementary School is an example of Ken and Joan Austin’s generosity to our community.
Ken Austin II Scholarship
The Ken Austin II Scholarship was established in 2015 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. Ken Austin II was a 1949 graduate of Newberg High School. He continued his education at Oregon State University, graduating with a degree in engineering. Ken and his wife Joan co-founded A-dec Inc., the largest privately owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the United States. This scholarship award is intended to recognize a male graduate of Newberg High School who emulates Ken Austin’s life values of perseverance, integrity, citizenship, service and vision. Ken’s legacy of giving will leave its mark for many generations. Property for the construction of Joan Austin Elementary School is an example of Ken and Joan Austin’s generosity to our community.Ray Simonson Scholarship
The Ray Simonson Scholarship was established in 2015 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club. A retired educator, Ray Simonson had a special devotion to our youth. Through his career as a Korean War Veteran, 26 years with the Oregon National Guard, Football All-American at Linfield College, Teacher, Principal, Newberg School District Central Office Administrator, and Rotary member, Ray always embodied the motto “Service above Self”.
Ray Simonson Scholarship
Larry Bohnsack Scholarship
The Larry Bohnsack Rotary Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. Larry Bohnsack was co-owner of KLYC radio station located in McMinnville, Yamhill County, Oregon serving Yamhill County residences. Its purpose is to provide a one-time scholarship award to a Junior or Senior student attending George Fox University or Linfield University majoring in Mass Communications.
Larry Bohnsack Scholarship
- Application packet must include Application, Three Confidential Letters of Recommendation, most current college transcript, and Essay. (See guidelines for details.)
The Larry Bohnsack Rotary Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010 by the Newberg Noon Rotary Club Foundation. Larry Bohnsack was co-owner of KLYC radio station located in McMinnville, Yamhill County, Oregon serving Yamhill County residences.
Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship
The Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship was established in 2022 by the Newberg Rotary Foundation in honor of Leroy’s many contributions to the club and community for over 40 years. Leroy Benham served in numerous officer roles before becoming the Newberg Noon Rotary President in 1994.
Leroy Benham Rotary Trades Scholarship
LeRoy managed the Rota-Dent Program for 10 years and helped begin a dental project in Guatemala in 1994. Leroy was also the CEO/Owner of Climax Portable Machine Tools for 30 years and believes that the trades have been long neglected–thus, the focus of this scholarship.
The trades are many (i.e., web design, heating/cooling, cosmetology, welding, etc.), and can offer personal fulfillment, high salary potential, and job stability. While trade schools generally cost less and take less time than a four-year college degree, the trades are in high demand. Continuing education is also an essential part of staying competitive in the field.
The Newberg Rotary College/University Scholarship
The Newberg Rotary College/University Scholarship recognizes high school seniors planning to attend a four-year university or college to pursue a degree who have also demonstrated the motto of Rotary: “Service above Self.” This service may take many forms – to family, school, church, or community.
The Newberg Rotary College/University Scholarship
The Newberg Rotary Community College – Vocational – Technical Scholarship
The Newberg Rotary Community College – Vocational – Technical Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who are planning to pursue a degree or credential from a community college, vocational or technical school who have also demonstrated the motto of Rotary: “Service above Self.”
The Newberg Rotary Community College – Vocational – Technical Scholarship
The Newberg Rotary Community College – Vocational – Technical Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who are planning to pursue a degree or credential from a community college, vocational or technical school who have also demonstrated the motto of Rotary: “Service above Self.” This service may take many forms – to family, school, church, or community. Paid work and volunteer positions, and recommendation letters from a high school faculty or staff, and a community member are taken into consideration when awarding this scholarship.
Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship
This scholarship, established in 2024, honors Ellen Bailey Harshberger. A vibrant, healthy woman, Ellen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as a young adult. The devastating disease left her a quadriplegic. She confronted her new reality with bravery, dignity, and poise never letting her innumerable challenges diminish her joy of life nor color her temperament. “Loveliest of trees, the cherry now is hung with bloom along the bough and stands about the woodland ride and wearing white for Eastertide…”
Ellen Bailey Harshbarger Scholarship
Denise Bacon Scholarship
This scholarship, established in 2024, by the Newberg Noon Rotary Foundation, honors Denise Bacon. Denise was a long-time Newberg City councilor, Rotarian, and community advocate before passing away in October 2022 from lung complications at the age of 56. She dedicated her life to serving others and making Newberg a better place.
Denise Bacon Scholarship
This scholarship, established in 2024, by the Newberg Noon Rotary Foundation, honors Denise Bacon. Denise was a long-time Newberg City councilor, Rotarian, and community advocate before passing away in October 2022 from lung complications at the age of 56. She dedicated her life to serving others and making Newberg a better place. According to the official October 25, 2022 statement from the City of Newberg, “She never stopped dreaming about where Newberg is going and worked to make her ideas a reality. She earned the trust of the people she led because she always did what she said she would do. Denise’s legacy includes practicing kindness, showing compassion, and focusing on what brings us together as a community rather than what divides us. This scholarship is open to any Newberg High School or Catalyst High School graduating senior who best emulates Denise Bacon’s life values.
