|Scholarships

Newberg Rotary Scholarship Winners for 2025

Up to $50,000.00 per year is awarded to area students by the Newberg Rotary Noon Club through the NRF. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding students to help defray the cost of the first year of post-high school education.

2025 Scholarship Winners

 

Student High School Scholarship
Kevin Hernandez Dayton High School ABC Dayton
Clay Smith St. Paul High School Crystal Dawn Smith Rilee
Justice Chamberlain Newberg High School Denise Bacon
Kathryn Wharff Newberg High School Ellen Bailey Harshbarger
Brooke Faucher Newberg High School Joan Austin
Oliver Kolbet Newberg High School Ken Austin
Peyton Leifeste (Linfield) Linfield University Larry Bohnsack
Leo Keelan Newberg High School Leroy Benham
Mason Warberg Newberg High School Ray Simonsen
Jonathan Rapp Newberg High School Stan Kern
Lucy Woodruff Catalyst High School Community College
Addison Boock Newberg High School University/College
Sophia Cooke Newberg High School University/College
Dax Duggan Newberg High School University/College
Gavin Erickson Newberg High School University/College
Kingston Gottfried Newberg High School University/College
Thomas Gray Newberg High School University/College
Cora Hempel Veritas High School University/College
Kylie Jenkins Newberg High School University/College
Ethan Johnson Newberg High School University/College
Emma Kriehn Newberg High School University/College
Priyanka (Esther) Muthiah Newberg High School University/College
Mason Myers Newberg High School University/College
Benjamin Nipp Newberg High School University/College
Audra Rose St. Paul High School University/College
Rianne Schlachter Newberg High School University/College
Elise Steffen Newberg High School University/College
Dominic Tomaselli Newberg High School University/College
Alaina Voeller Newberg High School University/College
Will you be a high school senior in 2025-2026? Get excited for the next round of Rotary scholarships!
Deadline to apply: April 3, 2026.
Who is eligible: High School seniors who live in the Newberg or St. Paul School District who will graduate by June 30, 2026.
What do I need to do: Complete an application packet which includes:
  1. Application with your signature (if you are under 18, your parents must also sign).
  2. Required essays.
  3. Recommendation letters from your high school counselors/staff/instructors/other adults. Do not submit recommendation letters from your family members.
  4. Media release form with your signature (if you are under 18, your parents must also give consent).
  5. 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 3, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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 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.”

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…”

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.